The History of the Ford Mustang: From Classic to Modern
The History of the Ford Mustang: From Classic to Modern
Posted on May 23, 2023
Early in the 1960s, General Manager and Vice President of Ford, Lee Lococca, wanted to create a car for the youth based on the Falcon. The 1965 Ford Mustang was created in record time and on a limited budget. It was introduced in April 1964 at the World Fair and received instant acclaim.
While Ford planned to sell just 100,000 pieces in the first year, they were surprised when dealerships sold over 22,000 pieces on the very first day. This gave birth to a new generation of automobiles, also known as pony cars.
First-Generation
The 1965 model was marketed as the original Mustang, although there were several changes made to the car since 1964. The early Mustangs were called the 1064 1/2 models, and cars after August were called late 1965s. The Mustang launched in notchback and convertible body styles, and the fastback joined the lineup in late 1965.
Ford sold a total of 681,000 units of the 1965 and 1964 1/2 models. This was seven times more than what Ford predicted. The original came with a 4.3L V8 engine.
Growth
The first major change to the Mustang happened in 1967. It grew longer, wider, and taller. This was mainly done to install a big-block engine. It had a 6.4L V8 engine that delivered a horsepower of 289.
More Growth
The Mustang continued getting bigger in 1969. It became longer and wider. However, no change was made to the wheelbase. New models were introduced - namely the Boss Homologation and Mach models. Ford further restyled the Mustang in 1970 as the sales began dipping.
In 1971, the Mustang grew even more. However, sales continued to drop, and most automakers had ditched their pony cars by this time, but Ford had other plans.
Shrinking Mustang II
Many complained that the Mustang had become fatter. However, that was all about to change. 1974 saw the introduction of the Mustang II. It was a sub-compact sedan and available as a hatchback or notchback. It came in two engine choices and was pitched as an upscale economy car.
The Fox
In 1979, Ford moved the Mustang on a new platform known as the Fox. It offered a new 2.3L engine with the base model.
Aero
By the time 1987 arrived, Ford revealed stunning aero-themed styling for the Mustang. It featured flush headlights and brand new interiors. Ford had dropped the V6 engine by now and focused just on V8 engines.
Back To The Roots
1994 saw the Mustang available in a jelly bean shape to appeal to the next generation. It came with a tuned suspension and better handling. It came with a 4.9L V8 engine that delivered 215 hp.
Retro Style
In 2005, Ford changed the look of the Mustang with a square shaped look. Ford ditched the Fox platform after 25 years, and the V6 engine was brought back.
Modern Day
In 2015, Ford revealed the latest Mustang as part of the 50th-anniversary celebration. It came with a new 2.3L turbocharged engine that delivered 310 horsepower. In 2018, Ford changed the styling, and the V6 engine was dropped once again. In 2019, Ford introduced the Mustang Mach-E, a four-door electric crossover.