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Leith Cars Blog

Wild Pony Invasion of Myrtle Beach Signals the Start of “Mustang Week.”

On location in Myrtle Beach, S.C., with Zero To 60 podcast host, Mark Arsen.

Had you been here, you’d appreciate pony cars from every generation represented during Mustang Week.

Mustang Nation. That’s all you could see this Labor Day Weekend at Myrtle Beach as my family and I made a stop by Broadway at the Beach, along the Highway 17 Bypass. In a large corner of the Broadway parking area, were hundreds of Ford Mustangs from showroom stock to completely customized. It was the unofficial beginning of “Mustang Week,” one of the largest annual gatherings of Ford-powered Mustangs in the nation.

So, you haven’t seen an actual Shelby Cobra 350GT up close and in person yet? Go to Mustang Week.

Smokey burnouts. Showing off your ‘Stang on Monday night isn’t the only activity for Ford pony car fans, it’s actually just the beginning of this annual spectacle, now in its 16^th year. Thousands of Mustang owners and their families pour into the Grand Strand all week. Mustang owners can take part in “show-n-shine” competitions where entrants can have their Mustang judged for a prize or trophy. There’s a Mustang corral of aftermarket vendors on hand at the huge “Cruise-In” that finishes at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. “Test-n-tunes” take place at North Myrtle Beach Dragstrip along with individual lap times around the ½ mile NASCAR-sanctioned Myrtle Beach Speedway.

The iconic front fascia of the Ford Mustang is easily recognizable, no matter the generation.

Strength in numbers. My wife is a longtime friend of one of the Mustang owners who makes Mustang Week an annual family trip. They brought four Mustangs to the beach this year. A red 2006 Saleen S281, a classic 1993 “Fox body” 5.0, previously owned by legendary NASCAR Champion Bill Elliot, an autocross racing Mustang and a friend’s rare “Bullit Edition” car, painted a stunning dark blue metallic.

Cars specially built for the Mustang Week Autocross compete against the clock for a trophy and bragging rights.

At Mustang Week, everyone is family. One of the best parts about the weeklong celebration, besides the beautiful beaches of the Grand Strand, is that you don’t need to be a Ford Mustang owner to attend. Everyone is welcome to come see these beautiful cars, talk to the owners and make new friends. It’s a very family-friendly event, but as with any car show, be sure to keep an eye on your little ones if you’re bringing children. There are always several cars moving around the parking lots along with all the spectators and car owners milling about. Have fun, but be safe.

One of many Mustang corrals that sprang up across the Grand Strand during Mustang Week.

We’re going to need a bigger trophy case! By the end of Mustang Week on Saturday, my wife’s friends had done quite well in the competitive events, taking home an “Award of Excellence” and scoring a top finish during the Mustang autocross. A bonus for them and for many of the Mustang owners was a chance to meet and have their special Mustang autographed by the man behind one of the most iconic, high-performance Mustangs in modern history. Mr. Steve Saleen attended several events and helped present awards to owners of the very best cars at the conclusion of Mustang Week.

Ready to saddle up and head for the beach next Labor Day, but you don’t yet own a Ford Mustang? May we recommend Leith Ford in Wendell as a great place to go for a new or used pony car that’s sure to get your pulse racing.