The iconic Ford Mustang has reached its 50th birthday, and the largest gathering of racing models ever in the UK is being planned to mark the occasion.

More than 25 race-prepared Mustangs are being assembled for the Silverstone Classic event on July 25 to 27. Among the cars entered for the race there are several famous models from the cars early days in the 1960s, as well as many that are regularly raced today in historic competitions.

As well as the on-track action, the organisers of the three-day meeting at the Silverstone circuit will be celebrating the Mustang in all its many forms with car displays and parades.

Rachel Bailey, who is putting the event together, said: “We hope to attract more than 25 racing Mustangs and that will be the biggest gathering ever assembled on one grid. News about the Mustang’s 50th birthday bash is stirring up interest worldwide and we already have cars being shipped from the US and are expecting several other significant cars from around the world.

“To see so many amazing Mustangs in action is going to be a really fitting tribute to the original muscle car.”