The Great American Pony Drive II

An International Tribute to the American Pony Car

(See bottom of page for 20 Jan 02 Update)

In 1989, to commemorate the Mustang's 25th Anniversary, John Manners organized the first American Pony Drive from his home in Switzerland. Almost 100 Europeans and 37 Mustangs made the trip across the Atlantic to tour the US for 7 weeks. Now that the Mustang is about to turn 40, there will be another Pony Drive to tour the US to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of America's first Pony Car, during April and May 2004.

The Great American Pony Drive II will start at MCA's 40th Anniversary Show in Charlotte, North Carolina on April 16-18 . The group will leave Charlotte on Monday morning 19th on another seven-week tour, finishing June 5. The Europeans have been invited to again tour the country with us and invitations have also been extended to the Mustangers in Mexico, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to join in on the fun. The trip is designed for those who only have one or two-week vacations, and want to see the country with a large group of Mustangers. The distances between stops will vary; most being short hops to allow time to see the different parts of the country they are travelling through. Local clubs and Ford dealers along the route are being organized to plan lunch and dinner stops, sightseeing tours, special events, and various activities for the participants. There is even a "pre-tour' week being planned for the Europeans to get their cars from South Florida to Charlotte. Their cars will be in Ft. Lauderdale, being prepared for the trip. They will visit Disney World, Daytona Beach and Speedway, St. Augustine, Savannah, and be in Charlotte for the Show.

After the Show, the group will travel South to Atlanta, Montgomery, Al., Biloxi, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Houston, Dallas, Mustang, Ok., Amarillo, Roswell, NM, El Paso, Tucson, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, Reno, Las Vegas, Route 66, the Grand Canyon, Denver, Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Dearborn, Canada, Niagara Falls, Watkins Glen, Albany, Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Gettysburg, Washington, DC, Roanoke, Va., Charlottesville, Richmond, and ending in Virginia Beach. Side trips are being planned for all sorts of interests, to make this a memorable vacation. Local clubs are already beginning to organize activities in their areas. Some are even planning shows for a number of the weekend stops. There will be tours of various Mustang-oriented facilities like Scott Drake, Edelbrock's Garage, the Mustang factory, Pony Carburettors, Watkins Glen Raceway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and possibly places like Saleen and Shelby factories. As more are contacted, they will be added to the list.

Places of interest, like Roswell, Carlsbad Caverns, Juarez, and Tijuana, Mexico, Monument Valley, 4 Corners, Colorado gold mining areas, the Rockies, Mesa Verde cliff dwellings,  are some unique spots along the way, just to name a few.  Mustang, Ok. is one of those "must see" stops where the reception by the local club will leave lasting memories.

In California, the group slows to drive the Pacific Coast Highway through places like Carmel and Monterrey. There is even an Iron Horse Vineyard where we hope to stop. The trip through Nevada will cover the Extraterrestrial Highway along Area 51. After leaving the Grand Canyon, there will be a week travelling through South western Colorado to take in all the sights.

The New England portion will stop at places like Bennington, Vt., home of Hemming's Motor News. There will be stops at Mystic Seaport, Tarrytown, NY, (home of Sleepy Hollow), two days in New York City, and then on to Philadelphia. Next stop is at the Gettysburg Battlefield and then on to Washington, DC. After DC, the caravan will travel through the Shenandoah Valley to Roanoke. Then it's along the Blue Ridge Parkway to Charlottesville and on to Richmond. The final stop is in Virginia Beach, near Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown, some of the oldest towns in the US.

The actual schedule is still in the planning stages, with almost 3 years to go before the start. (Note: The latest route map and schedule are located here. ) Various groups have been contacted and some others are in the process of being put on the list. Many European groups have been notified to get the Europeans along as in 1989. Plans are in progress for shipping the cars here and preparing them for a long trip. Various sponsors are being sought to assist with many of the costs associated with a venture this large, not only for the Europeans, but for all participants. Groups like Mustang's in Motion are sharing their experiences with moving "herds" of Mustangs. MCA has been very helpful at the early stages in getting the word out to the various clubs. MCA will be an integral part of the trip to help us encourage the involvement with Mustangs.

At each of the overnight stops, security will be provided for the cars and various hotel chains are being contacted for discount packages. As the time grows nearer, we will be able to get a better idea as to how many are interested in participating, Many will be along for large portions of the trip, while others may only be able to stay for a day or two. Those with limited vacation schedules can pick the areas they want to visit and plan their time accordingly. Side trips and guides will be available for those that want to go off the "beaten path". Many other ideas are being explored, such as rental Mustangs for those that cannot get their cars to portions of the trip, or for those that may not have one available, or want one but haven't gotten around to it yet. A "ride-along" program is being planned, similar to the one John Manners had. For those who wish to come along but are unable to have a car available, they will be paired with driver's that could use some company and to help split some costs. There will be a "mechanic's" van travelling along for those unplanned breakdowns. Shops along the way will be notified in case their services are needed. Those who are unable to join for a long period are welcome at any point of the trip, as well at any activities or receptions.

Ford is being contacted to keep them informed of the planning progress. Until more plans are finalized, it's too early for a determination of what will be asked of Ford. We are also trying to include Ford dealers all across the country

For those that experienced the 1989 Pony Drive, the camaraderie is the most memorable feeling, no matter how short or long they travelled with the group. Those that are able to experience this Great American Pony Drive II will come away with the same feeling. John said, "We're all in this together, but more importantly, we're all in this for the fun." As for all of you Mustangers, don't miss this "once-in-a-lifetime" event. This could possibly be the largest Mustang event ever planned.

Further contacts:

Website (with full tour itinerary): http://people.freenet.de/pony/ponydrive.htm  

New Website: http://www.ponydrive.us

New Zealand Co-ordinators: 

John & Mary Overend
Ph ( 07) 8891651,  Cell 021 510081
Address: 102 Allen St Morrinsville 
Email jm@actrix.co.nz

Can't afford to go to the US... but would be interested in supporting a NZ Event?  Click here

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Pony Drive Update: 11 May 02

The following email update was received by John Overend, from The Pony Drive organiser.

We're still collecting signatures for the MCA club. I met many of the officers & board members in Pensacola and got their signatures. We shouldn't have any problem getting approved.

We're going to start getting pre-registrations within 6 months, as we need to start finding out how many want to go along. Once we have some ideas, we'll be contacting motel chains for discounts. We will have 1 economy motel and 1 regular 1 to choose from. Not everyone needs a fancy motel just for sleeping!!

Keep checking on air fares, and we may be able to get better rates since we are bringing in people from all over the world. Maybe one airline would like to be a sponsor and give group rates.

..... I'm temporarily in New York City and will be meeting with the NY/NJ club next week. This is an important stop and I need for them to do a lot of work on events. I want a picture at the 64 World's Fair site with the Unisphere and I may have 200-300 cars to get there. We'll need a LOT of police escorts!! I don't want to loose anyone in NY traffic.

I'll keep you posted.
Thanks.
David

Local Organiser John Overend advises:

I have had interest from the South Island . If get a few people together, we get a better deal with air fares,
I have been in touch with the local House of Travel firm. They have done other groups in the past and have given me some good ideas.

Cheers
John Overend.

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Pony Drive Update: 7 Aug 02

The following email update was received by John Overend, from The Pony Drive organiser.

The server was hit by lightning and it should be back this week. When it goes back up, it will also have the registration page for you to register for your number. Try www.ponydrive.us next time.  There is also some major changes in the schedule. Some interesting side trips are developing. I have also been offered all the parts needed for the foreign cars to get them ready for the Pony Drive. National Parts Depot is donating all the maintenance parts that we will need when the cars get here. Once your cars are here, they will all get tires, brakes, tune-ups, belts, hoses, etc. The only costs will be for the labour. When you get here to pick up your cars, they will be ready for a 10,000 mile trip!  David Turnbull.

(Note that NZ Co-ordinators John and Mary Overend are moving and their new address and phone number are as given on this page above).

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Pony Drive Update: 27 Sept 02

The following two files were received:

An updated Event Schedule: Download the MS Excel Spreadsheet file here

An updated Route Schedule: Download the MS Excel Spreadsheet file here:

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Pony Drive Update: 23 Oct 02

Please pass the word on to everyone you can to check the site and get registered as soon as possible. We need to get an idea as to how many will be coming on any portion, so we can start making reservations and get discounts. The earlier you sign up, the lower your # will be.

The following has occurred in the last month or so-

Savannah- 8TH Air Force Museum will have an evening dinner & tour and then have transportation for us to downtown Savannah

Middle of Nowhere Arizona- Hampton Inn has an Inn at Kayenta, 1/2 way between the Grand Canton and Farmington, NM. It's 300 miles between these 2 stops and we needed to find a lunch & gas stop. This works out perfectly, as Hampton is one of our sponsors.

Lubbock- Has now become an overnight stop. They informed me of the distances on the original schedule and it would have pushed the drivers for too long between stops. This will give us more time at the Buddy Holley Museum and make the next leg easier.

California- I have added an extra day to get from LA to San Fran to allow more sightseeing time.

I have also been in contact with Sam Haymart of Mustangs Across America. I'm hoping they can be a part of this venture, also, with all his experience. I just adds another group of mustangs to have fun with! Check his site when you get a chance.  www.mustangsacrossamerica.com  He has a lot of really good information there. He has also graciously given me permission to use some of his information on our site. It will be a big help to us!

David

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Pony Drive Update: 11 Nov 02

In 1989, it ran the Euros $12,000/ car. We're trying to keep it between $10,000 + 12,000US. The more people we can get pre-registered, means the more sponsors we can go after. I am not sure about shipping cars from there, but if we can get 10-12, we should get a decent price. Once the cars are here, the other costs will be the same for everyone. You plane ticket may be a little more than from Europe. I think if you figure $12,000 + plane fare, you should be a bit on the high side, but it will give you a cushion on the budget. If we can get sponsors for portions of the trip, it will help your expenses. Since most meals will be supplied at the lunch & dinner stops, that will also keep your costs down. 

We're also trying to get Ford or someone to provide the parts needed to get the cars ready, so that will save more. I think that what we have planned for repairs here will be a big savings to every foreign car. We want to do the following to EVERY "imported" car: Tires, brakes, plugs, points, wires, oil change, coolant replacement, (tune-up). We hope to have all these parts donated, so all you would pay is labour. Any other minor repairs will also be done if we have prior notice and time. Since parts here are a lot cheaper, you save even more.

Let me know what you think of the site and tell everyone to pre-reg
David

Pony Drive Update: 20 Jan 03