Enduring love for this Boomer inspired car. Love for this car has survived the decades, and endures to this day. The Ford Mustang is the brainchild of the famous Lee Iacocca. Shaking up the automotive world, it is definitely a “disruptor” of its time. Despite its legendary status, there were times when the Mustang, seemed to lose its original focus, and fade into irrelevancy.
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Here’s my take on its legacy with my customary zeal of staying away from over analyzing the technical stuff. Just an appreciation of a Baby Boomer car, and its journey into becoming a true classic for all time.
Post World War II Economic Boom
Post World War II, things are looking good for the American Auto industry. The economy is booming, there’s optimism in the air, people have money and want to spend it. And they’re spending it on enjoying the good life which is reflected in their cars.
Bold new designs, with the power and comfort to travel further are the order of the day. Bigger, flashier, powerful is the mantra. People are travelling more than ever, and they want to do it in style and comfort. Car designs are almost a work artistic passion, along with new comfort features.
Demographic Shift
But, there’s more to post-War culture in the US. A demographic shift towards the nuclear family has begun, altering culture, and resultant marketing trends. Couples are moving out of cities to suburban developments. The ground is laid for a new generation of the likes not seen before. This generation will reach maturity by the sixties. Say hello to the Baby Boomer generation.
Auto marketing executive are aware of these changes, and the affects on a new generation of car owners. A well-educated generation will want cars that reflect their individuality. They will likely want stylish, customizable, relatively smaller cars, which pack the power to thrill. Ford’s Lee Iacocca senses the need to create something on these lines, before the competition does. He’s inspired by European cars, and takes aim at GM’s Chevrolet Corvair, and Corvette. Ford needs a car to beat the likes of these two, while checking all the boxes, and keeping costs down.
The Race is On!
Lee Iacocca lays down some statistics for the new Ford. It needs to be within 180 inches in length, and weigh less than 2,500 lbs. And the model should come with a price tag below $2,500. With these basic parameters in mind, the design team at Ford goes to work, and the race is on!
Work commences on the “T-5” project under the supervision of head engineer Donald Frey.
T-5 or Mustang I (1962)
A design submitted by the team of Joe Oros, L. David Ash, Gale Halderman, and John Foster is chosen and forwarded to Ford’s executive stylist John Najjar. Some claim, he proposed the name “Mustang I,” after the P-51 Mustang fighter plane. Working with fellow stylist Philip Clark, Najjar develops the first prototype in 1961. The Mustang I is introduced at the US Grand Prix at Watkins Glen, NY in October 1962. It is quick, and returns an impressive timing during a demo lap at the circuit.
But Ford wants to refine the concept further from a pure sports car to a “family coupe.” One option is the “Allegro.” Ford is not done yet, as the Allegro is a two-seater, and based on feedback from their target audience, a 4-seater is preferable. Despite further refinement, the Allegro design is thankfully retained for later.
Allegro and Mustang II (1963-64)
The Allegro concept is created by a team under the direction of Ford executive designer Eugene Bordinat.
Although independent of the Mustang concept, the Allegro has a great influence on that project. Just look at it and you know why. Remember, Ford has numerous concepts in development at this time. While not fully adopted for the Mustang, the Allegro design is not lost to us, providing blueprints for Mustangs to come later.
Meanwhile, the chassis of the Ford Falcon is deemed perfect for the new 4-seater Mustang “pony car” Iacocca has in mind.
Ford officially launches their Mustang II on April 1964. It has everything they want. Light, stylish, fun to drive, and unlike anything on American roads at the time. And so, a car designed for the new Baby Boomer generation is born.
The Mustang (1965)
On October 1964, the Mustang II is known as the Mustang, proper. Even though Ford was beaten to the punch by Plymouth with its Barracuda, the Mustang is what people flock to. And why wouldn’t they? Anyone would fall in love with it at first sight.
The 1965 Ford Mustang is available as a 2-Door Hardtop:
Convertible:
and Fastback (remember the “Allegro?”):
The Mustang is offered in various options ranging from a V6 runabout to a powerful V8 weekend racing version. Sales of the 1964-65 models far exceeds Ford’s expectations multi-fold at 681,000.
This is regarded as the 1st Generation Mustang. To manage costs, the Mustang originally shares some components with the Mercury Cougar. But continues evolving as an independent model with its runaway success.
First Generation Mustang (1965 – 73)
I think the period between 1965 through 1974 was the Mustang’s best period. Buoyed by its popularity and high demand, Ford offered a wide range of options and engine sizes. Simultaneously, different types of street racing versions are also available depending on how much you are willing to spend.
All the while, the Mustang is also growing in size, and ventures into areas removed from its near “humble” origins.
The options available is mind boggling, Here’s a visual breakdown.
1967
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1968
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1969
Ford wants to ensure Mustang buyers get exactly what they want in terms of both looks, performance, and customization. All the while, the Mustang is also growing in size, and has ventured into areas removed from its “almost humble” origins. Incidentally, check out the taillights on the GT – shared with the Mercury Cougar. Notice how the front Mustang logo is to the side, instead of centered, in 1969.
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1970
The beginning of a new decade primarily interior cosmetic changes including a new steering wheel, and high-back bucket seats.
1971
In 1971, more performance options are available on regular Mustangs. The Dual Ram Induction option, on 351 and larger engines, consist of a hoods with two functional NASA type hood scoops, twist type hood locks, a Tu-Tone paint treatment, and black or argent and Ram Air decals.
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1972
In 1972, the changes/updates on the Mustang are primarily cosmetic.
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1973
For 1973, previous options become standard including racing side mirrors.
Updates include re-designed honeycomb textured grille, color keyed hood and fender moldings, and new urethane front bumper.
But, rumblings of the “Oil Crisis” are in the horizon. So, for me, this is the last year of the uber cool Mustang. With exceptions, the next three decades, the Ford Mustang seems to loose that special something that made it stand out for me.
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The muscle car era seems to come to a close by 1973. And 1974 heralds the Second Generation of the Ford Mustang.
Second Generation Mustang (1974-78)
As far as aesthetics are concerned, the Mustang enters a a “twilight zone” of sorts as it veers dangerously into an era of forgettable designs.
Maybe its the Oil Crisis, overseas competition, the Boomers’ changing tastes, or simply American automobiles trying to evolve accordingly. In any case, the Mustang seems to be a shadow of what was a decade earlier.
With the new design and smaller engine, the Mustang is not as large as it was just a few years earlier. To reflect this evolution, Ford names it the Mustang II. It is now marketed as an upscale economy car. This new version catches on, and sales pick up again. In 1974, the Mustang wins Motor Trend’s Car of the Year Award.
1976
The 1976 Mustang range offers a “Stallion Package.” This package includes black rocker panels, lower doors, lower fenders, lower front and rear bumpers, black quarter window panels and hood paint.
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Third Generation Mustang (1979-93) “Disappeared for Me”
The Third Generation Mustang is, for me, its most boring phase. It just seems to “disappear” into the crowd. However, this is also a phase of big changes as the Mustang starts on its journey back to its performance roots.
Ford and the general population are keen on the performance Mustang again. Technology has improved considerably and, with new turbocharged engines, Ford is able to extract more power out of small block engines.
The Mustang has some worthy performance models by the late 1980s. But, despite some good-looking models, including a return of the convertible, these Mustangs lack that original classic look synonymous with it.
1980
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1982
As Ford re-thinks the Mustang, its apparent they’re giving it a European flavor, complete with some hatchback versions to boot.
Which is why I had a problem appreciating this Mustangs. I wanted the Mustang to look American. If I want to a European looking car, I’ll by a European car. But, to be fair, some of these Mustangs were actually not too bad looking either.
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1986
This year model came with an upgraded drivetrain, and a few other mechanical upgrades.
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1988
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1993
And so the Third Generation of the Ford Mustang, with its European styling, came to an end.
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Fourth Generation Mustang: Another Design Change (1994-2005)
Ford opts for a major design change in late 1993. However, it still lacks that “je ne sais quo” I expect from a Ford Mustang.
This N-95 design follows the trend for the that era. I prefer the Mustang that stands out, and not a follower.
The hatchback is dumped, and the convertible option retained.
A wide range of engine and trim options are offered over the fourth generation’s run. There’s the Mach I, Cobra R, and a special Bullitt edition too. But, it still seems to fall short of what makes the Mustang a Mustang – despite all the power and sophistication.
But that was about change.
1994
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1995
Just like the 1994, this year Mustangs too primarily had mechanical upgrades on the Cobra edition.
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Interesting Trends: Fifth Generation Mustang (2005-14)
The early 2000s brings about an interesting trend in automobile design. A nostalgic throwback to retro styled models.
Chiefly an American phenomenon, VW, Jaguar, and Nissan do it as, among others. Following this trend, Ford develops an entirely new retro-styled Mustang. Yes! This is the elusive design missing with the Mustang over the last few decades!
The 2005 Mustang has a resonance with its ancestors. But this is not your grandfather’s Mustang. This one is definitely larger in dimensions. It has to be, to comply with safety. You would be a heartless individual if it doesn’t invoke a sense of excitement.
Once again, there’s a wide range of exciting options offered. For me, the Mustang is back!
2005
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2009
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Sixth Generation Mustang (2015-Present): The Mustang Keeps Getting Better
They say the only constant is change. If you have a good thing, what do you do? You make it better!
In 2015, Ford refines the Mustang further still. The technical details are impressive, as they are numerous.
Interestingly, as part of the “One Ford” business plan this sixth generation Mustang was is the first be marketed and sold globally. It also the first time that Ford Mustang was produced both right and left-hand-drive straight from the factory.
And so, Ford Mustang returned to the design which endeared it to the world the first time back in 1964, albeit packed with the latest technology and safety features – just as the original one was.
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Seventh Generation Mustang, and Beyond!
As you read this, Ford has already laid down plans for the seventh generation Mustang which will include the technology of the future. And you know what that means. Yes the Mustang will be going electric.
So, after all those experiments, and trials in the 80s and 90s, the Ford Mustang is all set to win the another young generation.
And so, the Ford Mustang earns an enduring love among automobile enthusiasts.
Lee Iacocca’s vision for the new generation decades ago, lives on for a new generation of drivers.
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