Ford Mustang History Highlights

Send This Page To A Friend

Ford Mustang History Highlights:

1962

  • Project code named T-5
  • Robert S. McNamara credited with concept
  • Lee Iacocca was named as Ford marketing director
  • Names considered: Cheetah, Puma, Thunderbird II, Cougar, Colt Special, Falcon, Torino, and Mustang
  • 100,000 new Mustangs sold in the first 90 days
  • 160,000 sold by the end of 1964

1964 1/2 - 1966

  • First Mustang unveiled on 17 April of 1964
  • Base price: $2,360.00
  • Cars made before September of 1964 were considered 1964 1/2
  • 1964 1/2 models included only the convertible and coupe
  • Fastback was introduced in the 1965 model year
  • Engine options were:
    o 260 2bbl V8 (early)
    o 120 Horsepower 200 Inline 6
    o 200 Horsepower 289 2bbl V8 (C-Code)
    o 225 Horsepower 289 4bbl V8 (A-Code)
    o 271 Horsepower 289 V8 (K-Code Hipo 289)
  • California starts producing thermactor exhaust system (smog)
  • Carroll Shelby introduced his GT-350's in fastback model
  • November 1965, Hertz contracts for 1,000 Shelby GT-350H models
  • GT package debuts in mid April of 1965
  • By the end of the first year of sales, 417,000 were sold
  • Plants in Dearborn MI, San Jose CA, and Metuchen NJ are used.

1967 - 1968

  • Straight sixcylinder available with 200 and 250 cid
  • Big block 390 V8's were available and big sellers
  • Good-bye to the trusty 289 and hello to the 302
  • 302 V8 comes with 230HP or 250HP
  • 390 V8 pumps out 270HP or 325HP
  • Shelby GT-350 was joined by the GT-500 (big block) in this era
  • Shelby offered 3 engines and 7 different colors, and convertible
  • Shelby's "King of the Road" GT-500KR debuts
  • Intro of the 428 Cobra Jet with 360HP
  • Optional dealer-added 427
  • "Specials" arrive: California, High Country, Blue Bonnet, Twister
  • Steve McQueen drives a 1968 fastback in the movie "Bullitt"

1969 - 1970

  • New design, 4 inches longer
  • Four new models: Mach I, Grande, Boss 302, Boss 429
  • Body styles: Sportsroof, Coupe, Grande, Convertible, Grabber
  • Engines Options were:
    o 6 cyl. still available in 200 and 250 cid
    o 302 V-8 starts with 210HP
    o Boss 302 is introduced with 290HP 302
    o 351 Windsor debut 250-290HP (grown up 302)
    o 390 pumps out 320HP with 4V carb
    o 428 CJ comes with 335HP
    o Boss 429 is powered with 375HP 429 cid
  • Carol Shelby's last year is 1970
  • 1970 Boss 302 and 429 phased out

1971 - 1973

  • Boss 429 and Boss 302 are replaced by Boss 351
  • Engines Options were:
    o 250 cid is only Inline 6 (145HP)
    o 302 cid 210HP
    o 351 Cleveland produces 240-285HP
    o Boss 351 produces 330HP
    o 429 cid produces 370-375HP
  • 1972 - No more Boss cars or engines
  • 1972 Mach I powered with 351C 275HP
  • The age of the classic Mustang as we know it has drawn to an end

1974 - 1978

  • Enter the dark ages of the Mustang, the muscle car is out
  • Mustang is now known as Mustang II
  • Mustang Enthusiasts start hiding
  • 4 cylinder starts with 87HP
  • Upgrade to V6 and 97HP
  • Believe it or not, there was a V6 Mach I
  • 1975 return of the V8 302 but with only 133HP
  • "T" tops and Ghias introduced
  • 1978 "King Cobra" with 302 V8

1979 - 1993

  • 1979 model still ugly
  • Performance slowly on the comeback
  • 1984 shows some high performance with SVO Team
  • 302 still only gives out 175HP but performs well
  • Mustang SVO does 1/4 mile in 15.5 seconds
  • Mustang SVO does 137mph top speed
  • Saleen cars squeak out 170 mph
  • 1985 - Enter the "5.0 Mustangs"
  • 5.0 HO EFI V8 produced 175-205HP
  • Mustangs are fun to drive again
  • SVO dropped in 1987 from poor sales
  • HP increased 25 with new exhaust to 225HP
  • 1993: Saleen celebrates last of the "Fox" Mustangs

1994 - 1996

  • New look Mustangs began work in 1989
  • 30-year anniversary
  • SVT Mustang Cobra R has 330HP 351W
  • V6 3.8L pumps out 145HP
  • 5.0 V8 still around
  • 1994 Indy Pace Car has 235HP 5.0, faster look
  • 1996 Intro of the new 4.6L SOHC
  • Turbos and blown motors are introduced
  • Cars are almost becoming fun to drive again
back
Unique Cars and Parts USA - The Ultimate Classic Car Resource
next