1964 Pace Car

When a Ford Mustang served as the pace car for the 1964 Indianapolis 500, the Mustang line was so new that the majority of the general public had never before seen one. Officially considered an early 1965 model, it was actually introduced in April of 1964 and was generally referred to thereafter as a 1964-1/2. While a variety of different engine options were available to the public, including a 170-cubic-inch in-line-six-cylinder version, the sporty 1964 pace car housed a 289-cubic-inch V8 which could produce 271 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. The original Mustang, for which the base price was only $2,368, was a success beyond all expectations with its projected sales of 100,000 for the first year eventually topping out at 263,434. The pace car driver for the 1964 race was Benson Ford, grandson of Henry Ford, and younger brother to Henry Ford II, while the actual model on display is one of 35 which was used as a “dignitary” car at the track during that entire month of May.

Adoption benefits:

• A photo of your adopted car
• A certificate of adoption
• Online recognition
• Teammates IMS Museum membership for one year

Adoptions are for a period of one year with the option to renew annually.