Mustang celebrates 45 Years
It was 45 years ago last month that marked the birth of the undisputed king of the American road: the Ford Mustang. "The Ford Mustang is one of the world's most beloved automotive and cultural icons," said Jim Farley, Ford Group Vice President of Marketing and Communications. "Since April 17, 1964, it has been a symbol of American freedom and fun."
Ford and the Mustang Club of America commemorated the birth of America's favorite pony car with a four-day celebration at the Barber Motorsports Park. The event drew more than 2,500 Mustang enthusiasts and their beloved steeds, as well as hundreds of thousands of spectators. Included among those enthusiasts, nine of the muscle car's most enduring fans: original owners of the 1964 Mustang.
"People come up to the car and they don't believe that I'm the original owner," said Phil Florio, of Summerfield, Fla., about his Wimbledon White 1964 Mustang Coupe. "I knew from day one that it was going to be a very special vehicle. A lot of car manufacturers have come out with their own particular type of pony car, but there's only one first."
Laki Malamatenios drove his Poppy Red 1964 Mustang coupe all the way to Alabama from his home in California to take part in the 45th anniversary festivities.
"My Poppy is something special," he said. "This car is a chronicle of my life with my family - some happy memories, some sad, but always interesting. Whenever I drive it, my whole life flashes before my eyes."
A host of exciting events marked the anniversary celebration, including professional road racers, including four-time Mustang champion Tommy Kendall, who did a number of hot laps for lucky attendees around the park in Mustang FR500S race cars. Participants were also able to participate in the Mustang Challenge series, concours, and the Cobra R exhibition race was a highlight.
The great Mustang debate: 19641/2 or 1965
Ever since the debut of the original Ford Mustang 45 years ago, there has been an ongoing debate about what to call the pony cars built between April and August of 1964. Are they "19641/2 Mustangs or 1965 models?
Technically, all of the original Ford Mustangs are 1965 models because all carry a 1965 model year Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). But the majority of Mustang enthusiasts throughout the world are purists at heart, and they know very well that the vehicles produced from April to August of 1964 were different enough from those manufactured during the remainder of the model year to warrant giving them another name.
"An entire generation has grown up calling these vehicles '19641/2. ' It is part of the lexicon of Mustang history," said John Clor, author of The Mustang Dynasty. "Technically, all of the original Mustangs are 1965 models, but true enthusiasts know that production of the car ran for a year and a half and that the car changed after the first six months."
The biggest change was in the electrical system. The so called 19641/2 Mustangs used generators while those made during the standard 12-month 1965 model year used alternators. Also, the V8 option was different. The 19641/2 models used the 260-cubic inch V8 engine, while the 1965 models employed a 289-cubic inch V8 engine.
"People like to say there is no such thing as a 19641/2 Mustang, and in theory they are correct," said Charles Turner, national head judge for the Mustang Club of America (MCA). "But there is a wide range of little differences between the cars built before and after August of 1964 that make them very unique. The MCA accepts the 19641/2 as a model year because we view it as a different car."
Those lucky enough to own a Mustang built between April and August of 1964 view their pony cars as a totally different breed of the steed.
First generation Mustang - 19641/2 - 1973
After four and a half decades on the road, the Ford Mustang is still one of America's most beloved automobiles.
It was conceived by Ford product manager Donald N. Frey and championed by Ford general manager, Lee Lacocca. Initially it was based on the Ford Falcon, developing into a two seat, mid engined roadster. While looking fresh and original, Ford wanted to cut down development costs, so the Mustang used many
familiar components, with much of the chassis, suspension and drivetrain components derived from the Ford Falcon and Ford Fairlane. Production commenced in Dearhborn, Michigan on March 9, 1964 and the car was introduced on 17 April, 1964 at the New York World's fair. It is Ford's second oldest nameplate currently in production. It was Ford's most successful launch since the Model A.
In the first 18 months, more than one million Mustangs were built. All of these vehicles were identified as 1965 models, but changes occurred from August 1964 onward, including the introduction of alternators to replace generators and an upgrade of the V8 engine from 260 to 290 ci displacement.
Mustang milestones 1964 - 1973
The original Ford Mustang debuted on April 17, 1964 at a price of $2,368 - a bargain even at that time.
Dealers were inundated with requests for the vehicle. In Garland, Texas, 15 customers bid on the same Mustang, and the winner insisted on sleeping in the car overnight to guarantee that it wouldn't get sold from under him before his cheque cleared the next day.
Ford expected annual sales of about 100,000 units, but 22,000 Mustang orders were taken on the first day, and sales reached an astounding 417,000 in the car's first 12 months on the market.
The early Mustangs have figured prominently in hundreds of notable films to date, beginning in 1964 with the James Bond movie Goldfinger, in which Bond's Aston Martin DB5 chased a white Mustang convertible.
Mustang-crazed parents bought 93,000 pedal-powered children's Mustangs during the 1964 Christmas season.
In 1965, the Shelby GT350 was introduced, with a 306 hp V8 engine, giving the Mustang performance credibility.
Mustang sales passed the one million mark in March of 1966.
The 1967 Mustang was considered by many to be the high water mark for Mustang design in the 1960s.
In 1968, the 428 Cobra Jet engine was introduced as part of an option package aimed at enthusiasts, and it helped make the Shelby GT500 become King of the Road - KR.
A "steed for every need" philosophy yielded 11 different powertrain combinations in 1969.
The 1971 Mustangs were the biggest Mustangs ever - nearly a foot longer and some 600 pounds heavier than the originals.
In 1973, the impact of gasoline shortages, rising insurance premiums and emissions controls brought the muscle car era to a close. The 1973 model was the last original Falcon platform Mustang, and the convertible model was discontinued.
Mustang milestones 1974-1982
The completely redesigned Mustang II was introduced in 1974. Compared with the 1973 model, the Mustang II was 19 inches shorter and 490 pounds lighter.
It was available in a notchback, including a luxury Ghia model and a 2+2 fastback. For the first time, there was no V8 engine and no Mustang convertible option available.
An orange 1973 Mustang Mach I was featured in a prominent role in the action movie Gone in 60 Seconds, which debuted in 1974.
In 1975, V8 power returned to the Mustang. But the 302-cid V8 engine produced only 130 horsepower and came only with an automatic transmission.
The Cobra II package joined the lineup in 1976, replete with non functional hood scoop, racing stripes and front and rear spoilers. Available in white with blue stripes, blue with white stripes, and black with gold stripes, the Cobra II was intended to recall the looks of the famed Shelby Mustangs.
In an attempt to appeal to convertible fans, fastback models became available with T-Top removable glass roof panels. A new Sports Performance Package added a four-speed manual transmission to the 302-cid V8.
In 1978, the new King Cobra model was the first Mustang to wear a 5.0 badge - the metric equivalent of 302 cubic inches.
The new "Fox" platform made its debut in 1979. The new model was longer and taller than the Mustang II, yet it was 200 pounds lighter. A sleek, "Euro" design replaced many traditional Mustang styling cues. Engine choices included a 2.3-litre four-cylinder, a 2.8-litre V6, a 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder and a 140-horsepower 5.0-litre V8.
In 1980, the 302-cid V8 engine was dropped and replaced by an economy-minded 119-horsepower, 255-cid V8 derivative.
In 1981, performance headed to the back burner, as the turbo four-cylinder was dropped from the Mustang engine lineup and new emissions controls dropped the 255-cid V8's power to 115 horsepower.
In 1982, the Mustang GT returned after a 12-year absence. The 5.0-litre V8, which delivered 157 horsepower was also back, and optional T-Tops returned.
Second generation Mustang 1974 - 1978
The seventies were difficult times for car makers and Ford was no different, with the introduction of more stringent pollution laws, sky rocketing oil prices and a push for more fuel efficient cars.
A smaller Mustang was designed, based on the Ford Pinto sub-compact, introduced in October 1973 and it enjoyed great success against imports (Toyota Celica, European Ford Capri), selling 385,993 in five years. Ford tried to return to the original Mustang basics, but its new car was smaller and heavier, and performance was at best rated as average.
Ford addressed its deficiencies in 1975, reinstating the 302 ci V8 and returning with a performance version in the Cobra II of 1976 and a King Cobra in 1978.
Third generation Mustang 1983 - 1993
The 1979 Mustang was based on the larger Fox platform and was restyled to accommodate four people in comfort. Body styles included a coupe, hatchback and a convertible in 1983. Available trim levels included L, LG, GLX, LX, GT, Turbo GT, SVO (1984-86), Cobra and Cobra R (1993).
A new Mustang based on an alliance with Mazda, sharing the MX-6 platform was developed, but outrage from customers of a front wheel Mustang, without a V8 option, saw the idea scrapped and a major facelift given to the existing model, the Mazda variant being badged as the 1989 Ford Probe.
Mustang's 20th anniversary saw production of a limited edition V8 powered Mustang GT. A drivers side airbag was added in1990.
Mustang milestones 1983- 1993
By 1983, the Mustang convertible was back. And so was the "Boss," as Ford's pony car steadily returned to its roots as a performance vehicle, following the fuel crisis and tighter emissions standards that influenced the Mustangs of the 70s.
In 1984, Ford's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) team created the Mustang SVO. It sported a front fascia with fog lamps, functional hood scoop and a unique dual-wing rear spoiler. A turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine produced 175 horsepower.
Also in 1984, a special V8 powered Mustang GT was created to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Mustang. It was a special limited edition done in Oxford White with a Canyon Red interior.
In 1985, Mustang received a 5.0-litre high output V8 that made 210 horsepower when mated to a manual transmission. New Quadra-Shock rear suspension provided better acceleration and reduced wheel hop on fast takeoffs.
Mustang's V8 traded its carburetor for sequential multi-port fuel injection in 1986.
In 1987, the Mustang was restyled with a new "aero-look" body. The 5.0-litre V8 produced 225 horsepower.
For its 25th Anniversary, all Mustangs produced between April 17, 1989 and April 17, 1990 sported the familiar running horse on the dashboard with "25 Years" inscribed underneath.
In 1990, Mustang sported a driver's side airbag as standard equipment.
In 1991, entry level Mustangs received an improved 105-horsepower, twin-plug 2.3-litre four-cylinder with distributorless ignition. All V8 models came with new five-spoke 16 x 7-inch alloy wheels.
The stealthy Mustang LX 5.0 developed a cult following in 1992 and outsold all other models combined. Wire-style wheel covers and whitewall tyres disappeared from the options list.
In 1993, Ford's new Special Vehicle Team (SVT) introduced the limited production SVT Mustang Cobra with subtle but distinctive styling cues and performance upgrades. The low volume 1993 Cobra R, developed to be used as a race car, sold out prior to production.
Mustang milestones 1994 - Present
The 1994 Mustang, which ushered in the fourth generation of Mustangs, was dramatically restyled to evoke its pony car heritage. The hatchback style was dropped, leaving the two-door coupe and convertible. The SVT (Special Vehicle Team) Cobra launched with a 240-horsepower 5.0-litre V8.
1995 was the final model year for the 5.0-litre V8, which began life as the 260- and later 289-cid engine. The second SVT Cobra R was introduced with a 300-horsepower 5.8-litre V8 and five-speed manual transmission.
In 1996, Mustang GTs and SVT Mustang Cobras were equipped for the first time with 4.6-litre Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) V8, which produced 305 horsepower.
Ford's Passive Anti Theft System became standard on all models in 1997.
In 1998, the output of Mustang GT's 4.6-litre V8 was increased to 225 horsepower.
A redesigned Mustang debuted in 1999. It sported sharper lines, pronounced wheel arches plus new hood, grille, fascias and lamps. The SVT Mustang Cobra became the first Mustang with independent rear suspension. The 4.6-litre DOHC V8 produced 320 horsepower.
In 2000, the third Mustang SVT Cobra R was produced in a 300-unit run. It came with a 386-horsepower, 5.4-litre DOHC V8 mated to Mustang's first ever six-speed transmission.
Inspired by the 1968 movie, the first Mustang Bullitt GT model was offered. It featured unique side scoops, 17-inch "Bullitt"-styled wheels and lowered and specially-tuned suspension.
In 2002, production ended for two of Mustang's closest competitors: Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird.
The Mach I returned in 2003 with a 305-horsepower V8 under a signature ram-air "Shaker" hood scoop. The supercharged SVT Mustang Cobra produced 390 horsepower.
In 2004, Ford produced its 300 millionth car - a Mustang GT convertible 40th anniversary edition. The 2004 models were the last cars built at Ford's fabled Dearborn Assembly Plant, which built Mustangs since the car's 1964 introduction.
In 2005, production of the all new Mustang moved to Flat Rock, Mich. Plant. The Mustang's V6 engine was increased to 4.0-litres and the V8 increased to 300 horsepower.
The V-6 "Pony Package" debuted in 2006. GT models got 18-inch wheels, and owners could configure instrument panel lighting in 125 different colors, an industry first, using Ford's MyColor instrument gauge.
In 2007, Ford introduced a special "Warriors in Pink" Mustang, designed to help raise funds for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Breast Cancer research. The vehicle lineup also included the Mustang Shelby GT and the Shelby GT500KR. The second limited edition Mustang Bullitt was introduced in November.
The 9 millionth Mustang - a GT convertible - was built in 2008.
The 2009 Mustang features a glass roof option and special 45th anniversary badging.
The 2010 Mustang was introduced in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It cleverly combines modern technology with Mustang heritage and a V8 with even more horsepower and even throatier signature Mustang exhaust sound. It will be available at Ford dealerships later this year.
Fourth generation Mustang 1994 - 2004
1994 saw the next generation Mustang built on a new Fox 4 platform.
For the first time a hatchback coupe was available. It was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The 302 ci small valve V8 was finally deleted after nearly 40 years of use, replacing it with a newer 4.6-litre V8 in the 1996 Mustang. For 1999 Mustang received new styling.
By 1999, it was time again to freshen the Mustang's appearance. The result was the so-called "New Edge" Mustang, which sported angular body creases, more pronounced hood and side scoops and bulging wheel arches - plus a special 35th Anniversary badge on the front fender.
SVT produced its third limited edition "R-model" in 2000, with a unique 386 horsepower 5.4-litre V8 that was a hint of Mustang power to come. Another specialty Mustang, the Bullitt GT - inspired by the 1968 Mustang 390GT
driven by Steven McQueen in the movie classic Bullitt - made its debut in 2001. The vehicle was an instant success, spawning special Bullitt fan clubs across the country.
The 2003 model year was a memorable one for Ford performance fans, as the Mach 1 nameplate returned to the Mustang lineup, complete with a hot V8 and functional "Shaker" hood scoop.
But the era's benchmark car was SVT's newest Mustang Cobra. Nicknamed "The Terminator," this new Mustang performance flagship featured a beefed-up twin-cam 4.6-litre V8 topped with a supercharger to produce a torque-laden 390 horsepower. It left an exclamation point on the fourth-generation Mustang, ensuring that the SN95 platform would go out in a blaze of glory.
Fifth generation Mustang 2005 -Present
The fifth generation of America's favorite pony car - built on the new S197 platform - made its debut in the 2005 model year.
"The biggest challenge for our team was to develop a new generation Mustang that would have the functional and cost structure 'bandwidth' to cover the entry V6 model all the way up to the high-performance Shelby GT500 convertible model," recalled Hau Thai-Tang, then chief engineer of the Mustang program. "That amount of market coverage in terms of pricing and performance is very tough to achieve with one common platform."
From a styling perspective, the aim was to design a vehicle that captured the essence of the original Mustangs from the '60s. Designers brought in a 1967 Mustang for inspiration.
"Every member of our team rallied around the vision of making the 2005 Mustang the best Mustang ever," said Thai-Tang. "Our goal was to build on the tremendous legacy of the Mustang, to make it instantly recognizable as a Mustang and to deliver on the Mustang promise: fast, fun and affordable."
The result was a modern interpretation of first-generation Mustangs. The canted nose with its big grille and round headlights recalled the '67 to '69 Mustangs, while the side sculpting, fastback roofline and tail lights recalled the ponies from 1965.
"Most people don't realise how much of a risk Ford took by choosing to invest in the development of the 2005 Mustang," said Thai-Tang. "We were the only remaining player in the segment, and we could have easily played it safe and done just enough to keep the Mustang going. Instead, Ford raised the bar."
The 2005 Mustang was an immediate sales success.
Little changed for the 2006 Mustang, but for the 2007 model year Ford's SVT delivered the Shelby GT500 - the most powerful factory Mustang ever produced, boasting 500 horsepower. It featured Shelby, Cobra and SVT badging and was offered as either a coupe or a convertible.
Thai-Tang says one of his favorite Mustang moments occurred during the development of the Shelby GT500 program.
"Automotive legend Carroll Shelby was driving one of our convertible test mules, and I was riding in the passenger seat when a young man pulled up to us in a Camaro. He looked over and saw an 82-year-old man driving a funny looking Mustang, and he wanted to race us," recalls Thai-Tang. "Needless to say he lost the race. When he finally caught up with us, he did a doubt take. He realised that it was no 'ordinary' 82-year-old and no 'ordinary' Mustang!"
A special "Warriors in Pink" Mustang was introduced for the 2008 model year to help raise funds for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Breast Cancer research. The second limited edition Mustang Bullitt debuted the same year. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of Shelby's "King of the Road" GT500 (KR) model, Ford introduced the 540-horsepower Shelby GT500KR, which surpassed the Shelby GT500 as the most powerful production Mustang ever produced.
Last year, Ford marked a major milestone when the 9 millionth Mustang was built. The company also introduced the 2009 Mustang, which offers a segment first factory installed glass roof as well as special 45th Anniversary badging to commemorate the birthday of the iconic car.
The legendary Mustang drives into the future as the best muscle car yet. The 2010 Mustang is a fun to drive vehicle that combines modern technology and safety with Mustang's sporting heritage, including a more powerful V8 and an even throatier signature Mustang exhaust sound.
"The 2010 Mustang is drop dead gorgeous," said Paul Randle, Mustang chief engineer.
"This car marks the best efforts of 45 years of passion and enthusiasm among the best designers, engineers and manufacturing experts in the business."
Source: JUST CARS, June 2009, Collectors Issue #160
