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Almost a year ago, Ford shocked the world with its announcement that the iconic Bronco would be returning to the streets once again. This announcement sparked the interest of many nostalgic Americans from all over. During the announcement, Ford showcased the new 2021 Bronco that comes with six standard new trims. This left many potential buyers trying to figure out which trim would be best for them. Here at McLarty Daniel Ford, we have broken down the differences between the trim levels of the all-new Ford Bronco to make your life a little easier. The interesting thing about the 2021 Ford Bronco is that, unlike other vehicles, the six different Bronco trims are for specific purposes. Each also has a unique name to match and of course, every trim level comes with its own unique features as well as cost. The Base Level Like other Ford vehicles, the 2021 Bronco does offer a base model which has a starting price of around $29,000 for the two-door option and $34,000 for the four-door option. Sporting a four-wheel-drive system and a 2.3 liter EcoBoost boost engine as well as the five G.O.A.T modes (go over anything mode). The base Bronco is for people who are looking to customize and add on to their Ford Bronco themselves rather than buying one with pre-existing bells and whistles. The Bronco Big Bend The Bronco Big Bend offers more technology and comfort features than you would see in many of the other Ford vehicles. Of course, you will receive all of the features that you would on the base model, but you'll also begin to see some add-ons on the exterior such as 17-inch aluminum wheels and six G.O.A.T modes. Buyers can expect a price point of around $34,000 on this specific model. The Bronco Black Diamond This specific Ford Bronco trim focuses on more off-roading features. This trim level is when you'll begin to see additional colors being added, rubberized flooring, a heavier duty front bumper, a steel rear bumper, rock rails and even heavy-duty bash plates. In addition to these upgraded off-roading features, you also get seven G.O.A.T modes. Customers looking to purchase the Bronco Black Diamond can expect a price tag of around $37,000. The Bronco Outer Banks Edition The Outer Banks trim of the Bronco is much like the Bronco Black Diamond, however, you'll begin to see upgraded headlights and taillights, additional colors, and even a bigger steering wheel. With this trim, you'll also begin to see more tech features added such as the Ford Co-pilot 360 Safety Suite and even remote start. The Bronco Wildtrak Starting at $50,000 the Wildtrak Bronco adds 35-inch terrain tires, fender flares, and different trail traction control. Buyers will also receive an advanced 4x4 system and seven G.O.A.T modes. The Bronco Badlands The Bronco Badlands is considered by Ford to be the ultimate off-roading Bronco. It is very similar to the Big Bend, but it does feature seven G.O.A.T modes as well as 33-inch all-terrain tires and a pretty awesome unique suspension with a front stabilizer bar disconnect. Customers looking at this model can expect to see a price tag of around $43,000. If you're near the Centerton, Bella Vista, Bentonville, Eureka Springs, Fayetteville, Pea Ridge, Springdale or Rogers area and are interested in the full-size Ford Bronco, we invite you to follow our social media for updates on inventory or stop by today and let one of our friendly sales professionals assist you through the buying process.

America's all-time best-selling SUV just got even better. The 2021 Ford Explorer is now available with the iconic King Ranch trim level. This new trim gives customers a rugged, premium appearance with what Ford calls uncompromising quality, craftsmanship, and authenticity of the iconic Texas ranch. It's slated to come out in the spring of 2021! McLarty Daniel Ford wants to give you a little sneak peek of what you can expect in the beautiful 2021 Ford Explorer King Ranch edition. STYLING: Some of the differences you'll notice right away include the special exterior styling that the King Ranch Ford Explorer comes loaded with. A gray grille insert, chrome exhaust tips, iconic king ranch badging and beautiful 20-inch wheels are just a few. On the inside is where you'll see the main features of the King Ranch Ford Explorer in all their glory. With a dash that is trimmed with Sapele wood, beautiful mahogany leather seats and steering wheel, the iconic King Ranch logo throughout the cabin, and optional massaging front seats, a 10.1-inch vertical touchscreen and Bang and Olufsen sound system. POWER: Ford will be offering both two-wheel and four-wheel-drive models of the 2021 Ford Explorer King Ranch. These beauties will be powered by Ford's twin-turbocharged 3.0 liter Ecoboost V6 which is capable of 365 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The 2021 Ford Explorer King Ranch ranch starts at $53,595 for its rear-drive models, while its four-wheel-drive models will be priced at $55,595. If you're interested in the 2021 Ford Explorer King Ranch Edition, we invite you to like us on Facebook so you can be the first to know when they arrive at our dealership. CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE Of course, you can't wait for the King Ranger Edition, we have several other great 2021 Ford Explorer models here at McLarty Daniel Ford in Bentonville. CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT CURRENT 2021 FORD EXPLORER INVENTORY

It is high time to get out of the house and enjoy some fresh air. As things are slowly getting back to normal after a strenuous winter and social distancing, it's time for some travel! One safe way to enjoy the spring weather is visiting Arkansas State Parks. These fascinating destinations provide hours of entertainment and educational value, not to mention all the mental health benefits of getting outdoors and into nature. Nothing beats taking a leisurely drive in your Ford F-150 getting reacquainted with the Natural State. McLarty Daniel Ford Lincoln in Bentonville, AR would like to share with you a few of our favorite state parks that are prime examples of the Natural State's beauty and rich history. Pea Ridge National Military Park Garfield, AR If you are a history or military buff, may we suggest the Pea Ridge National Military Park. Although the visitor center is still closed due to Covid-19, it is just a 40-minute jaunt to the small town of Garfield, AR, northeast of Bentonville. This national park was established to safeguard the Civil War battle site of Pea Ridge, which was one of the most pivotal battles west of the Mississippi River. Also, it's one of the most intact historical battlefields we have in the United States, with acres of rolling green meadows where war once raged. Devil's Den State Park West Fork, AR Let's not forget about Devil's Den State Park! It's the perfect spot for outdoor fun! One of Northwest Arkansas's most iconic parks, Devil's Den is situated in the Lee Creek Valley. With gorgeous rock formations, exquisite waterfalls, and caverns, you have it all! Plus there is Devil's Lake which was formed by an expansive rock dam spanning Lee Creek. The eight-mile lake is a favorite of the locals for fishing and boating. The park also offers hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails which will take you to the surrounding Ozark National Forest. Louisiana Purchase State Park Brinkley, AR Another historic destination can be found in eastern Arkansas at Louisiana Purchase State Park. It's an intriguing trip back in time to the days before Arkansas was even a state. The state park preserves the initial point from which all surveys originated of the property acquired by the United States through the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. The point is now in the middle of a healthy swamp, but a wooden walkway lets visitors stroll above the water through massive cypresses to the granite monument marking the historic survey's starting point. This weekend, don't wait another minute! Pack up the family and some of your favorite snacks for a wonderful drive in your Ford truck to any of these beautiful state parks. Take pride and enjoy what the Natural State has to offer. If you want to make a fresh start in 2021, purchase a new 2021 Ford F-150 or Lincoln Navigator from your pals at McLarty Daniel Ford Lincoln in Bentonville AR! We have a vast inventory and we are here for you. Enjoy! CLICK TO CONTACT THE MCLARTY DANIEL SALES TEAM

In celebration of Women's History Month, McLarty Daniel Ford Lincoln in Bentonville would like to take this moment to share the inspiring stories of a few of the women who helped shape the automotive industry, making great strides for all of us. These true pioneers have made our world a better place. Mary Anderson, (1866 – 1953) It can be brutal driving during a rainstorm or in snowy conditions. Can you imagine driving through that muck without windshield wipers?! So let's all give a big round of applause to Mary Anderson for her wonderful invention. In 1903, Mary invented the first set of windshield wipers for automobiles. The device was a lever inside the vehicle that controlled a rubber blade on the outside of the windshield. The lever, when operated, caused a spring-loaded arm to move back and forth across the windshield. A counterweight was in place to ensure contact between the wiper and the window. The device could be easily removed when not in use. Similar kinds of devices had been made earlier, but Anderson's was the first device to be effective. She prevented many car accidents and then went on dedicating her life to empowering women in every facet of the business world. Bertha Benz (1849-1944) Bertha was the wife of German inventor Carl Benz who, in 1886, created the first gasoline-powered car. Yet, Bertha Benz was a pioneer in her own right. She is the first person to take a long-distance "road trip" in a gas-engine vehicle. To prove the reliability of her husband's invention, Bertha and her sons took an early prototype of Benz's car on a then-incredible 120 mile journey in 1888. This first-ever road trip took Bertha 12 hours to complete, traveling from Mannheim to Pforzheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. In her honor, the Bertha Benz Memorial Route is now a historic route you can travel whenever you're in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Denise McCluggage (1927-2015) During the early days of auto racing, nearly all race drivers were men. Denise McCluggage helped change that when she began to race professionally in the late 1950s. She eventually became the fastest American auto racing driver of any gender. As she raced she wore a white helmet with pink dots that had become her trademark. Overall, her racing achievements include winning the grand touring category at Sebring in a Ferrari 250 GT in 1961, and a class win in the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964. She also participated in the Nürburgring 1000 km sports car race. After retiring from racing in the late 1960s, McCluggage continued pioneering by becoming one of the few female automotive journalists at AutoWeek magazine. What an honor to share these stories about these courageous women. Each woman achieved not only for the automotive industry but for women's equality and making our world a much better place. When you are ready to make your own mark out on the world, let us assist you in making that happen in the vehicle that is perfect for you. Come by McLarty Daniel Ford Lincoln in Bentonville and test drive your future! Hope to see you soon! CLICK TO CONTACT THE MCLARTY DANIEL SALES TEAM

Get prepared to take your off-roading adventures to the next level! The two- and four-door 2021 Ford Bronco SUV's patented off-road modular design includes a user-friendly platform that can be modified down to its basic structure. Your new Bronco SUV can be reconfigured for another new adventure with a different body and roof setup. GAME CHANGER The modular design of the two- and four-door 2021 Ford Bronco SUV allows you to make off-road customization easy and attainable for all Bronco enthusiasts no matter the skill level. From removable modular roof panels to fender removal and lift-off rear hardtop assemblies, you will have the freedom to customize your Bronco for any type of off-road adventure. Bronco logos are stamped on the body and interior fasteners to indicate the removable components like frameless doors, fenders, bumpers, grille, and grab handles. Ford has definitely taken SUV living to a whole new level of convenience and ease. Also great news is that the innovative modular design is a strong hub for aftermarket parts and customization industry, which will help customers to continuously reconfigure their Bronco well into the future. 2021 BRONCO The legend is back in action! The 2021 Ford Bronco will be available in the classic two and four-door models. The all-4x4 Bronco brand is Built Wild and ready to deliver thrilling experiences with its heritage-inspired style, and superb off-road technology, plus innovative features to assist you with your off-road fun. Inside, the 2021 Bronco models are designed for purpose and ready for action with intuitive features to enhance your driving experience. So don't miss on being part of Bronco history. If you want the ultimate experience in SUV-living then stop McLarty Daniel Ford Lincoln of Bentonville and start your way to owning the 2021 Ford Bronco and get to living the Bronco way! CLICK TO CONTACT THE MCLARTY DANIEL SALES TEAM

With so many options for SUVs, it can get overwhelming and a bit intimidating to hear about options and capabilities. That's why McLarty Daniel Ford Lincoln of Bentonville is here to assist you with your vehicle needs and to take some of the pressure off of you. If you are in the market for pure quality and top versatility without breaking the bank, may we suggest checking out the new 2021 Ford Edge crossover that's perfect for Bentonville living both providing an upscaled exquisite capability and more versatile technology you can only get from the 2021 Ford Edge vehicle! EDGIER STYLE The new 2021 Ford Edge is presented as being more tech-savvy for convenience and a more enhanced driving experience that meets the busy demands of a workday. The new 2021 Edge offers new smart technologies, including a new standard, largest-in-class 12-inch size center screen, standard SYNC 4A with optional connected built-in Navigation and cloud connectivity with conversational voice recognition. DESIGNED ANEW The new standard 12-inch screen supports multi-tasking thanks to being able to split the screen into larger and smaller windows for an easier way to access apps. Also, all-new cloud connectivity provides voice recognition with the power of internet-based search results, so you always have access to the latest information with almost every request while SYNC can make data-based suggestions to drivers. Stay in contact with friends and family easier, with natural speech recognition enabling communication via SMS and email. Removing the need to plug-in a mobile device, SYNC includes Wifi-enabled Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and SYNC AppLink. EDGE ST The bolder Edge ST returns with a unique style grille with body-colored bumpers, black ST beltline molding with lower sport cladding, standard fog lamps, and signature LED lighting. You'll definitely catch the eyes of onlookers with such accents as the black roof rack side rails, the 20-inch gloss black aluminum wheels and unique Edge ST-Line badging further enhance the look. Powering this sleek SUV trim is the 2.7-liter EcoBoost cranking out 335 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque. It includes a quick-shifting 7-speed automatic transmission, standard all-wheel-drive with selectable traction control. Plus there is the available ST Performance Brake Package, and ST-tuned sport suspension and steering for even robust performance and handling. If you are looking for an SUV that is a bit more tech-savvy and offers more versatility, the new 2021 Ford Edge is it for you. We at McLarty Daniel Ford Lincoln are here to assist you when it comes to quality and affordability. Come by and take a test drive in one of the most reliable SUVs on the market, the 2021 Ford Edge.

While Ford truck design has evolved throughout the past 100 years, Ford has always kept the customer and their demands in mind. It is not about making the almighty dollar, but about helping Americans make a living while letting them blow off some steam on the weekends too in a vehicle they're proud to own and drive. Ford trucks evolved to meet customers’ changing needs, and that means the power, technology, reliability, and powerful capability of today's Ford Trucks are light years from where it all started. Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic Ford trucks in the past 100 years. 1917 Model TT Equivalent to a chassis-cab Ford Super Duty today, the TT was based on the Model T cab and engine, mounted to a heavier frame rated at one ton capacity. A three-speed transmission meant two forward and one backward. Power came from a 2.9-liter four cylinder delivering a whopping 20 horses, but the TT weighed less than half what a modern Ford F-150 does, so it would still manage 40 miles per hour if the roads were smooth enough. 1935 Model 50 With drivetrain improvements, sleeker bodywork, alonger bed, and better weight distribution, the Model 50 brought Ford's soon-to-be-legendary flathead V8 to pickups. Three years old by then, the 3.6-liter V8 was cranked up by Ford engineers for truck duty, producing 85 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque. 1948 F-Series After World War II, Ford introduced the first F-series for ’48. It was the beginning of a dynasty that still continues with the best-selling F-150, the most popular truck in America for over 40 years! The 1948 "Bonus Built Line" trucks covered the 1/2-ton F-1 through the 3-ton F-8. The 1/2-tons F-series trucks came with a 95 horsepower flathead six or a 13-cubic-inch-larger flathead V-8 with 100 hp, backed by either a three- or four-speed gearbox. New features included a passenger-side wiper and taillight and optional, aftermarket-installed four-wheel drive from Marmon-Herrington. 1959 F-series with factory 4WD 1959 stands out as the first year that Ford offered four-wheel drive from the factory production line instead of relying on aftermarket conversions by Marmon or Napco conversions. For 1959, the F-series trucks began the shift from "stepside" beds with pontoon-style external fenders to the slab-sided 8-foot beds with wheel tubs located inside the cargo box. This new style of truck bed remains the most popular configuration to this day 1983 Ford Ranger Responding to a wave of smaller compact trucks from Asian makers, Ford introduced the Ford Ranger compact pickup in 1983. Nearly half the size and weight of the Ford F-150, the Ranger offered a variety of four- and six-cylinder engines putting out between 72-207 horses, plus one very limited-production electric model. 1999 Super Duty The first heavy-duty Ford pickup line to be completely differentiated in both styling and engineering from the 1/2-ton model, the 1999 Super Duty had a unique chassis and bodywork that set new standards for what was considered "heavy duty." To bring the muscle, the 1999 Super Duty was powered by Ford's 5.4-liter V8 cranking out 275 horsepower, or the 6.8-liter V-10 PowerStroke diesel achieving 235 horsepower. 2021 F-150 Designed with a high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body on a high-strength steel frame, the all-new F-150 is built for endurance. The 2021 F-150 offers definitive power and capability, coming standard with the 3.5-liter PowerBoost V6 engine. The all-new F-150 interior designs are all about utilization with an available interior work surface, standard SYNC 4 technology, and a 12-inch productivity screen at your disposal. What an amazing 100 years of Ford tough and ready trucks! What’s stopping you from becoming part of the Ford Trucks legacy? Come check out our available selection of Ford trucks and quench your desire for a truck that can meet your work needs and match your weekend fun, too! Stop by McLarty Daniel Ford in Bentonville to test drive the 2021 Ford F-150 or Super Duty and experience the legendary quality of Ford. CLICK TO CONTACT THE MCLARTY DANIEL SALES TEAM

Out on the trail, a few extra inches of ground clearance can be the difference between going home happy at the end of the day or waiting around for somebody with a winch to come along to pull you out. While buying a lift or leveling kit for your Ford truck used to mean rolling the dice with an aftermarket supplier and hoping they did their homework on engineering, materials and fitment, lifting and leveling your Blue Oval pickup just got easier, with the news that Ford Performance Parts now offer off-road leveling suspension kits for Ford Ranger and F-150. A first-ever product from Ford Performance, Ford's off-road leveling kits are factory engineered to bolt right up to existing mounting points without modification. The kits feature aluminum-body shocks by off-road provider FOX, exclusive Ford Performance tuning for perfect suspension geometry, a two-inch front lift, new front coilovers, model-specific upper front mounts with polyurethane bushings to quiet rattles and squeaks, and locking spring pre-load rings. The result is an off-roading home run, with more ground clearance and improved approach and breakover angles. With the kit installed, a Ford Ranger 4x4 crew cab nets a 21 percent better approach angle and a 10 percent improvement in breakover angle. A 2019 Ford F-150 with the 145-inch wheelbase, meanwhile, gets a 22 percent increase in approach angle and 7 percent increase in breakover angle. "Ford Performance Parts developed these kits to make the off-road experience even better for our Ranger and F-150 customers," said Eric Cin, global director, Ford Vehicle Personalization and Accessories. "Truck customers are asking for options for increased capability and customization, and the new leveling suspension kits for Ranger and F-150 deliver on that need." Most Ford Ranger and F-150 models purchased in the U.S. are equipped with four-wheel drive, and these factory parts enable Ford owners to get more from their trucks in more varied terrain. Engineers with Ford Performance worked hand in hand with Fox Off-Road to develop the shocks included in the kit. "The elevated off-road geometry, paired with Ford Performance tuning, makes this a really unique offering," said Cin. "The secret sauce to this kit is in the Ford Performance tuning. This suspension and its tuning are designed to improve off-road handling and responsiveness, specifically for Ranger and F-150." The kits for both Ranger and F-150 will be available this fall through Ford Dealers, including McLarty Daniel Ford of Bentonville, and cost $1,495 before installation. The kits fit any four-wheel drive 2019 Range or any F-150 4x4 built between 2015-2019. Ready to make your big, bad Ranger or F-150 even bigger and more capable? Stop in today at McLarty Daniel Ford of Bentonville, see our friendly parts counter, and get yourself some parts!

Ford fans will have plenty to cheer about this November when, after years of false starts and production issues, the epic film "Ford vs. Ferrari" is finally scheduled to debut in theatres! Featuring an all-star cast that includes box office stars Matt Damon and Christian Bale, the film follows the quest by Ford Motor Company and legendary race car developer Carroll Shelby to design, develop and build from scratch the iconic Ford GT40 race car, with a goal of ending Ferrari's dominance of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans road race in France. Damon will portray Carroll Shelby, while Bale will portray Ford racing test driver Ken Miles. As seen in previews of "Ford vs. Ferrari" that have already been released, the temperamental Shelby butted heads with the button-downed culture at Ford during the development of the GT40, including epic arguments with CEO Henry Ford II, as Shelby's eccentric team of misfits and gearheads worked on a tight deadline to build what is still considered to be one of the greatest race cars of all time. Examples of the now-iconic 1966 GT40 have since sold at auction for more than $10 million dollars. Spoiler alert: The Ford GT40 would not only best Ferrari by winning Le Mans in 1966 -- the first time an American-built car had won a major European race since 1921 -- but would go on to win Le Mans four years running between 1966 and 1969. "Ford vs. Ferrari," which is scheduled to debut on November 15, is directed by James Mangold, who previously helmed Hollywood hits including "Girl, Interrupted," "3:10 to Yuma" and the Johnny Cash biopic "Walk the Line." The film is based on A.J. Baime's book "Go Like Hell: Ford, Ferrari, and Their Battle for Speed." A previous deal that would have seen Brad Pitt star as Shelby with Tom Cruise as Ken Miles fell through, putting the project in jeopardy until Mangold signed on, followed by Damon and Bale. Production on the film started in July 2018, with shooting on location in California, New Orleans, Georgia and Le Mans, France. Walt Disney Pictures is producing "Ford vs. Ferrari," with a budget of $100 million dollars. We here at McLarty Daniel Ford are stoked to get our first peek at "Ford vs. Ferrari" when the trailer drops in coming weeks, and if you're a fan of the Blue Oval brand, we know you are too. If you want to own your own piece of legendary Ford Performance, stop in today at McLarty Daniel Ford and check out the 2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, 2019 Ford Edge GT, or the incredible 2019 Ford F-150 Raptor! Or you can shop our big selection of hot Ford vehicles online right now!

Ford's Super Duty trucks have long been legendary for their heavy-duty hauling and towing abilities. Now the Blue Oval plans to make the 2020 Super Duty just as synonymous with getting up to some heavy-duty off-roading and rock crawling, with the all-new 2020 Ford Super Duty Tremor! A special-edition package for the 2020 Ford Super Duty, the Tremor package looks to beat the 2019 Ram Power Wagon at its own off-road game with a factory lift, bigger tires, bigger engine options, more suspension travel, and some high-tech assistance under the hood. When the Super Duty Tremor hits dealer lots this fall, it will be the most capable Super Duty ever made. "A growing number of Super Duty customers use their trucks for more than work," said Ford Truck Marketing Manager Todd Eckert. "They're fishing, camping and towing boats on weekends and they go off-road, so we designed this truck specifically for them - more ground clearance, bigger shocks, bigger tires and more off-road capability, Tremor balances what customers demand in terms of work with what they need in the great outdoors." Available on XLT, Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum trim group 4x4 F-250 and F-350 Super Duty trucks with single rear-wheel axles and the 6.75-foot bed, the Tremor package will come standard with either the legendary third-gen 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel, or Ford's massive, all new 7.3-liter gas V8. Upgrades included with the Tremor package include a two inch factory lift, giant 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires -- the biggest tires available on any heavy-duty truck -- and model-specific alloy wheels in a signature matte-black finish. The result is a burly 10.8 inches of ground clearance, for exceptional crawling over rocks and obstacles, with an approach angle of 31.6 degrees and the ability to ford water up to 33 inches deep. Out back, progressive-rate springs allow the Tremor to retain the Super Duty's massive towing and hauling, while also allowing for more suspension travel over uneven ground. The rear stabilizer bar has been turned to work with the increased suspension articulation without compromising safety or ride quality, while custom 1.7-inch twin-tube dampers soak up the bumps. A locking rear differential, limited slip front diff by legendary supplier Dana and electronic shift-on-the-fly transfer case put the power to the ground, with added traction thanks to a system that can sense when a tire has lost grip and automatically sends power to the wheels with the most bite. A full set of heavy steel skid plates keeps crucial components intact and happy, while selectable drive modes optimize engine and drivetrain systems for any occasion, including eco for enhanced fuel economy, tow/haul, snow/sand, normal driving and a Tremor-exclusive rock-crawling mode that optimizes the truck for low and slow maneuvering over slick rock surfaces. Everybody here at McLarty Daniel Ford of Bentonville was already excited to get the redesigned 2020 Ford Super Duty on the lot here this fall, and the word that Ford will also be introducing the Tremor package is just the icing on the cake. Want to be one of the first in Northwest Arkansas to get the keys to a new 2020 Ford Super Duty Tremor? Then stop in at McLarty Daniel Ford, talk to one of our friendly finance professionals, and get pre-approved today!

Let's take a joyride through time and explore 10 delightful facts about the 1964-1/2 Ford Mustang! From its exciting debut to its lasting charm, get ready for a fun-filled adventure into the world of this iconic American classic! 1) The origin of the Ford Mustang can be traced back to the Mustang I concept car, built by a team at Ford led by the legendary Lee Iacocca. Originally envisioned as a small, low-cost, two seat design with a rear-mounted engine, the car was being developed as a competitor to the Corvette and small, European sports cars. It debuted at the U.S. Grand Prix in Watkins Glen, New York on October 7, 1962. With racing legend Dan Gurney behind the wheel, the powerful, lightweight, well-balanced Mustang I posted lap times in line with high-end race cars of the day. 2) Ford stylist John Naijar, who helped design the Ford Mustang I concept car with fellow stylist Philip T. Clark, is credited as the person who came up with the name " Mustang." A fan of fighter plane designs from World War 2, Naijar borrowed the name from the now-iconic North American Aviation P-51 Mustang fighter plane, which had served as a quick and maneuverable bomber escort in the skies over occupied Europe. Discover the Details of the Latest Ford Mustang 3) The Mustang II concept car, which featured many of the styling and engineering details that eventually went into the first production Ford Mustang–including the familiar squared side coves, the long hood/short decklid configuration, and "2+2" four-seat arrangement–debuted at the U.S. Grand Prix in Watkins Glen, N.Y. on October 5, 1963. 4) The production Ford Mustang went on sale to the public on April 17, 1964, with Henry Ford II officially introducing the car at that year's World's Fair in Flushing Meadows, New York. 5) Because the first-year Mustang was introduced in the spring instead of in the fall, as new cars had been for years, Mustangs built before September 1964 are commonly referred to by fans of the breed as 1964-1/2 Mustangs, with cars built after being 1965 Mustangs. 6) Though Ford estimated the new Ford Mustang would sell around 100,000 examples in the first year and around 20,000 in the first few months, the car was an immediate, massive success, topping 100,000 in sales only three months after the launch. The Mustang would go on to sell 318,000 units in the first year, and would surpass more than one million in sales within eighteen months. 7) Originally, the only Mustang variants were the coupe and convertible models. The famous Mustang Fastback, with a sloped rear roof that has been recreated in late model Mustangs–including the 2019 and 2020 Mustang coupe–wouldn't be introduced until 1965. 8) The 1964-1/2 Mustang convertible bearing serial number 00001 was sold to Canadian airline pilot Stanley Tucker at a Ford dealership in St. John's Newfoundland on April 16, 1964–the day before the car was supposed to officially go on sale. Soon realizing how significant and important the first Mustang would be, Ford Motor Company eventually tracked down Tucker and made a deal to trade Mustang 00001 for the 10,000,001st Mustang, which would be built to Tucker's specifications. He eventually settled on a Mustang convertible with every available option except for the high-performance 289 cubic inch engine (which Tucker declined because the engine's warranty wasn't as good as the standard 289). 9) Ford Motor Company donated Mustang 00001 to Dearborn's Henry Ford Museum, where it remains to this day. As for the Mustang #10000001, Stanley Tucker used it as a daily driver for many years and sold it to his mechanic in the mid-1970s. Soon thereafter, it dropped off the map, and is considered one of the great "lost" Mustangs. 10 Interesting Facts About the Life of Henry Ford 10) Though many mistakenly assume that the white Ford Mustang convertible that appears in the 1964 James Bond film "Goldfinger" was the first appearance of a Mustang on the silver screen, the actual first Mustang ever to appear in a feature film was a red Mustang convertible that co-starred in the French comedy Le Gendarme de Saint-Tropez. "Goldfinger" debuted on September 17, 1964, while the French film first screened a little over a week earlier, on September 9, 1964. Exploring these 10 fun facts has truly been a thrilling ride through the history of the 1964-1/2 Ford Mustang! From its innovative features to its cultural impact, this iconic car continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide. As we conclude our journey, let's celebrate the enduring legacy of the Mustang and the joy it brings to generations of fans.

The gravity of how much plastic we use on a daily basis might not register until you put it like this: with the exception of the tiny fraction of plastics that are made to be biodegradable, every plastic item you've ever used in your life still exists somewhere in the world. Every plastic toy you had as a kid. Every cheese wrapper. Every plastic straw, fork and spoon. Every plastic button, widget and whatsit. It's all still out there somewhere, and what hasn't been recycled is likely in a landfill or floating in an ocean, lake or river, where it might remain pretty much unchanged until your grandchildrens' grandchildrens' grandchildren are your age. One company that has stepped up in a big way to push back against the mountains of plastic waste our world produces is Ford Motor Company. You know all those plastic water bottles you've drank from and tossed into the recycling bin over the years? There's a good chance at least a few of them have made it into a Ford car, truck, van or SUV. In 2019, Ford vehicles will utilize the recycled plastic from over 1.2 BILLION plastic bottles -- up to 250 bottles per vehicle produced -- to build underbody shields and wheel liners for every Ford car, truck and SUV that rolls off the assembly line. Crucial for reducing road noise and helping create an aerodynamically slippery underbody to improve fuel economy, the recycled shields are just one way Ford is working to reduce, reuse and recycle. "The underbody shield is a large part, and for a part that big, if we use solid plastic, it would likely weigh three times as much," said Thomas Sweder, design engineer, Ford Motor Company. "We look for the most durable and highest performing materials to work with to make our parts, and in this case, we are also creating many environmental benefits." Due to its light weight, recycled plastic from plastic bottles is perfect for the manufacture of underbody shields, engine under shields and front and rear wheel arch liners. When the vehicle reaches the end of its useful life, these parts and pieces can then themselves be recycled, helping to prevent the need for creating new plastic pieces. "Ford is among the leaders when it comes to using recycled materials such as this, and we do it because it makes sense technically and economically as much as it makes sense for the environment," Sweder said. "This material meets all of our robust specifications for durability and performance." Those 1.2 billion bottles will never wind up in a landfill or in the ocean, where the Pacific Gyre -- a mass of floating plastic refuse bigger than the land area of Mexico -- has been clustered together, harming wildlife and fish. It's one more reason McLarty Daniel Ford of Bentonville is proud of the brands we sell, and Ford's commitment to our shared future.