• Ford Mustang: Behind the Legend kicks off Ford’s participation in Auto China 2014, Asia’s largest auto show
• Event marks both the 50th anniversary of the Ford Mustang and the imminent arrival of the Mustang in China next year
• Interactive experiences include an all-new Mustang on a dynamometer and a chance to drive a virtual Mustang in the “Need for Speed” video game

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the world’s first pony car ahead of Auto China 2014, Ford is giving an exclusive preview of the all-new Ford Mustang at a special event in Beijing.

Ford Mustang: Behind the Legend is being held just two days after Ford recreated a famous stunt from 1965 by taking a brand new Ford Mustang apart and reassembling it on the 86th floor observation deck of New York’s Empire State Building. In addition to marking 50 years of an iconic brand, the event in Beijing celebrates the Ford Mustang’s imminent arrival in China in early 2015.

“I can’t think of a better way to kick off Auto China 2014 – in China’s Year of the Horse – than to celebrate 50 years of Mustang as we prepare to bring this iconic car to China,” said John Lawler, chairman and CEO of Ford China. “The Ford Mustang embodies the emotions at the center of our brand, and stands for the spirit of freedom and optimism in every Ford vehicle.”

Ford is offering a number of interactive experiences to give guests a chance to enjoy the Mustang spirit for themselves, including an opportunity to be among the first people in the world to “ride” in a new Mustang. Sitting in the passenger seat of an all-new Mustang mounted on a dynamometer, guests at the special event can see for themselves the aviation-inspired cockpit while hearing and feeling the power of the car’s 5.0-liter V8 engine.

The iconic Mustang has starred in more than 3,000 TV shows and movies since its launch, including the recent Hollywood blockbuster, “Need for Speed,” which was based on the hugely popular video game series of the same name. Ford has set up Need for Speed gaming stations at the Beijing event, giving guests the chance to show off their driving skills in a virtual Mustang.

The Mustang’s arrival in China in 2015 will mark another step toward Ford’s fulfillment of its promise to bring 15 new vehicles to the country – the world’s largest auto market – by 2015.

“By bringing the Mustang to China, we’re opening a new chapter in its history, and the history of our company,” said Lawler. “More than 9 million Mustangs have been sold since its first launch 50 years ago. We can’t wait to see what the next 50 years bring as we introduce the original pony car to more enthusiasts around the world.”