Remember when the Ford Mustang was a uniquely American phenomenon – one that those abroad could never really "get" (even if they could actually buy one)? Well those times are long behind us. Now in its sixth generation, the altogether more modern Mustang is a world-beater. In fact it's the best-selling sports coupe in the world, and has been for the past four years running.

With the numbers now tabulated from 2018, Ford sold 113,066 of its pony cars around the world. And while the bulk of those stayed in the United States, export markets clearly did their part.

"We broke the mold when Ford launched the Mustang 55 years ago," crowed Ford president Jim Farley. "Nothing says freedom, the wind in your hair and the joy of driving like Mustang; it's an icon. The roar of its V8 on a spring day, there's nothing better. No wonder it's the most popular sports coupe in the world."

With 75,842 units sold, the Mustang to be the best-selling sports car in the US, according to Ford's own sales figures. But with the model now available in 146 countries around the world, the numbers compiled by IHS Markit confirm the pony-car's global domination.

Sales went up worldwide by half a point last year, helping the Mustang seize a 15.4-percent market share. That makes for over half a million of the current model sold since its introduction in 2015 (and over 10 million in its entire history) – thanks in no small part to the arrival of the new Bullitt Mustang, sales of which exceeded projections by 25 percent.

The news comes as Ford and its fans celebrate National Mustang Day, marking 55 years since the original launched in 1964.