Classic Mustang 1964 ½ to 1973The sections below include lots of Classic Mustang information, for Ford Mustang Enthusiasts, Car Collectors and Restorers. The Classic Mustang is Born !April 17, 1964 was the day the automotive world changed. Ford Vice President, Lee Iacocca’s vision of the future for a new sports car, that seated 4 people, had bucket seats, a floor mounted shifter, and weighed less than 2,500 lbs was born.That day, over 22,000 new Ford Mustangs flew off the showroom floors. The quick rush to market (from approval to production) necessitated that many off the shelf parts, particularly from the Ford Falcon were used. (Iacocca followers will note that he did the same thing at Chrysler in the 80’s with the ugly, but company saving K-Car) Ford Mustang History and Concept VehiclesBefore the very first Mustang hit the showroom floors, there were concept vehicles, created to get design ideas off the paper and into real life.Auto manufacturers used these concept vehicles to gauge the public reaction to the concept and help make decisions such as whether or not to produce the vehicle, as well as which parts of the cars they liked and which parts still needed improvement.
Here's the rest of the Mustang History and pictures of the concept cars that led up to the biggest model introduction ever.
What's your Favorite Model Mustang ?For much more detailed information about your favorite year click the blue links in each year's listing descriptions.1964 1/2
These first classic Mustang 1964 ½ cars are by model year, simply a 1965 Mustang. Yet this was the birth of the iconic pony car coupe and the forever popular Mustang convertible. The standard inline 6 cylinder motor and 260 v8 engine cars were covered by a 24 month , 24,000 mile warranty, and the new 289 4V (4 barrel carburetor) High Performance engine was covered for 90 days and only 4,000 miles, according to my owners manual! 1965
Later 1965 models of the now classic Mustang for 1965 had several changes during production, including the elimination of the 260 v8 and its replacement with a new 289 V8 two barrel motor. 1966
The 1966 model year brought changes in the sheet metal, including, grille, trim, gauges, interior panels, engine choices and options, as well as modifications to things like the front and rear valences, chrome trim and other areas. Follow the link for complete details on the changes to the 1966 Mustang .
1967
For 1967, Ford’s changes in the classic Mustang formula included new engine choices, more changes to styling and body panels, plus the addition of another 289 engine, including a special automatic transmission option for the 271 HP high performance engine. For more complete details on the 1967 Mustang, click here .
1968
Ford fans know that FoMoCo likes to update its models in 3 year segments and as expected, the 1968 mustang was introduced with several major and many minor changes. The body dimensions outside increased, not only to update the classic look of the car to a more aggressive stance, but also to allow the enlargement of the engine bay to accommodate the newest high performance engine, the addition of a host of new engines, replacing the 289 with two new 302 V8’s and the big block 390 V8, sporting 325 hp. In an effort to combat criticisms that Ford's Mustang was falling behind Chevrolet with it’s big block 396 Camaro, a new big block 427 v8 with 390 horsepower and another big block with 428 cubic inches, called the Cobra Jet which was, rated at only 335 hp, but was in fact over 400 hp! Find the complete specs and information on the
1968 Mustang right here.
Find detailed parts information for the 68 Mustang here. 1969
The 1969 Mustang again showed evolutionary style changes to its classic shape, and included revised sheet metal, with smoother sleeker sides, outboard high beam headlights and size increased to 187.4 inches. Interior changes were substantial The base v8’s were replaced with new engines sporting 351 cubic inches in both 2 and 4 barrel configurations. The big block motors now included the 390, the 428 and the 428 Cobra Jet. Here is more detailed information for the 69 Mustang. 1970
In 1970, changes were made to the sheet metal, changing and refining that classic silhouette that is recognized world wide. Engine choices had grown to nine, including special engine and trim packages, including some of the most popular classic cars to date, the Boss 302, the Boss 429 and the Mach 1. Here's more detailed information for the 70 Mustang. 1971
The year 1971 brought sweeping changes to Ford’s classic Mustang, not all of which were welcomed. The car grew in size and weight. The car was only slightly longer than the 1970, at 187.5 inches, but its new body style made it look even bigger. Both previous Boss motors were dropped and a new Boss 351 was added. One of the cooler features on these classic muscle cars, were the large scoops on the hoods of the Mach one’s, along with color keyed rubber bumpers, replacing the chrome standard pieces. Want more detailed information for the 71 Mustang? Click here. 1972
For 1972, few changes were made. Power for the small block v8’s was actually similar to the 1972 cars, but changes in ratings made the posted numbers look even more dismal. For more detailed information for the 72 Mustang, click here 1973
The 1973 model year brought some minor styling changes and brought a slight increase in sales. It also spelled the end to the classic Mustang shape. New safety regulations spelled the coming demise to the convertible and this was the last mustang to be available as a drop top until 1983. Trim changes included color keyed rubber bumpers from the mach 1 and changes in parking and running lights. For more detailed information for the 73 Mustang, click here .
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