Newly married, expecting our first child and still in college, our budge wasn't just tight, it was almost non-existent! Nevertheless, when we saw this car we dreamed! It looked liked its name and its symbol-that head down, those hooves tucked under the body and the mane and tail flying. The Mustang, known to its fans as "The 'Stang" stampeded the market from the very first.

Even those of us that couldn't buy one imagined ourselves behind the frisky wheel. We were there with Steve McQueen or Parnelli Jones; or driving the pace car at one of the many races. GTO, Shelby, "Little Jewel", "The Boss", New Edge, big stripes; all images of a car that has always represented the young, the quick, the macho. No fans are more loyal than 'Stang fans. They demanded Ford bring back the V-8 engine in 1975. Ford conceded. They demanded the continuation of production when Ford threatened to stop in the 80's. Ford listened. The money spent of restorations and after market additions is still phenomenal!

My oldest daughter is 42 now, with grown children of her own. The college diploma hangs on the wall along with a plaque commemorating my retirement. The budget is still tight. I never did buy a Mustang. But I never stopped dreaming. I still love that little pony with his head in the wind...running with all his heart...running....

Learn more about this author, Martha Leonard.
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