ONE OF ONE

Mark of a Legend!

One of many aspects that made the Mustang such an icon in American Culture was its accessibility and variation in any given production year. First, the Mustang was affordable. A base unit was comparably priced to any standard design in its class produced in the country. As a matter of fact, the Mustang created its own class, the pony car. Add to this, timeless styling and sporty appeal, the Mustang became an icon for the ages. In addition, numerous varieties of colors, 3 body styles, race ready versions and a long list of production options made possible, seemingly endless variations of the car and gave a perspective buyer the sense that there were no two Mustangs alike. Each car was a one of one!

The Legend of the pony car established by the first generation (1964 1/2 – 1973) inspired a new standard as it triggered anticipation and expectation from the buying public for the automobile with every passing year. This measure of attention for the Mustang made design of new models challenging and restrictive. Subsequent Mustang generations were met with guarded optimism for something new, and at times, disappointment for half-hearted re-design of classic styling cues and lack luster performance. However, Ford’s commitment to the Mustang persevered for over 50 years with the support, enthusiasm, and at times, insistence of the car’s millions of fans. The fifth generation of the Mustang is arguably the best built pony in the car’s history. The 2015-2021 line-up is faithful to the context of design established by the first Mustang and the level of its performance continues to increase without looking back. However, the omission of specific design cues, including the sculpted side scoop, chrome accents and descriptive badges, to mention a few, finds the Mustang’s body somewhat bare. Take in consideration the modest option offerings from Ford for exterior upgrades, leave buyers to farm out their vision for a special Mustang to numerous aftermarket custom outfits which provide unlimited options for Mustang enthusiasts to “modify” the look of their car, but more so than not, these modifications make the car look like a 60’s wannabe rather than a contemporary variation of a classic in a production automobile.

To strive for reconciliation of old and new, a design package has been created for the 2021` Mustang, corralling classic design accents that distinguishes the legendary car from anything on the road, or in a showroom. Created and over- seen by Professor William B. Bledsoe, Program Coordinator of the Tusculum Art Department in Greeneville, Tennessee, Bledsoe has recruited a group of Art and Design Majors to participate in the development and production of this package for the Mustang. The objective was to enhance the design of the 2021 Mustang in a manner that honors the standards of the early models in a “production car” presentation as opposed to a customized automobile. Produced as a DIO (Dealer Installed Option) the package meets and or surpasses Ford standards, both in concept and quality of materials. As an artist who educates artists, Bledsoe conveys to his students that great art must exude content! The construct of content is impart a reconciliation of the past, present and the future, meaning that it regards its history and heritage, it is contemporary in look and action and it is timeless, in that is as relevant 50 years from now as it was the day it was produced. Modern culture embraces various forms of design as art, but great art spans generations. The Mustang does both. It is not merely a popular brand but an icon that continues to capture the imagination of generations. It is in the spirit of imagination that inspired the concept of this special package; to make an unforgettable car more unforgettable and in incredible way. This is the Mark Of A Legend!