America's Muscle Car: The History and Evolution Ford Mustang

Ford Motor Company has manufactured the American-made Mustang, a sporty two door coupe or convertible, seating four, with a lengthy hood and smaller trunk for over forty years. Ford helped establish the pony car class with the Mustang and is the last of its breed.

The sporty Mustang has evolved into a vehicle integrating vintage style with new features. Popular from the start this automobile continues to see high sales today. Mustang convertibles are a long-time favorite at parades, with the queen and/or king waving at 'fans' from their perch on the truck.

History and Evolution of the Ford Mustang

1964-1973 (first generation)

The first Ford Mustang went on the market in April of 1964, marketed as "the car designed by you". These models have 1965 VIN's and many debate what to call this pony car - the 1964 ½ or 1965 model. Mustang lovers would recognize the difference. The first Mustang was equipped with a generator and 260 cubic inch V8 engine. This changed in 1965 when alternators replaced generators and the V8 was upgraded to 289 cubic inches. You could order your Mustang as plain, fast, fancy and/or economical as you wanted.

From its inception to present, the Mustang has won many racing championships. Cosmetic features were enhanced in 1966. The first major redesign took place in 1967 with an increase in length and height of the body along with and extended roof line. The Cobra Jet engine was introduced in 1968. The Boss model was released in 1969, offering a fresh style with a new Sports Roof and longer body and a Windsor V8 engine.

The Mustang was redesigned two inches longer and wider in 1971. The Boss models were discontinued due to government fuel regulations and the 351HO model was introduced in 1972. A smaller style was produced in 1973 (the ugliest Mustang in my opinion) and would be the last Mustang convertible for many years.

1974-1994 (second - fourth generations)

The sleek and sporty pony car became more fuel efficient ten years after its introduction due to stricter pollution and emission laws. The 1974 Mustang II (second generation) did not have the iconic V8 engine or convertible option and was 19 inches shorter than the 1973 model. The V8 returned in 1975 with an automatic transmission.

In 1979, fifteen years after the very first Mustang, the new model was released as a coupe or hatchback. During the 80's the Mustang did not undergo any impressive improvements but was a popular police car. The convertible was released in 1983. I owned a 1987 model and was pleased with its power and longevity. The Ford Mustang enhanced its design and revisited its slick sports car roots in 1994, bringing back the convertible model. The 2004 model marked Mustang's 40^th anniversary and included the convertible and V6 or V8 options.

The Latest Ford Mustang Models (fifth generation)

The newest 2010 Mustang is HOT! With the signature V8, convertible option, long hood and short trunk, the latest Ford Mustang is sweet and costs between $22,000 to 52,000 depending on features. The Mustang has always offered the driver many options to choose. Engine size is important in a muscle car. The 2010 model offers the choice of a 4.6 liter V8 or 4 liter V6 engine.

The Mustang has been tagged as the Car of Tomorrow for Nascar's Nationwide Series 2010. The 2011 models are highly anticipated and like the 2010's include V8 and V6 options. The Mustang has been around for 46 years, has proven to be a quality vehicle and I would consider buying the new model or an older one for this reason.

Sources:
¹ History of the Ford Mustang, Classic Pony Cars

²Forty Years of Mustang Milestones, TheAutoChannel

³Ford Mustang, Wikipedia

⁴2010 Mustang, Ford Motor Company