Classic Mustang History

Classic Mustang History

On April 13, 1964, the first Ford Mustang was seen racing in the American Grand Prix races. The people instantly fell in love with this sporty and aggressive new car, and they all wanted one. Officially debuting in the World Exhibition of New York, the Ford Mustang was received by open arms and welcoming checks of future owners.

This all-new car was designed by Ford to compete with the sport cars of Chevrolet and Dodge/ Chrysler/ Plymouth in the market for affordable sports cars ranging in power. The first Ford Mustang had three engine choices ranging from a 105hp I6, to a 164hp V8, to a 271hp monster V8. Ford had the options of coupe and convertible body styles for the first Mustang, and the classic retro wheel covers and three vertical taillights were standard styling. In 1964, $2,400 could buy you a standard Mustang, and for twice the money, you could have the top of the line in interior and exterior options on the big V8! The new Mustang was so popular 22,000 sold on the first day, over 100,000 were sold by the first four months, nearly 420,000 were sold by the end of the first year, and the 1,000,000th Mustang rolled out of Dearborn, MI in 1966!

1965 was a huge step for the Ford Mustang. In 1965, Ford introduced the first Fastback Mustang model, which included a more aggressively slanted rear window line. In April, 1965, Ford introduced the GT Mustang, which stands for grand touring. An upgraded I6 and a new carbureted V8 replaced the three engine choices from 1964, but the GT350 came out with an underrated 306hp! With over 500,000 units selling in 1965, the Ford Mustang has written its name on Ford’s popularity list.

1966 was a year of cosmetic detailing for the Mustang. New choices of interior colors and materials were options, and the drive trains stayed the same. The Mustang was now a permanent seat on the Ford team.

In 1967, Ford changed the exterior styling to that of the popular “Eleanor Mustang.“ With elongated body lines, a more aggressively larger grill and air scoops, and the sleek fastback styling, the 1967 Ford Mustang’s looks finally lived up to its potential in power. With the help of Carroll Shelby, Ford was able to make a powerfully performing and styling Mustang at an affordable price to the everyday average person.

In 1968, Ford introduced the California Special Mustang, whit a more race friendly interior including a larger and more symmetrical gauge cluster. 1968 was the last year of the smaller mustangs in the classic era, because in 1969, the Mustang gained weight and power!

The 1969 Ford Mustang, coming in at 4 inches longer than the previous model, also had some cosmetic changes in the grill area and lighting. Aside from cosmetics, the 1969 Ford Mustang received a much appreciated boost in performance. The Mustang Grande, Mach 1, Boss 302, and Boss 429 all debuted this year. The Grande was a luxury oriented Mustang to attract the more upscale drivers, however, the Mach 1 was track and race inspired with a monster Windsor engine, flat black hood, and classic stripes. The Boss 302 was Ford’s ticket into Trans-Am racing with the Mustang. Needing to sell 1,000 units in production before competing, Ford had no problem giving these beasts to the public. The Boss 429 was the beast Ford was racing in NASCAR.

Growing another three inches for 1971-1973, Ford was planning on dropping big block v8s into the Mustang. With the fuel crisis unloading on the nation, however, these plans changed. Power dropped in this year with smog and emissions testing, and Ford used luxury to keep attracting young buyers. With more heavy emissions testing and smog control, the big V8 was dropped in 1972, and power again went down. Ford also began using net hp ratings in 1972 to make insurance lower for the buyer. 1973 called for better government crash results, and a heavier bumper was installed onto the Ford Mustang, making this baby weigh in at 3800 lbs.

Engine Options for Classic Mustangs by Model Year