Concept Car Of The Day: 1962 Ford Mustang I Concept - AllCarIndex

Concept Car Of The Day: 1962 Ford Mustang I Concept

Aug 31, 2024

In the past, Ford Motor Company introduced the Mustang, an experimental sports car that represented a new era in American-made automobiles. The Mustang not only had a fresh look but also showcased innovative engineering and styling at Ford.

The collaboration of H. L. Misch, vice-president of engineering, and Gene Bordinat, vice-president and director of styling, was instrumental in bringing the Mustang to life. Both men were relatively young and new to their positions in the automotive industry. Misch, at 44, took over the Engineering Staff in February of that year, while Bordinat, at 42, had been in charge of Styling since the year before. Both hailed from northeastern Ohio - Misch from Sandusky and Bordinat from Toledo.

Their educational backgrounds were diverse but complementary. Misch initially pursued a physics degree before switching to engineering and graduating from the University of Michigan. On the other hand, Bordinat studied art at Cranbrook School in Michigan before delving into designing at the University of Michigan. After a summer job at General Motors styling operation in 1939, Bordinat never went back to college.

With extensive experience in their respective fields, Misch and Bordinat saw the importance of mentorship and nurturing younger talent. They took pride in the progress of the up-and-coming individuals who played a role in creating cars like the Mustang.

Misch emphasized the essence of teamwork in automotive engineering, where every step was meticulously reviewed before implementation. He described the collaboration between engineering and other departments as a strategic game of ping pong, where ideas were exchanged to achieve the best results.

The Mustang project was a testament to this collaborative approach. The need for a sports car that catered to the growing interest of Americans in personalized vehicles led to the development of the Mustang. The engineering team and stylists worked hand in hand to create a versatile car that could thrive on both the streets and the racecourse.

Bordinat highlighted the dedication of the Advanced Studio team in bringing the Mustang to life in record time. The enthusiasm and passion for this project were evident in the swift completion of the clay model.

As the Mustang took the automotive industry by storm, the question on everyone's mind was, "Will there be more?" Misch hinted at the continuous efforts of advanced groups at Ford to explore new concepts and innovations that could shape future product programs. The success of the Mustang paved the way for further exploration and development in engineering and styling.

The Mustang was more than just a car; it was a symbol of innovation, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the automotive industry.