Top Ford Execs to Join in Mustang 50th Celebrations

The coinciding events, which kick off April 16, will also include appearances by some of the people who contributed to the development of what many consider to be the most recognized automobile in the world.

Hosted by Ford and the Mustang Club of America, the festivities in Charlotte will feature Gale Halderman, the designer credited with the shape of the first-generation Mustang and Jack Telnack, retired Ford vice president of design.  In Las Vegas, Ford product planner Hal Sperlich will be on hand to help ring in the Mustang’s 50th.

Ford Executive Chairman Bill Ford and Chief Operating Officer Mark Fields will lead the celebrations in Charlotte along with Dave Pericak, Mustang chief engineer, and John Felice, Ford vice president, U.S. marketing, sales and service.

Fields is also scheduled to attend the Las Vegas event, joining Moray Callum, Ford vice president of global design, Hau Thai-Tang, Ford group vice president, global purchasing and former Mustang chief engineer; and Henry Ford III.

“The excitement of the automotive event of the century is too alluring for the Ford team to miss out on,” said Mustang Club of America’s Ronald D. Bramlett, executive director of the 50 Years of Mustang celebration, in an official Ford press release. “Members of the Ford family and Ford Motor Company senior leadership team, as well as many other members of Team Mustang plan to attend and celebrate the prestige and fun of 50 years of Mustang.”

Ford expects the event to draw more than 5,000 Mustangs and more than 100,000 Mustang enthusiasts.