Lee Iacocca The Baby Boomer And My Mustang '64

In 1964, I attended The New York World's Fair where Ford Motor Company and Lee Iacocca were about to release the newest driving sensation: The 1964-1/2 Mustang.

Like most teens, I was drawn to the car like a magnet, and seeing it at The World's Fair for the first time was one of the most exciting events ever.

I was driving a 1957 Ford Fairlane Convertible Retractable Hardtop. I was not in a positon to consider a new car. My dad passed away several months previous and while awaiting benefits from The Veterans Administraton and Social Security for my mother and young sisters, I worked a 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM shift at one of the most prestigious Country Inns in America: The Salem Cross Inn in West Brookfield, Massachusetts.

Relief came when The Veterans Administration and Social Security Department provided survivor benefits for mother and my siblings. Now, I could possibly consider a new car.

My mom wanted me to have a new car and suggested we visit the Ford dealer and pick out a new Mustang. After selecting a Dynasty green three speed, we paid a visit to the bank where our family had conducted business for years and the banker - with mother as a co-signer agreed to the $2200 loan. Payments were $69.00/month for 36 months.

Two years later I was drafted. With the manufacture of Mustangs backlogged 6-8 weeks, the dealer sold my car before I returned it. He paid off my loan and even gave me $50.00 cash.

In 1979 I was in a position to purchase a 1964 Mustang from a friend who collected vintage cars but before I was able to take possesion juveniles burned the barn where my car was in storage. They were apprehended, convicted and their parents in an effort to keep them from spending time in a juvenile home each had to repay a total of $54,000. Each hard working family was obllgated to pay $13,000 in restitution.

Now that I am retired I would like to acquire "my dream car", a 1964-1/2 Dynasty green Ford Mustang.