REPORT – 2019 Mustang Nationals
Words and Photos: Mike Ryan, unless indicated
When the Mustang Owners Club of Australia (MOCA) hosts an event, you know it’s going to be big. Earlier this year. The Victorian branch of MOCA were the host club for the 2019 Mustang Nationals and yes, it was big!
Heart of the City
With 2019 marking the 55th Anniversary of the release of the Ford Mustang, there was already reason to celebrate, while the popularity of the Gen 6 Mustang (including the establishment of dedicated Gen 6 Owners’ Clubs) has ensured Mustang events continue to grow.
The Nationals is something different, though, and the prestige of the event, and particularly its concours, amongst the Mustang community means it draws Mustang owners from all over the country.
When MOCA Victoria’s organising committee for the Nationals were deliberating on a venue, they made the bold move of choosing Melbourne as the hub, specifically the CBD and Albert Park precinct.
The Pullman & Mercure Hotel in Albert Park, overlooking Albert Park Lake, was selected to accommodate Nationals entrants, with its Grand Ballroom hosting the evening dinners and themed events. The hotel went the extra mile, too, allowing Mustangs to be displayed in the foyer and Grand Ballroom.
Brighton Ford, a short run from Albert Park, served as the location for the Nationals’ official concours judging, while Birrarung Marr, on the banks of the Yarra and right next to Federation Square in the CBD, would be the venue for the public display.
Hundreds of Horses
Held over the Easter long weekend, this year’s Mustang Nationals attracted almost 400 entrants – just as well the car park at the Pullman & Mercure had 400 parking bays!
Of course, 400 entries means a lot of Mustangs, which made for an impressive sight when entrants made their way to Brighton or travelled in convoy to the Birrarung Marr display on Easter Sunday.
The three-day event got underway with a welcome dinner for entrants on the Good Friday evening, where MOCA members caught up with old friends and made new ones.
Easter Saturday was the serious business of concours judging, held a short drive away at Brighton Ford and entailing each concours contender being examined inside, out and underneath thanks to the hoists at the dealership’s service area.
That evening, a ‘race car’ themed dinner saw entrants get up in all sort of competition-themed clobber, with a ‘Stig’ or two, racesuit-clad partygoers, DJR Team Penske fans and some who went the full ‘chequered flag’ with their kit! A raffle, giveaways, auction, special guests and a few surprises added a bunch of fun to the evening’s proceedings.
Mustangs on the Marr
While the previous two days’ activities had been MOCA-only events, the Easter Sunday display would be open to the public. Both concours and non-judged cars were welcome, with hundreds turning out at Birrarung Marr… and turning on a great display for city visitors and Mustang enthusiasts alike.
First generation and the current sixth generation Mustangs made up the bulk of vehicles on display, but there were some Fox Body, SN-95 and S197 era ‘Stangs on display, too. In fact, the only missing member of the “family” was the Mustang II.
Some true gems from the concours field featured amongst the Mustangs on display, as well as a healthy representation of Boss and Mach 1 models, high-performance Shelbys and more.
The high-performance and high-impact models rubbed wheelarches with far more humble examples, including stock and close-to-stock examples of the first-generation Mustang.
Rarities, like the ‘California Special’ from 1968 and a Shelby GT500KR convertible from the same year were spotted. There was also room for customs, with creations both mild and wild to be seen.
What was interesting to note is the healthy aftermarket industry devoted to the current generation Mustang.
Speaking of aftermarket, special praise must go to Mustang Motorsport, who were great supporters of the event and sponsored all bar two of the concours class awards.
After a big three days, the Nationals wrapped up with presentation of the concours trophies on Sunday night’s formal dinner.
Ahead of this year’s Mustang Nationals, MOCA Victoria stated that their aim was to deliver a fantastic event for all involved. Based on JUST CARS’ experience Sunday display, there’s no doubt they achieved that aim.
More details on MOCA and future events can be found at: vic.mustang.org.au
Thanks to MOCA Victoria members Wendy and Adam for assistance with this article.
