Lost Mustang 167, The Secret Journey to Finland

Jarkko Vuori

Welcome to Ford Mustang: The Early Years Podcast! Today we take you back to 1964, uncovering the fascinating story of Mustang #167, a pre-production show car shipped to Finland just days before the official U.S. launch. From secret wooden crates to surprise car shows and a legendary front emblem sculpted by a Finnish artist, this episode dives deep into the untold legacy of one of Mustang’s earliest stars. Jarkki, welcome to the podcast.

Questions

1. What made Mustang #167 so unique in the early Mustang story?
2. How did Ford ship pre-production Mustangs like #167 to international locations?
3. Why was Mustang #167 unveiled in Finland before the official U.S. launch?
4. Who was the Finnish sculptor behind the iconic Mustang horse emblem?
5. How was Mustang #167 "hidden" as a 1966 model for decades?
6. What challenges did the restoration of Mustang #167 face?
7. How did the global Mustang story connect with Ford enthusiasts in Finland?

Talking Points

• Mustang production officially started on March 9, 1964, with a few pre-production models like #167.
• Pre-production Mustangs were marked with an internal "05C" code, used to identify them amidst Ford’s chaotic launch.
• #167 was shipped secretly in a wooden crate to Finland and unveiled in Jyväskylä, just days before the U.S. launch at the New York World’s Fair.
• Local Finnish newspapers reported on #167, calling it the "Western-class" sports car.
• Mustang #167’s front emblem was created by Väinö Kangas, a Finnish sculptor working for Ford.
• After decades of obscurity, #167 was found and is now undergoing a detailed restoration.
• The story of #167 highlights the global reach of the Mustang legacy, even before its U.S. debut.

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