Mustang History

In 1962, Ford realized that the Baby Boomers were coming of age and that they would be hungry for a stylish, and sporty car with a low entry-level price. (Ford.com. 2022) The Ford Mustang was introduced to the world at a press conference held at the New York World’s Fair on April 17, 1964. Within four months more than 100,000 Mustangs had been sold. More than 420,000 were sold in the first calendar year. The millionth Mustang was made on March 2, 1966. (Ford.com. 2022)

1964.5-1973 the First-Generation Mustang was available as a coupe, fastback, and convertible. It faced competition from many Pony Cars and Muscle cars that were introduced. The base engine was an inline six, but it could be optioned with a V8 engine (GT, Mach 1, Boss 302, Boss 351, Boss 429, Shelby GT350, Shelby GT500). Ford responded by having each redesign grow larger to accommodate larger V8 engines. At the end of that classic era, they had become too big, heavy, and guzzled too much gasoline. Ford realized that this trend would end and that the Mustang would have to adapt. (ClassicMustang.com 2022)

References

Ford.com. 2022. A MARKET LOOKING FOR A CAR. Ford.com

ClassicMustang.com. 2022. 1971 Mustangs: Ford - The Top Muscle Car Engine Manufacturer (classicmustang.com)

1974-1978 the Second Generation Mustang was available as a coupe, hatchback, and T-Top. It was called the Mustang II. It was downsized at the right time. The base engine was a 4-cylinder, but it could be optioned with a V6 (Mach 1) or V8 engine (Cobra II and King Cobra). October 1973- March 1974 the Oil Crisis caused gas prices to quadruple! Americans were looking for smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. The Mustang II was smaller and slower, but they were a hit with buyers. The sales nearly tripled the 1973 sales numbers. The Mustang II was also named Motor Trend's Car of the Year. (TheMustangSource.com 2022)

References

TheMustangSource.com 2022. Timeline: 1974 Mustang - The Mustang Source

1979-1993, the Third Generation Mustang was available as a coupe, hatchback, and a convertible. It is referred to as the Fox Body, since it was built on the Fox platform which it shared with many other cars made by Ford. The base engine was a 4-cylinder, but it could be optioned with a turbocharged 4-cylinder (GT Turbo, Cobra, SVO), or 5.0 V8 engine (Cobra, LX, and GT). The Fox Body Mustang abandoned traditional styling for a lighter, more aerodynamic boxy, wedge-shaped European style. During those years, the 5.0 V8 slowly started to increase in power. The front-engine Ford Probe that was introduced in 1989 was supposed to be the next Mustang. However, fan backlash saved the Mustang.

1994-2004 the Fourth Generation Mustang (code named SN95) was available as a coupe and a convertible. Its styling was wider, more modern, and more aerodynamic look while incorporating many classic design cues from Mustangs of the past. It upgraded to 5-lug wheels and rear disc brakes. The base engine was a V6, but it could be optioned with a V8. The 5.0 V8 was eventually replaced by the 4.6 2-valve V8 (GT, Bullitt) and a 4.6 4-valve V8 (Cobra, Mach 1). It even gave birth to the SVT "Terminator" Cobra with a supercharged 4.6 4-valve V8.

2005-2014 the Fifth Generation Mustang (code named S197) was available as a coupe and a convertible. It had a "retro-futuristic" style. The S197 sold over 1 million units since its 49th birthday on April 17, 2013.(Williams, A. 2013) It was so successful that the Dodge Challenger (2008) and the Chevy Camaro (2010) were resurrected to compete in a second coming of the horsepower wars with each manufacturer trying to outdo the other. The base engine in the Mustang was a V6. The 4.6 3-valve "Mod" V8 in the GT, California Special, and Bullitt was eventually replaced with a 5.0 "Coyote" V8 in the GT and the 5.0 "Road Runner" V8 Boss 302. The Shelby GT500 returned with larger supercharged 5.4 and 5.8 V8s.

References

Williams, A. 2013.Fifth-Generation Ford Mustang Evolution (motortrend.com)

2015-2023 the Sixth Generation Mustang (code named S550) is available as a fastback and convertible. Ford continued to refine the Mustang into a modern-day sports car with Independent Rear Suspension. The base engine V6 was eventually replaced with an “Ecoboost” twin-turbo, four-cylinder engine. V8s powered high-performance variants, 5.0 "Coyote" GT, Bullitt, Mach 1, 5.2 flat-plane-crank "Voodoo" Shelby GT350, supercharged 5.2 "Predator" Shelby GT500. In 2021, Ford decided to expand brand of the Mustang to include an electric, 4-door, SUV; the Ford Mustang Mach-e.

Pony cars and muscle cars may be on the endangered species list. All Ford cars except for the Mustang have been replaced by SUVs. Dodge announced the “Last Call” for Hemi-powered Challengers and Chargers for the 2023 model year. (Miller, R.S. 2022) The Camaro may only be around for one last model year, 2024. (White, E. 2023)

In 2024 the Seventh Generation Mustang (code named S650) will be available as a fastback, and convertible. Ford shocked the world by staying the course and bringing back an upgraded “Ecoboost” 4-cylinder engine and a more powerful 5.0 V8 Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). Ford even introduced another more track-ready performance variant, the Dark Horse. We are witnessing the end of an era and the dawn of a new one. For now, Mustang buyers have a choice between the traditional gas-powered Mustang and the electric SUV Ford Mustang Mach-e.

References

Miller, R.S. 2022. Dodge//SRT Announced “Last Call” For HEMI Cars Going Into 2023 Model Year! (moparinsiders.com)

White, E. 2023. It’s the End of Chevrolet’s Camaro as We Know It (autoweek.com)