Ford Media Center

Uniting Art and Pop Culture Icons: Ford Mustang and Burton Morris Studios Launch Global Art Collaboration

  • Mustang Unites brings together pop artist Burton Morris and Ford Mustang to create a unique art collection featuring the car’s globally recognizable pony badge
  • Collection celebrates Mustang’s global expansion; for the first time in its 50-year history, Mustang will be available outside the United States to customers in more than 120 countries

Ford Motor Company celebrates Mustang’s influence on pop culture and its official entry into global markets with a one-of-a-kind art collaboration with the Burton Morris Studios featuring the popular Mustang pony emblem.

Through the Mustang Unites program, renowned pop artist Burton Morris will hand paint and sculpt a series of 10 unique Mustang pony emblems. Each art piece will be emblazoned with the flag of one of 10 countries and will feature Morris’ signature stylistic, energetic pop art.

“No matter where you are in the world, the Mustang pony is one of the most recognizable emblems,” says Elizabeth McKelvey, licensing marketing manager, Ford Global Brand Licensing. “As we celebrate 50 years of Mustang as an iconic sports car, we are marking the milestone with a creative art collaboration representing its debut in international markets.”

Each piece in the collection will feature the flag of one of 10 countries where Mustang is or will be sold: the United States, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

MustangUnites_BurtonMorris

Transforming icons into pop art
Morris is best known for his bold, graphic pop art depictions of various modern icons. His subject matter includes everyday objects that portray popular culture, including his signature coffee cup with a steam plume from the hit television show “Friends,” and global sports events like the FIFA World Cup. His distinctive style is characterized by radiant black outlines and vivid colors that emit energy in all of his artwork, much of which can be viewed on his website at www.BurtonMorris.com.

“As Ford Mustang celebrates 50 years, it has become a symbol of pop culture with the pony being one of the most recognizable icons worldwide,” says Morris. “I am thrilled to have my paintings be a part of Mustang Unites and celebrate Mustang around the world.”

In addition to the original sculptures, the Mustang Unites collection will include limited-edition paper and aluminum prints and posters. The collection will be available globally starting Sept. 17 at www.MustangUnites.com.

“In partnering with Burton Morris, we hope to bring together Mustang, art and pop culture in a very unique way, and capture the spirit and emotion of the iconic pony car that connects owners, fans and enthusiasts from around the world,” says McKelvey.

A global pop culture icon
Mustang’s impact goes well beyond the more than 9.2 million cars sold in its 50 years of continuous production. It has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and is the most-liked vehicle on Facebook, with close to 8 million likes.

The addition of a right-hand-drive Mustang to Ford’s global vehicle lineup will allow the iconic pony car to be exported to more than 25 right-hand-drive markets around the world, including the United Kingdom, Australia and South Africa.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams.  The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty.  Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services.  The company does that through three customer-centered business segments:  Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs.  Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.  Ford employs about 174,000 people worldwide.  More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.