It was 1964 and most of my contacts at AMF were still good and since they manufacture peddle cars for young kids, they are who I wanted for my next venture. Being an industrial designer, I loved cars and especially, sports cars. I used to go to Sebring in Florida to see the latest racecars, like Ferrari, Mercedes, Porsches, Fords and Chevy battles. 

I had just heard that Ford was coming out with a fastback called a “Mustang.” This was under the supervision of Lee Iacocca. I got to see some photos and wanted to make a Mustang peddle car. But it had to look like the real thing. I needed a gimmick that would put the deal together and make Ford want to help us.

Then it hit me ... they were going to introduce their new Red Fastback Mustang around Christmas time in 1965. Why not put a peddle car for the kids in the trunk of the real one ... FREE! It would be a Christmas present for your kids. They would be so proud and love it. 

Ford agreed and we went to work. I met with Lee to get a scaled down version to make our tools from. He said yes and I was about to leave, and then it hit me again. I asked him if I could get a new 1965 red fast back Mustang at cost for my Christmas present. He looked at me, shaking his head and said, you got it kid! I really got my new red Mustang fastback and AMF got one of their all-time great peddle car sales in their history. Ford made ads with the real car and our pedal car alongside of it. Every Ford dealership bought them to have with each Mustang in stock. Many dealers bought extras for gifts in their other cars as well. Ford sold a lot of Mustangs that Christmas! Thank you, Ford!