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More than 3,500 Mustangs (not including the thousands that drove Mustangs as
non-participants) and 150,000 Mustang enthusiasts stormed Nashville April 15-18, 2004, to celebrate the April 17, 1964 unveiling of the Ford Mustang at the World's Fair in New York. The opening ceremony on Thursday included a flyover by Mustang celebrity Jack Roush in his vintage P-51 Mustang war bird. Jack in his Mustang, a replica of the original "Glamorous Glen III" (which was flown by Chuck Yeager in World War II), passed over the crowd as the National Anthem concluded during the opening ceremonies. The crowd was entertained as Jack performed some aerobatics on his flyover. Other Mustang celebrities in attendance included Carroll Shelby, John Force, Steve Saleen, and Don Frey.
Among the weekend events were a speedway track events, races, manufacturer displays, car shows, autograph sessions, concerts, cruise-ins and other activities honoring the Mustang milestone. Several rare Mustangs were on display including the 1962 Mustang I Concept, the first production Mustang built, three 2005 Mustang preproduction models, and a Ford GT. Driving around Nashville, it was difficult not to see a Stang on the road or in the parking areas (parked away from general parking of course.) While the event started mid-week and went through Sunday, there was so much for the true Mustang lover to see that the time seemed short.
So, what was the hit event of the Mustang 40th Anniversary show? "By far, the Jack Roush flyover and subsequent autograph session was," said Jim Chism, Executive Director of the Mustang Club of America and Event Director. ESM wishes a Happy Anniversary to America's Favorite Pony Car!
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