ATS/RHT and WHX Option

For 1968, Ford Motor Company authorized the production of a special edition Mustang designated as a California Special. The state was accountable for nearly 20% of the pony car’s annual sales with the introduction of the iconic car in 1964, thus Detroit recognized significant potential in increased sales and promotion with the introduction of a special package celebrating California. The Mustangs overall success had been accentuated with the numerous options offered above and beyond the standard package of the car. Mustangs could be “customized” in a manner that seemingly no two cars were the same! Increasing the choices for the consumer, the California Special, along with the High Country Special (mid-west/Colorado market) generated an interest in an automobile’s association with the diverse regions, culture and history of the country reflected in the Ford Mustang. These packages were exclusively cosmetic. Marketing emphasis was placed on the distinctive look and identity of the car. The California Special varied in mechanical features but was united in design! Over 4000.00 units were sold in 1968, the only year it was offered at that time.

In the spirit of these special edition automobiles, associating the car with specific demographics: Dixie Mustang, Stallion Series, Gold Nugget, and Twister to mention a few, these cars saw minor alterations and modest price increases that optimized the idea of “one of a kind”. Add to this, the ever-growing industry of after-market merchandise made cars like the Mustang a new form of self-expression and urban art. However, it is the aforementioned series that conveyed a production appeal to the public and has increased in value over the years with its distinctive dress-up packages.

Inspired by the idea of a “regional” themed Mustang, a series of designs were developed, independent of Ford, specifically distinguishing the pony car with a consideration for the entire East Coast Market. These designs were motivated with the unveiling of the 2015 Mustang. Created by artist and Mustang enthusiast William Bledsoe, who at the time was an instructor in the Technology Department of East Tennessee State University, Bledsoe proposed further development of this theme as a special design project for a Creative Concepts Course he was overseeing at the University during that period. The speculative endeavor grew into a larger project that exhibited tremendous potential for consideration in a “real world” automotive market.

Bledsoe developed several options for this themed concept with consideration made for the three engines Ford offered at the time for the 2015-17 Mustang; V8, V6 and the Eco-Boost 4 cylinder power plants. An “umbrella” name was given to the entire package, the ATS series. With distinguishing features identifying various regions represented by dealers across the country, this package could offer a personalized Mustang with unique cosmetic features for each power plant option offered. Various combinations of designs and packages were developed and modified over the next 4 years. The final design for the base Mustang, which was allocated as Edition Blueprint #4, was chosen. A combination of elements from various designs, the “EB4” realized the classic style and surface ornament of the mustangs of the 1960’s while embracing the contemporary design of the 2021 model. The V6 design was dropped, but some elements of that specific package were adopted into the 2021 design.

Presently, Bledsoe is the program coordinator for Tusculum University Art Department in Tusculum, Tennessee. He has recruited his students to participate in the continuation and completion of this project. It is the objective to create an artist’s prototype for the EcoBoost, both standard and high performance, as well as the GT. The automobiles would be auctioned and the proceeds would be extended to non-profit entities and projects associated with the communities for which the participating dealers serve.

The ATS series has 3 categories. The first is the EB4 package which is allocated for the standard Turbo-Charged Eco-Boost and RHT for the High Performance version. The third is the WHX package which is designed for the 5.0 Mustang. This GT package has significant distinctions including special headlight/fender treatment (war paint), side “inner scoop” racing stripe made with reflective material and red line/white lettered GT tires. The hood has a unique stripe treatment that compliments side stripe application. Like the EB4 and the RHT, this WHX/GT package incorporates aspects of the 1960 and early 1970 dress-up kits for Mustangs while being faithful the contemporary design of the 2021 model. A special package is made specifically for the convertible.