April 17, 1964: Henry Ford II unveils the Ford Mustang at Flushing Meadows, New York. It was an instant hit, selling over 400,000 units in the Blue Oval's first year with the pony car. It bowed out in time for the 1979 Ford Mustang to replace it, putting an end to the facelifted Pinto jokes. On May 27, 1979, three Mustang Indy 500 Pace Cars hit the track in characteristic liveries, including official "63rd Annual Indianapolis 500 Mile Race" graphics. The 1979 Ford Mustang Indy 500 Pace Car was a big deal, but it wasn't just for being a kickass-looking means of regulating the field of race cars.