Making a Legend: All You Need to Know About Ford Mustang History

Making a Legend: All You Need to Know About Ford Mustang History

There's no mistaking it - the Ford Mustang is a truly iconic car. Read on to learn all about the history of the famous car and how it’s evolved over time.

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Over 10 million Ford Mustangs have rolled off the assembly line since its introduction over 50 years ago. The Mustang has a rich history and a strong legion of fans without a doubt. 

When you buy a Mustang, it isn't just like buying an everyday car and commuting to work. It's about hearing the revving of the engine as you start it up and being thrown back in your seat as you accelerate around turns. 

Keep reading to learn more about the over 50 years of Ford Mustang history. 

Galloping onto the Scene 

Ford introduced the first Mustang to Americans at the World's Fair in 1964. Ford perfectly timed this debut by rolling out new models onto showroom floors the very same day. Buyers liked what they saw, and about 22,000 were immediately bought. 

While one of the most associated thoughts with the word “Mustang” is running wild ponies, this isn't actually where the car got its name from. In actuality, it was named after a World War II fighter plane. 

Car buyers made their opinions known at the time, and they liked what they saw. Over 400,000 cars sold that first year alone.

The Working Man's Car 

The idea behind the Mustang was that it would be an affordable alternative to the Thunderbird. Can you believe that the first models were just $2,300?! 

Today a woman who was one of the first to buy the car says hers is now worth $350,000. That's quite the investment. 

At the time, there were three options for body style - hardtop, fastback, or convertible - and each had two doors. For transmission, you could choose a three-speed manual or automatic, or the four-speed manual. 

Hollywood Debut

The Mustang quickly integrated into American culture by appearing in high profile movies like Goldfinger and Bullitt. Since then there are hundreds of movies that feature Mustangs. 

Here’s a fun fact for you. Remember that 2000 car movie Gone in 60 Seconds? It features a 1967 Mustang dubbed "Eleanor." 

The First Generation from 1964 to 1973

After such a successful launch, Ford was off and rolling with the Mustang. The first generation was what we call a "pony car." You'll recognize them for the short backends, long hoods, and sporty coupe style. This design is what influenced the Camaro, Barracuda, Firebird, and Challenger. 

Later models grew in size to have larger bodies but didn't grow in engine size or power. Ford wanted to give the car a tougher look and allow for a big block to drop in. 

The Half Generation

An industry standard for car reveals is manufacturers coming out with new models in September. This wasn't acceptable for the Mustang though. 

Ford wanted to surprise people and make a statement to the world. They achieved this by unveiling the Mustang months earlier in April. These early cars had 1965 VINs but are dubbed the “1964-½” generation. 

The First Shelby 

Carroll Shelby is famous for his work with Ford to design a special model of Mustang that has since been dubbed the Shelby Mustang. Before Ford, he was an established race car driver. 

1965 saw the production of the first Shelby Mustang. It took the claim of being the first mass-produced car that was also ready for the track for class B racing. 

The Mustang had 306 horsepower pumped out of a 289 cubic inch modified K-Code engine. You could only buy it in the distinctive Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue rocker stripes at the time - talk about making a statement!

The Second Generation from 1974 to 1978

Following the oil crisis in 1973, Ford unveiled a smaller, lighter model. This version of the car was supposed to be more fuel efficient. 

This new model was a bit of a letdown thanks to new US emissions and safety standards. The car was the smallest yet, but also the heaviest. 

The Cobra 

The Cobra package joined the Mustang lineup in 1975. This was also the return of the V8 engine. Unfortunately, it only produced 130 horsepower and only came with an automatic transmission. Disappointing to say the least. 

A year later the Cobra II package was offered. Those who bought it received a non functional hood scoop, racing stripes, and spoilers on the front and rear. None of this makes you faster or gives you more horsepower. But hey, at least you look cool cruising down the road. 

The Third Generation from 1979 to 1993

This was the generation that saw the frame extend to a much longer car. This was done so that there could be a backseat to fit more passengers. 

Buyers had a choice of the coupe, notchback, hatchback, and convertible. There was also a wide variety of trim levels to choose from. Then if that wasn't enough there were two different front ends to choose from. 

Despite all of these developments, the Mustang saw slumping sales in the 80s. This was mainly because of the ever increasing fuel prices. 

The Mustang Turns 20

To celebrate the Mustang hitting its 20th year on the market, Ford did the obvious and rolled out a special anniversary edition. It was a V8 GT with limited edition Oxford White paint and a Canyon Red Interior. 

This car without a doubt embodies the quintessential 80s success on wheels. 

The Facelift 

Afterward, Ford decided that this was a good time to develop a Mustang model based off of the Mazda MX-6. The legion of Mustang fans out there were shocked and appalled by the idea of this iconic American car now being based on a foreign car. 

Fans and editors across the country launched a letter writing campaign to voice their outrage and demanded the V8 engine stay. If there was any doubt about the car's waning popularity, these were quickly and fiercely distinguished. 

The Fourth Generation from 1994 to 2004

The facelift we just mentioned was unveiled with the fourth generation in 1994. Then just five years later in 1999, the Mustang got another facelift with a “tough edge” theme. This new theme featured large wheels and sharp contouring. 

The fourth generation was also the era that introduced Mustang to Australia. Ford worked with Tickford Vehicle Engineering to convert the vehicle to a right-hand driving car. 

The Fifth Generation from 2005 to 2014

For the fifth generation, Ford went back to Mustang's roots with its redesign. These latest models channeled the fastbacks of the 60s with improved specs. For instance, the engine got an impressive upgrade with models rolling off the line with 210 HP 4.0  V6 engines. Then there was the GT model that boasted a 4.6  V8 with variable timing camshaft. 

Ford didn't sit back and relax during this generation though. By 2010 LED lights and a drag reduction were introduced to the car, helping to keep it competitive in the market.

The Sixth Generation from 2015 to Today

The latest generation of all American Mustangs has taken over the world. Unveilings were done in the United States, China, Australia, and Spain. 

You'll notice this generation has performance on the brain with models getting wider and lower. They also come with a new shaped grill, but if you aren't a fan, there are plenty of options to get rid of it. 

For engine options, there is something out there for every type of driver. There's the 2.3 L EcoBoost four-cylinder for those who want a cool looking car but also care about the environment and fuel economy.

Meanwhile, the 3.7 L 300 HP V6 is for those who want a bit of power and punch but are not looking for an all-out performance car. Want to make that performance look good? Get the engine parts painted. 

Then there is Coyote. This is a 5.0 L V8 that pumps out an impressive 435 HP. For those looking to get the most out of that Mustang name, this is for you.

In 2015, Ford adjusted the suspension so that the rear end was independent. It was also the first generation designed to come off the production line as a right-hand car for world export. 

With all that performance you'll be relieved to know that the Mustang earned a five-star rating for crash protection from The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The Future of Mustang 

If the sixth generation of Mustang is any hint of things to come, we are in for an exciting and wild ride! Already we are seeing nameplates coming out for models that are going to tickle enthusiasts passions. 

Keep a lookout for the 2019 Ford Mustang California Special or the Mustang Bullitt. The Bullitt boasts a powerful 480 horsepower thanks to its 5.0 L V8 engine. 

Ford Mustang History in Review

The Ford Mustang started out as a way for Ford to fill a void in the market. What they didn't realize at the time is that it would become a staple in American culture right next to apple pie and baseball. 

The over fifty years of Ford Mustang history proves that the car is going nowhere, and the legion of fans are going to make sure of that. 

It’s safe to say that Ford is hitting it on all cylinders with these recent impressive models. We can't wait to see what the next 50 years will bring for Ford and the Mustang. 

So what are you waiting for? Continue the Mustang tradition and let us help you customize your car with our extensive inventory of parts.