Mustang a hit in 1964, with ups and downs through 62 years... mostly ups.
A sporty ladies car quickly evolves into a competent road car or a fire breather.
Longest running production car. 1964 1/2 was the designated name for the first Mustangs which were produced at the Rouge plant in Michigan. Only 121,538 units of this first group were given the 1964 1/2 designation. After a few early changes for 1965, V8s from 160 to 289 ci, 6 cylinders from 170 to 200 ci, alternators replace generators. Offered initially as a sporty ladies car, yet sales boomed. One million were sold within 18 months. Now after 62 years, it's seen many revisions (seven generations), but it's still in character as a sporty two-door hard top or ragtop.
Based on the compact Ford Falcon, the Mustang incorporated many available Ford components, mostly from the Falcon and Fairlane models.
Right. 1968 Mustang KR 350 from Carrol Shelby. Monster 428 ci Cobra Jet made 335 hp (actual about 400 hp).
How short a period to make the lady's grocery getter into an all out muscle car. This was just the start for Mustang's sport to race era.
2014-2023 Mustang - Refined ... offered worldwide
Mustang - with exceptions delivered the goods for over 60 years
2017 Mustang GT Premium. 6th Generation Mustang. (2014-2023) Now sells globally with Right Hand steering, Independent rear suspension on all models and choice of 2.3L 4-cylinder turbo, 3.7L V6, or 5.0L "Coyote" V8. This 2017 model at $34,095 with the 435 hp Coyote V8, a great deal no doubt.
Gearheads strongly prefer the "Coyote" V8, but you're talking car guys. The Gen 6 does (2018-2023 in particular) appear to be the go-to choice for late model Mustang buyers.
Mustangs had some less than stellar years ...
Mustang Mach I, Cleveland motor, side scoops ...
This 1969 Mach 1 with the favored 351 Windsor V8. The chin spoiler, hood and side scoops, latching pins and rear window louvers made for great appearance.
Mustang I and II. The Mustang got beefier and larger into the 70s. The oil crisis hit in 1973, with it the Mustang II. Smaller in an attempt to meet the demands of the oil crisis. For Mustang fans this was the "malaise era", early 1970s to the mid 1980s. Mustang II's were built from 1974 to 78. The standard 2.3L 4-cylinder made only 88 hp. A V6 and the 302 V8 were offered in some models. Late in 1975 a MPG model was introduced; the 2.3L 4-cylinder with a longer axle ratio made this Mustang truly a poor performer.
The 3th generation, 1979-1993, an all new angular and lighter set up known as the Fox Body. The 5.0 L V8 showed up with hp ranging from 140 to 225 in 1987.
Steve McQueens, 1968 GT Mustang Fastback in Highland Green (Reproduction). Detective Frank Bullitt, hunting his suspect chased the streets of SanFrancisco in this car. Two identical Mustangs were used in the filming which is credited with a historic car chase scene that takes up 10 minutes of the film. The 302 ci V8s made 350 hp.
Take your pick.
Daily driver, Luxury Ride, Rag Top, electric ...
An easy choice sporty car. The 5.0 Liter Mustang, equipped as you like is a go to sporty car. Appealing to a broad range of buyers, many model and equipment choices are presented to buyers. Motor head or not, the Mustang is well regarded.
2003 SVT Mustang. First Supercharged Mustang, 390 hp DOHC V8 with Tremec 6-speed manual transmission, said to be capable of 175+ mph.
Carroll Shelby onto the scene ...
So who was Carroll Shelby ...
Carroll Shelby (1923-2012). Business man, race car driver, life-long auto enthusiast is best known for partnering with Ford and winning four LeMans 24-hour races 1966/67/68/69, no other American team has managed.
1n 1961 Shelby worked with Ford to power an AC Cobra racer (an English company), regarded as one of the best race cars of all time. While only 75 were made (1962-65), there have been several replica Cobra manufactures, in several countries. The Ford 289 engine with aluminum or fiberglass bodies.
This photo is of an original Cobra with the 427ci power plant taken at Gilmore Auto Museum Michigan.