Like the Pininfarina-built, Manzu-designed Austin Healey in our previous post, the Bertone Mustang from 1965 was sponsored by a magazine, in this case Automobile Quarterly, the hardbound enthusiast publication which conveyed a lively interest in design from its founding in 1962. Upon its introduction in spring of 1964, Ford's Falcon-based Mustang was a stunning commercial success, but enthusiasts and car designers who remembered the mid-engined Mustang show cars from 1962 (see "The First Mustang: Ford's Forgotten Mustang 1" in these posts for 8-26-15) were less enthusiastic about the rectilinear, obviously sedan-based shape. AQ's editor, L. Scott Bailey, approached Nuccio Bertone about providing an alternative interpretation of the Mustang theme, possibly reasoning that rethinking the design of a wildly successful car would increase reader interest. Bertone turned over design to Giorgetto Giugiaro, his young star. Alitalia volunteered to airlift a new Mustang 2 + 2 to Turin, and Bertone's team went to work immediately, saving little more than the mechanicals and the platform from the unitized body-chassis, along with some hardware and trim items. Amazingly, the car was ready in time for the 1965 New York Auto Show, where it won Best of Show.
What the onlookers crowding around the show car saw looked nothing like any standard Mustang. The taut, tactile form, enhanced by a subtle crease running along the flanks above the wheels, is reminiscent of Giugiaro's earlier work on the Alfa Romeo GTV. The headlights hide behind pivoting doors, the parabolic blister on the hood clears the air cleaner for the 289 V8, and the functional side vents exhaust air from the engine compartment. The glassy greenhouse features operating rear quarter windows and the wraparound backlight echoes Giugiaro's Iso Grifo from two years earlier. Giugiaro designed the dished, five-pointed star wheels for this car, and they were cast in magnesium alloy by Campagnolo.
One of the few rear views published shows how the simple recessed tail frames the tail lights and the stock Mustang fuel filler. This Bertone photo was also the source of a mystery; the car was originally displayed in a metallic blue-green and with left-hand drive, but here the car is seen in silver and with the steering wheel on the right. It seems that for some reason the photo was reversed (the "Mustang 2 +2" insignia is backwards); only one Bertone Mustang was built.
The caramel-colored leather upholstery, wood steering wheel and reorganized instrument panel enhanced the environment for driver and passengers. The front view shows that the car looked just as handsome with the headlights uncovered as with them covered. The flattened, hexagonal grille opening shape is echoed in the restyled field in which Ford's wild horse gallops. But where the Bertone Mustang galloped after its triumphant first showing is an enduring mystery. Like the Automobile Year Austin Healey featured in our previous post, the Automobile Quarterly Mustang has vanished without a trace. We do know that Bertone offered the car for sale after the New York Show for $10,000, a fraction of its cost. We also know that it was not among the prototypes and concept cars auctioned by Bertone after the recent closure of their car building operation. With any luck, some happy car spotter will find it in a barn someday. Even covered with dust and cobwebs, the Bertone Mustang will still look like something special.
Photo credits:
All photos Gruppo Bertone
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