Few cars carry the cultural weight of the Ford Mustang. From silver screens and TV shows to drag strips and race circuits, the Mustang has not only survived nearly six decades — it has thrived, evolving through generations while staying true to its muscle-car soul. That legacy was on full display at the 2026 Canberra Mustang Show, set against the lush, manicured lawns of Vikings Park, a venue that continues to prove itself as the perfect backdrop for a serious car show.
Despite being greeted by classic Canberra overcast skies and persistent rain, the weather did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of Mustang owners and fans alike. The faithful turned out in force, proving once again that passion for the Blue Oval pony runs deeper than surface shine.
A Show with Heart
Run entirely by volunteers from the Mustang Club of the ACT, the event is about far more than polished paint and V8 burble. The show proudly raises funds for Bosom Buddies ACT, a grassroots charity that for over 30 years has provided personalised, on-the-ground support for people affected by breast cancer across Canberra and surrounding NSW. Operated by volunteers — many of them breast cancer survivors — Bosom Buddies has supported hundreds of locals, making the Mustang Show a meaningful blend of motoring passion and community spirit.
Six Decades of Mustang Muscle
From the timeless classics of the 1960s right through all seven generations, the field was a rolling timeline of Mustang history. Early fastbacks, convertibles and Mach 1s sat proudly alongside modern heavy hitters including the latest Mach 1, Dark Horse, and even a current Shelby.
One of the standout feature displays was the new Mustang Challenge race car, set to hit Australian circuits this year — a clear signal that Mustang performance continues to evolve both on road and track.
Crowd favourites came in many forms. A Fox-body Mustang dressed in full US Sheriff livery was a magnet for kids (and more than a few grown-ups), while the iconic Boss 302 fastback stirred the emotions of those who grew up idolising the halo muscle cars of the late ’60s and early ’70s.
Modern Mustangs made a strong showing too. The Mach-E, along with a wide variety of recent Australian-delivered Mustangs, highlighted just how personal these cars can be, with owners embracing customisation to make each build uniquely their own.
Class Winners: A Snapshot of Mustang Diversity
The day’s class winners perfectly showcased the breadth of machinery on display:
- People’s Choice Award – Cameron Whitnall – 1969 Mach 1 Fastback
- Longest Distance Travelled – Robert Mason – 1966 Blue Convertible (driven from Tasmania)
- 1964.5 – 1966 – Andrew & Olivia Charlton – 1965 Cream Fastback
- 1967 – 1968 – Bob Taylor – 1968 Grey Fastback
- 1969 – 1970 – Phillip Nicholson – 1969 Silver Jade Mach 1 Fastback
- 1971 – 1973 – Craig White – 1971 Mach 1 Fastback
- 1974 – 1993 – David Burnett – 1988 Regatta Blue LX Special Service Pack
- 1994 – 2004 – Lachlan Cooke – 1996 Black Coupe
- 2005 – 2014 – Wayne Patterson – 2008 Silver Shelby Cobra KR
- 2015 – 2023 – Tim Jameson – 2021 Fighter Jet Grey Mach 1 Coupe
- 2024 – Present – Colin Broadbent – 2024 Rapid Red Shelby Super Snake
- Mach-E – Charmaine Lim – Pink-wrapped 2023 Mach-E
One for the Calendar
Rain or shine, the Canberra Mustang Show once again proved why it’s a must-see event for enthusiasts of the iconic muscle car. With community, charity and car culture coming together so seamlessly, it’s a credit to the Mustang Club of the ACT and its tireless volunteers.
Keep your eyes peeled for 2027 dates — if you love Mustangs, this is one show you don’t want to miss.
