Here we will take a look at the first decade in the life of the Mustang.

1964

The heralded 1964 ½, which was actually an early production 65 model, is possibly the most misunderstood of the Mustangs. While the collector can find a lot of charm in the fact that these were the cars that started it all, you do have to sacrifice to own one.

The post-July 1964 Mustangs included refinements you won't find the '64 1/2, such as an alternator, an adjustable passengers seat, and mechanical improvements that included a better fitting engine-to-bell housing. In the end, however, the allure of the Ford Mustang has always been about more than just the mechanics, and the 1964 1/2 has a special magic that charged a nation into the Mustang frenzy that still lives today, and for that it will always remain a favorite.

1965

By 1965 the Mustang was off and running. This year brought a pony car with so much curb appeal and so many options that heads were turning everywhere. It seemed that Fords idea was to offer so many options that anyone could find a Mustang suited just for them.

The 1965 Mustang came with 3 available engines, the 170 CID six, the 260 CID V-8, and the 289 CID V-8. The 289 checked in with about 220 HP and 304 lbs of torque. New Mustang owners could also choose between transmission types. Available were the three speed manual, four speed manual, and the Cruise-O-Matic.

1966

The 1966 Mustang changed very little from the earlier model and people were still eating them up. Not only was the 1966 model the best selling Mustang yet with 549,400 units being delivered, but it also commanded 6.1% of all cars sold in the U.S. and 78.2% of the small sports car market. The stage is set. The Mustang is a huge hit and isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

1967

The Ford Mustang gets a new stance. After remaining basically unchanged since introduction, the Mustang gets a makeover. The 1967 was offered in 3 body styles, the coupe, convertible, and Fastback 2+2. The main body changes in 1967 made the Mustang both wider and longer, but held very true to the distinctive Mustang styling. The behind-the-door chrome was traded for the "bearclaws". 1967 was the only year to sport them.

New for 67 were the GTA (The "A" was for Automatic Transmission), and the big block 390 GT engine. Carroll Shelby built an impressive GT350; a GT350S using a Paxton supercharger which increased the Mustang's power by at least 150 hp; and a GT500 using a 428 CID engine with a claimed 390 hp. Shelby's Mustangs were three inches longer and carried a large rear spoiler.

1968

Not a lot of physical changes took place between 1967 and 1968 Mustangs. The bearclaws were replaced with a small strip of chrome, and side markers were added. The 1968 Mustang fog lamps were mounted on the grill rather than the grill crossbeam as with the 1967. The trademark running pony on the front grill was noticeably smaller on the 1968.

There were less obvious, Government regulated changes for safety such as the collapsible steering wheel which was not available on previous model Mustangs as well as a rear-seat locking latch to hold the rear seat in place in case of a crash in the fastbacks.

1969

1969 was a highpoint in Mustang history. An extreme physical makeover included the deletion of the framed pony in the grill with Ford opting for a new pony emblem running in front of three bars which was offset to the drivers’ side of the vehicle. The overall length of the car was increased by nearly four inches and was about 1/2 inch wider. The wheelbase remained the same at 108 inches.

Ford continued to offer the Mustang in coupes, fastbacks, and convertibles, but added some new blood to the corral. Now available were the Boss, the Mach 1, and the Grande'. The GT was offered in 1969, but the new models had a serious impact on GT sales, so much so that 1969 would end Mustang GT production for many years.

Mustang targeted the buyer looking for a more comfortable, luxurious car by offering the Grande'. It included padded interior panels, Comfort Weave seats, a wood-grain dash, and thicker carpet. The Grande' was available only as a coupe.

The Mach 1 greatly favored the fastback GT, and had the option of a functioning hood scoop as well as the standard non-functioning GT hood scoop. The Mach 1 and GT were available with the 351 and 390. The Mach 1 with the 428 Cobra Jet Ram-Air V-8 came standard with the working hood scoop. The Boss 302 was also introduced, then the legendary Boss 429.

1970

The 1970 Mustang remained very true to the 1969. About the only real physical change was the scoop on the outer-side of the headlights.

Then there was the Boss 429. While less than 500 were produced during the 1970 production year, the Ford engineers had to go to work on the suspension just to accommodate the massive power house. Mustang was growing up, but still you could get into a standard coupe for less than $3000 and into a Boss 429 for just under $5000 if you could find one.

1971

The Mustang becomes a Bond car!

Through the streets of Las Vegas, James Bond makes short work of the local police department behind the wheel of a red 1971 Mach 1 Mustang with Tiffany Case holding on for dear life in "Diamonds are Forever".

The dimensions of the 1971 Mustang grew all the way around from the 1970 version. The Boss 351 replaced the Boss 302 and Boss 429. This is the last year that Mustang will have substantial changes before being downsized and down-powered.

1972

The primary change in the Mustang from 1971 to 1972 was the lettering on the deck lid, which changed from large, centered letters in 1971 to small, off-centered letters in 1972. Ford released several "Sprint" models in recognition of the 1972 Olympics including Pintos, Mavericks, and Mustangs. The Sprint Mustangs had a small U.S.A. shield on the rear quarter panel.

1973

Government regulations ended the convertible car for years, making the 1973 Mustang the last to have the convertible option for a decade. The 1973 was another movie Mustang. Not everyone knows that Gone in 60 Seconds was a remake from 1974, and that the original Eleanor was a yellow 1973 Mach 1 Mustang.

Increasing consumer awareness of rising fuel prices made the 1973 Mustang the end of the power breeds for awhile.

1974

Gas prices were high and people were feeling it. In response, Ford introduced the Mustang II. The body was smaller, the engine was weaker, the price tag was higher, and still people flocked to them. In fact, sales for the 1974 Mustang II were nearly three times that of the 1973. Motor Trend named the 1974 Mustang II Car of the Year.

By 1976 the Mustang II was getting its own Hollywood fame on Charlie's Angels, where Farrah Fawcett drove a 1976 Cobra II. In 1977 T-tops became available in the Mustang II. The Cobra II continued to be available through 1978.

It’s been good over the past few years to see Mustang return to its roots in many ways. Borrowing stylings from the models of earlier ponies seems to be causing a trend among car makers. Chevrolet is set to launch a Camaro that will get raised eyebrows from any classic muscle car fan, and Dodge is doing the same with an upcoming re-launch of the Challenger. Look for more on those in upcoming issues.

~ Trey