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Iacocca, 84, has teamed up with designer Michael Leone and Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters to construct a new body for the Mustang Iacocca calls a "2009 1/2" model, a reference to Ford's naming the first Mustang a "1964 1/2" model, because it was introduced late in the year, USA Today reported Monday.

Only 45 of the commemorative edition Mustangs will be built and all will be sold through Galpin Ford in Los Angeles, the largest Ford dealer in the world, the newspaper said.

Bert Boeckman, owner of the dealership, said he was willing to handle the sale because Iacocca "made a lot of money for me", over the years.

The 2009 1/2 model will be equipped with a five-speed transmission and standard 320 horsepower Ford 4.6-liter V-8 engine. There is a 400 horsepower option engine.

Iaccoca, who revived Chrysler Corp. in the 1980s, said the run of 45 cars "won't change the world", but it was time to have a bit of fun.

"All the talk about bankruptcy and bailouts -- the mood is so gloomy on cars", he said.

"We'll have some fun. It feels good", he said.

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