In January of 1949, almost a year before Volkswagen introduced its Transporter (VW bus) to the world's press, people in Tacoma were viewing a strikingly similar vehicle, the Mustang "Teardrop," at Fisher's department store. Made by Mustang Engineering Corporation in Renton, the streamlined, aerodynamic vehicle featured a 4-cylinder Hercules rear engine, hydraulic 4-wheel brakes, swivel seats, split front window with dual windshield wipers, round Mustang logo, protective front bumper grill, and projecting driver's side mirror. Young Ronnie Warter, at the wheel, and passenger Elizabeth Fynboe envision what it would be like to take the Teardrop on the road with its cruising speed of 65 m.p.h. TPL-6191 (T. Times, 1/2/49, p. 6).

Automobiles--Tacoma--1940-1950; Prototypes; Mustang; Mustang Engineering Corp. (Renton); Department stores--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fisher's Department Store (Tacoma); Walter, Ronnie; Fynboe, Elizabeth;