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For most automotive lovers, the Mustang is thought of to be one of the best. But what transpired to make this happen? Well, it all started back in spring of 1964. Ford's General Manager, Lee Iacocca, always thought of making a middle sized sports car and endorsing it as the next big thing in street wars. But Ford decided to go all the way and conceive an all new brand of automobile. What became of Iacocca's initial thought is the "Pony Car". It was designed, at first, as a two-passenger following the European-style, but a business-savvy Iacocca knew that the failure or success of this new model depended on quantity sales. Thus the design was sharpened further and the Ford Mustang was designed after the Falcon, which was smaller in design, so that production costs could be reduced. This new vehicle was first named P-51, after the famous fighter plane. But, quite a number of similarities were made to the Mustang, a breed of equine and it ultimately became both hallmark and motif to the cars. True to its namesake, the Mustang sold 22,000 units on the very first day of it's introduction and went on to sell a million more within the next couple of years thus gaining the regard of both the industry and car enthusiasts during that time.
By the time 1966 came rolling in, the Mustang evolved a little more. They changed the design of the gauge cluster to differentiate the Mustang from the Falcon. The 260 cubic inch V8 was also substituted with 2 and 4 barrel types of the 289 cid V8. The next year, a total revampment transpired in the design of the Mustang, these alterations include a bulkier sheet metal below its midsection, a more menacing grille, a hollow tail panel, and a fastback roof line for the fastback model of the vehicle's body. These 1967 Shelby's were more advanced in terms of design. It also had more elements that provided luxury to the passenger. The 1967 Shelby's were the last to be designed by the Shelby-American Company. All other models that were made after were built by Ford with minimal involvement for Shelby. In 1968, the Mustang experienced some more changes. The grille was altered into something simpler and its 427 engines were scaled back but even still, they were more than able to get people's eye when racing down the streets. Also in the same year was when Ford unveiled what was to be their most infamous engine ever. The 428 Cobra Jet, as it was called, was said to have an output of 410 bhp. The Shelby's were still in production and a new design, a convertible, was also made available. This convertible design was called the Shelby Cobra.
Through the following years of 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972 and 1973 more adjustments were done to the original Mustang blueprint. In 1969, the Shelby's that were made became more noted for being a luxury car. The Boss Mustangs were also introduced the same year. These Boss Mustangs were made to qualify for the NASCAR races. By 1970, people still preferred the Cobra engine to the other engines that were coming out during that time. By 1971, Ford's decades of being a definitive performance vehicle were drawing to a close. This would also be the only year that Ford's performance was considered to be fading. In 1973, a number of mistakes and changes in the rules required changes to the design of the Mustang as well. This time, what used to be a car built for high performance debuted a new model, the Mustang II, with no claims to anything as marvelous as what its ancestors had been. ---------- Eric Buck has been an eager car fan all his life, growing up having direct participation with his father's car franchises. Many have said that motor oil has replaced blood coursing through his veins! He has created a website for you to find the lowest prices and best selection of classic Mustangs for sale on the internet. Check it out at =>http://www.MustangsForSale.info and discover the Mustang of your dreams!
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» left by Robert Melaccio, Sr.(6,317) Robert Melaccio, Sr. (134 days 16 hours ago.)
For me the very first Mustang is it, period. I'll never forget the first one my buddy drove down to our hang spot. Simple but appealing. After that it became just another car. It was meant to serve a specific purpose and then,
well like all the rest everybody got their hands into it. Now you know something a revisit to that design, pure and simple, basic dash, two seats front, short back end with some upgraded safety and fuel systems and Ford just may have a car again that was meant for the young and really all. Respond to this comment
» left by Eric Buck (134 days 12 hours ago.)
Thank you, Mr. Melaccio, Sr., for your comment! I love the first Mustangs too. A friend had a 1965 and it was so beautiful.
I'm continually amazed at how the classic Mustangs go up in value. They sure are a great investment!!
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