One of the treasures within the Archives photographic collection is more than 350,000 styling negatives.

Stored in our temperature-controlled vault, these negatives show the design process, from beginning to end, of all of our vehicles dating from the mid-1950s through the turn of the 21st century. They also show design clays, seating bucks, design drawings, and all the other elements that were used to create our classic cars.

The bulk of the negatives are in black and white.

With the growing use of AI, we decided to explore how we could use the technology to bring these black and white images to life, starting with some variations of the Ford Mustang. What would the Mustang I concept car look like interpreted with 2026 vibrant colors?

With that challenge in mind, we chose a few of our favorites for your viewing pleasure. While Wimbledon White is the color of VIN #1 and the 10 millionth Mustang, it is interesting to see '60s styling with today’s colors.

Let us know what you think of the (proposed but never realized) first-generation four-door Mustang in Intense Lime Yellow Metallic. This clay is from January of 1963, but obviously never made it to production.

How about the variation on a 1966 Fastback in Grabber Blue Metallic? Personally, I prefer the Fastback that was chosen, but the team explored all the options in the design process.

Another Mustang concept in Race Red from 1966 has always reminded me a bit of the Gran Torino with the stylized rear end.

The Mustang I concept was created, well two of them anyway, and were taken to college campuses to measure the appeal of a sporty car to the coming generation. This version in Orange Fury Metallic Tri-coat is certainly an attention grabber! Personally, I prefer the original in white with a blue racing stripe.

Have thoughts on any of these or ideas about what we should explore next? Drop us a line at fromtheroad@ford.com.

Ted Ryan is heritage brand manager and archivist at Ford.