It was in 1961 that Vice President Ford and General Manager Lee Iacocca had a vision of a car seat with four seats, with a gearbox-mounted weighing less than 2500 pounds and sold for $ 2,500. Approved funding for the project in autumn 1962, but it was not until March 9, 1964 that the first Mustang rolled off the end of the assembly line.
The Mustang was taken from the Falcon. Many of the components were incorporated into the Falcon the first Mustangs to keep the cost down, including the components of the unit. With many options available to the consumer to choose the advertising slogan was "the car to be designed by you."
With an aggressive advertising campaign, more than 22,000 Ford Mustangs were sold on the first day that the car was available. In late 1964, over 250,000 Mustangs had been sold. In the first 12 months, the sales figure was over 400,000.
1964
The first model was termed ½ due to the short 1964 model year. The 1964 car was available in a coup and a convertible. Initial engine choices include a 170 cu in / 101 hp 6-cylinder, 260 cu in / 164 hp V-8, and a 289 / 210 hp V8. In June 1964, Ford launched a super fast version of the Mustang with a 289 cu V8 with four barrel carburetor and a solid build a campaign that pushes the power up to 271 HP.
With a transmission speed of 4 and weighing just 2500 pounds, it was a fast car in its day.
1965
The 2 +2 Fastback Mustang was introduced in 1965. This new model became the basis of the infamous Carol Shelby GT350. The standard 289 engine was 225 HP.
This was also the year in which the interior of the option known as the pony interior was introduced. The package includes seats with horses running through the seat back displays.
1966
1966 Mustangs were very similar to their counterparts in 1965. Three body styles were sold, including the Mustang GT Coupe, the Convertible Mustang GT and Mustang GT Fastback. This was the year of the three fingers on the rear panel ornament was introduced. The number of color options available to customers increased to 34. Production in 1966 was over 600,000 units.
1967
It was in 1967 that the first major revision of the body style was carried out. By increasing the height of ½ ". The length increased by 2 ¾".
A new power plant was introduced, the 390 cu in big block generating 320 HP, enough power to smoke the rear tires at will. Ford introduced the new FMX transmission in 1967 and which allows automatic or manual shifting.
Production in 1967 had fallen to 472,000 cars.
1968
In 1968, several regional models were sold as the California Special and High Country Special. The 289 was replaced by a 230 hp / 302 cu in / V8. New for 1968 was an optional AM / FM stereo.
1969
In 1969, Ford introduced 2 special motors: the 302 and the Head Chief 429. This was also the first year of the new standard 351 cu in V8.
1970
The models included the 1970 Mustang Coupe and Mustang Grande. Ford removed the 390 cu in engine in 1970 and replaced it with the new Cleveland 351 cu in engine. The Cleveland model is available in a 2-barrel carburetor and a 4 barrel version.
1971 and 1972
In 1971, Ford offered 3 body styles: the Mustang Coupe, Mustang Major and Mustang Mach 1. Power options include the 330 hp / 351 head and a solid 370 hp / 429 cu in engine.
1973
This was the final year of the classic pony car. The popular muscle car would be replaced by a compact car with a small motor. The 1973 model is virtually the same as the 1971 and 1972 versions.