Mustang Background

All through automotive history, there has been but a sprinkling of the truly sporty performance car. Prior to World War II, only the elite of the European manufacturers produced an automobile that appealed both in looks and superior performance. It wasn't until after World War II that an increasing number of innovative Individualists took matters into their own hands and produced the type of automobile that satisfied their own tastes. This unique era set up the chain of events that eventually led to what today is commonly known as the original "pony car".

By 1950, trends in automotive design and engine development began to respond to public demand. In 1955, Ford finally produced its first sports car, the Thunderbird. Although the Thunderbird achieved its intended objective of countering the attempt by Chevrolet to corner the sports car market with the Corvette, the price tag still left the car beyond the reach of the average American. The early 1960's showed signs that Ford once again was after the performance market with 406 Fairlanes and Galaxies and again this type of car missed the mark and fell into the hands of only the chosen few. By 1962, Ford's sales began to fall off and it was at this point that Ford decided to go to the people to find the type of car that would appeal not just to the wealthy or privileged but to the average American. After the most extensive public survey in automotive history, the parameters were established to produce this car of universal appeal, and eighteen months later in April of 1964, the first Mustang rolled of the assembly line and into the hands of the loyal Ford enthusiasts. Behold at long last, the Thunderbird is reincarnated and available to the average American at a price he can afford.

Immediately, the Mustang fell into the capable hands of such people as Holman and Moody, Gas Rhonda, Don Nicholson, Hubert Pratt, Mickey Thompson, Carroll Shelby and New England's own Tasca Ford Team, John Healy & Wild Bill Lawton. As the Mustang's competition reputation grew so too did the inventory of high performance equipment and factory options. In 1967, the first major revision to the original design came in the form of a wider body, wide enough to accept the 390 and 427 big block engines, and subsequent transformation into the 428 Cobra Jet, Mach-1, Boss 302, 351, 429 and scores of other performance combinations.

The Mustang Legend continues today, with its roots planted firmly in 1964 and its sights aimed at the stars. It IS what it WAS and MORE!!!

Back to top

MCCNE Background

During the automotive dark ages of the 1970's, amid the oil embargos, gas shortages, relatively high mileage low performance cars, a small group of Rhode Island classic Mustang enthusiasts began gathering on Sunday afternoons at Goddard Park in Warwick, RI. They longed for the return of performance Mustangs of the 60's. That seemed unlikely, so they started to preserve what they had, and enlisted others to so as well.

In 1978, the Mustang Car Club of New England (MCCNE) was formed. The mission of the club is to preserve and maintain a living history of the legendary Ford Mustang. The club's motto is "Preservation of the Breed".

Until the mid-1980s MCCNE was the only Pure Mustang club in New England. Membership quickly outgrew it's Rhode Island boundaries to include all six New England states, New York, and beyond. In 1991, MCCNE became a chartered Regional club of Mustang Club of America. Membership continues to grow. And yes, now, out-growing the borders of New England, and the borders of the United States!

The club has been and is administered by experienced, knowledgeable Mustang enthusiasts for almost 30 years, dedicated to FUN. Generally, MCCNE holds five shows throughout the New England region during each season from June-October to allow members to show off their pride and joy to others and to get to meet other Mustang enthusiasts and have a good time.

These shows are based on a set of club rules. Mustangs and other Ford Powered cars in the show are voted on by participants and spectators. The top three in each classification, based on popular vote, are awarded trophies, as well as Best of Show awards that do not qualify in individual classifications after winning Best of Show.

It all boils down to a day of fun in the sun (rain dates are also scheduled) for all ages.

Back to top

Purpose

In joining the MCCNE, you will be joining with many other individuals interested in the "Preservation of the Breed". Membership opens up a whole new world of information exchange, social events, and the perpetuation of the automotive hobby. Membership carries with it the opportunity to have a voice in club policy and a voice with more clout to deal with the unscrupulous opportunists brought out by the Mustang revival. The Mustang is an automobile well deserving of the name "Classic" and its desirability has been increasing to the point that the car is more popular now than ever before.

Back to top

Elgibility

All persons owning a Mustang betweent the years 1964-1/2 to the present and other persons interested in the preservation and enjoyment of these fine cars are eligible for membership. You must be sixteen (16) years of age or sponsored by a responsible registerd member in good standing.

Back to top

Benefits of Membership

After becoming a member of MCCNE, you join a regional interchange of ideas and communications with individuals of the same interests. From this, you make make technical information from knowledgeable people throughout the six New England states within easy reach. Membership includes other opportunities and benefits such as:

Back to top

Administration

MCCNE is administered by a leadership comprised of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and a nine member Board of Directors. Club policy is at all times subject to change and revision by the entire membership body. Club officers are elected yearly and special amendments to club policy are subject to periodic vote by mail-in ballots.

Back to top