Fred Duesenberg, co-founder of the iconic Duesenberg brand, passed away on July 26, 1932, just weeks after a tragic car crash. He was testing a prototype on a rainy road when the vehicle overturned on July 2.

Key Points

• Crash Site: The prototype flipped on a slick Pennsylvania road during a rainy-day test run.

• Medical Decline: Duesenberg initially survived but succumbed to pneumonia brought on by injuries.

• Engineering Legacy: His designs pioneered straight-8 engines and hydraulic brakes—features decades ahead of the curve.

His death marked the end of an era, but the Duesenberg name still echoes through concours lawns and collector garages. A true craftsman lost too soon.

Hear Allie’s full Duesey tribute on My Car Show Radio.

Tags: Fred Duesenberg, Duesenberg, classic cars, automotive history, straight-8 engine

April 15, 1964 — a day that changed automotive history forever.

While most people know April 17, 1964 as the official launch date of the Ford Mustang, what you might not know is that the very first Mustang ever sold actually hit the streets two days early—thanks to a 22-year-old schoolteacher and a very helpful Ford salesman.

Meet Gail Wise: The First Mustang Owner

Gail Wise wasn’t out to make history. She just wanted a fun, sporty car.

She walked into a Chicago-area Ford dealership looking for something new, and the salesman, eager to impress, showed her a brand-new Skylight Blue Mustang convertible—hidden in the back, under wraps. It wasn’t supposed to be on the showroom floor until launch day, but he sold it to her anyway.

That moment made Gail the first customer in the world to buy a Ford Mustang. Her Mustang’s serial number even predates the officially recognized “first sold” model.

Talk about being in the right place at the right time.

A Time Capsule on Wheels

Gail paid $3,447.50 for her Mustang—loaded with the V8 engine, power top, and Rally Pac instruments. Little did she know, she was purchasing a car that would become the face of a cultural phenomenon.

More than six decades later, Gail still owns that very same car, which is now considered a priceless piece of American automotive history. It has been lovingly restored and continues to appear at events and museums nationwide.

The Mustang Effect

Ford's original sales projection for the Mustang was 100,000 units for the first year. But the excitement was so explosive that over 22,000 Mustangs were sold on day one alone.

By the end of its first year, Ford had moved more than 400,000 Mustangs—launching the “pony car” era and making the Mustang an instant American icon.

And it all started… two days early… with a schoolteacher named Gail Wise.

Why This Story Still Matters

For fans of classic cars and Ford fanatics alike, stories like Gail’s aren’t just fun—they’re foundational. They remind us that history doesn’t always follow the script. Sometimes it’s made in the moment, by people who just happen to fall in love with the right car at the right time.

At MyCarShowRadio.com, we celebrate these stories because they’re the heartbeat of car culture. They're about more than just horsepower—they're about people, passion, and timing.

Got a Mustang Story of Your Own?

We’d love to hear it! Whether it’s a ‘64½ survivor, a barn find restoration, or just a memory of your first time behind the wheel, drop us a line or tune in to our latest episode where we dive into the early days of the Mustang revolution.

Listen Now on MyCarShowRadio.com

The Ford Mustang Breaks Cover and Sparks an American Revolution

April 14, 1964—a date every classic car enthusiast should remember.

On this day, the world got its very first look at a car that would redefine American muscle and car culture: the Ford Mustang. This wasn’t just another car reveal—it was a calculated, adrenaline-pumping move by Ford to generate massive buzz just days before the public launch.

The Birth of the "Pony Car"

At a press event on April 14, Ford pulled back the curtain for automotive journalists.
What they saw wasn't just a car—it was a bold new concept.

• Sporty, sleek, and affordable
• Aimed at younger buyers hungry for performance
• Instantly dubbed the first-ever “pony car”

With its long hood, short rear deck, and endless customization options, the Mustang hit every note—and it hit them loud.

The Media Blitz That Fueled Mustang Mania

Three days later, on April 17, the Mustang debuted at the New York World’s Fair.

But by then, the frenzy had already begun. Why?

• Ford launched a simultaneous national TV ad campaign on April 14

• Dealerships were flooded with customers the moment cars hit the lot

• Over 22,000 Mustangs were sold on the first day alone

This wasn't just marketing. It was automotive storytelling at its finest.

Why It Still Matters to Gearheads Today

Ask any car show veteran or classic Ford fan: 1964 wasn’t just a launch year—it was a legend’s origin story.

That first Mustang helped ignite:

• The golden era of American performance cars

• A lifelong obsession among collectors and hobbyists

• A design language still echoed in Mustangs today

Got Mustang Memories? We Want to Hear Them.

Whether you restored a ’65 fastback in your garage or took prom photos with your dad’s ‘66 coupe, we want your stories.
 

Drop us a line, send a photo, or tag us on social using #MyCarShowRadio.
Your ride could be featured in our next show or article!
 

Keep tuning in to MyCarShowRadio.com for more legendary milestones, gearhead spotlights, and car show coverage across the nation.

On November 4, 1938, Ford Motor Company changed the landscape of American motoring by launching a new marque: Mercury.

The brand was crafted with a distinct mission: to fill the gap between Ford’s budget-friendly models and the luxury of its Lincoln line, creating a new space in the market for drivers seeking premium style and performance at a mid-range price.

The inaugural model, the 1939 Mercury 8, quickly became a statement of elegance and performance for Ford. Under the hood, it packed a 95-horsepower V8 engine, giving it power that distinguished it from Ford’s other models, yet maintained an affordable price point. But Mercury was about more than power—it brought a new level of comfort and style to the road. With an upscale look and feel, the Mercury 8 was built to offer a more refined driving experience, appealing to a rising American middle class seeking a blend of sophistication and practicality.

Mercury’s introduction represented a bold move by Ford to expand its offerings and cater to a new segment of drivers, many of whom desired a bit more luxury without stepping into Lincoln territory. By bridging this gap, Mercury opened the door to a unique American motoring experience, and its success set the stage for decades of Ford’s continued growth into diverse markets.

From the onset, Mercury was more than just a car—it was a vision of accessible elegance, one that continues to be remembered fondly by car enthusiasts and historians alike. Ford’s foresight in establishing Mercury stands as a significant milestone, showing the power of innovation and adaptability in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.

Today, we celebrate Mercury’s legacy—a brand that, while no longer in production, remains a memorable chapter in Ford’s story and in the broader tale of American motoring history.