The First Ford Mustang - Gail Wise

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT – WOMEN WHO MADE FORD MUSTANG HISTORY

The first Ford Mustang ever sold was a 1965 model, and it holds a fascinating place in automotive history. Here are the key details about the first Mustang and its original owner:

The First Ford Mustang

• VIN: 5F08F100001
• Model: 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible
• Engine: 260-cubic-inch (4.3 L) V8
• Color: Wimbledon White with a blue interior
• Special Features: It was the very first Mustang to come off the assembly line, making it a significant piece of automotive history.

First Owner: Gail Wise

• Background: Gail Wise, a schoolteacher from Chicago, Illinois, bought the car on April 15, 1964, two days before the official launch of the Mustang at the New York World's Fair on April 17, 1964.
• Purchase Story: Gail visited the Johnson Ford dealership in Chicago to buy a new car. The dealer, who wanted to create some buzz around the new model, showed her the Mustang even though it wasn't supposed to be on sale yet. Gail fell in love with the car and purchased it for $3,447.50, making her the first owner of a Mustang.
• Significance: Gail's early purchase and the fact that she unknowingly drove around the very first Mustang made her a part of Mustang lore. Her Mustang is often celebrated at car shows and Mustang events.

Legacy

• Preservation: The Mustang remained with Gail and her husband, Tom, for many years. They stored it in their garage and eventually restored it. Today, it is a cherished piece of automotive history, often showcased at events and exhibitions.
• Recognition: Gail Wise's story is widely recognized among Mustang enthusiasts, and her car is considered one of the most significant in the history of the Ford Mustang.

This fascinating tale highlights the unexpected ways in which history is made and preserved, particularly in the world of classic cars.