The Boston Strangler is captured. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. receives the Nobel Peace Prize. Elizabeth Taylor gets married to Richard Burton. And a well-known automobile manufacturer, Ford, introduces the world to the very first Ford Mustang.
Designed to be a highly stylized sports coupe, the Ford Mustang is the namesake of the “pony car” section of automobiles. Billed as the “1964.5 Mustang” and offering the options of a coupe, fastback, or convertible body style, this history-making car broke sales records selling over 400,000 units in its first year, with the millionth Mustang being sold within the first two years.
As seen on posters in the bedrooms of little boys all over America, the 1964 Mustang showcased a unique long hood and short deck configuration, quickly copied by rival American manufacturers seeking to imitate the success of the Mustang for themselves. Now in its sixth generation, the longest-produced nameplate in Ford’s lineup still features the same configuration, although it’s been updated over the years with modern styling.
Today, the Ford Mustang continues to be in high demand by used car dealerships, and for good reason – every model year combines power and timeless style that can’t be beaten.
Pony Power
The earliest models of the Mustang feature engine choices which closely mirrored that of the Ford Falcon, with the base models featuring the same 170 cu.in. Inline 6 producing 101hp, and the high-performance model boasting an impressive 289 cu.in. V-8 producing 210 hp. Collaborating with Carroll Shelby, a high-performance variant was released in 1965, producing 306 bhp and 329 ft-lb of torque from a Holley 4-Barrel Carb sitting atop a Windsor 4.7L V-8 engine.
Over the years, Ford has introduced several other performance packages, including the Mach 1, Boss 302, and GT500, as well as collaborations with Roush, Saleen, RTR, and Hennessey. The most recent models, now powered by a 4.3L Turbo-Charged Ecoboost producing 310 hp and 350 lb. ft. of torque or 460 hp 5.0L V8 boasting 420 lb. ft of torque, remain popular among racing circles today – found everywhere from drift circuits to drag strips across North America.
Sleek and Unique
Undergoing multiple facelifts over the years, the Mustang’s iconic long hood and short deck proportions have withstood the test of time. Beginning in 1967, Ford began increasing the size of the Mustang’s body and restyling the front and rear ends to be more pronounced, giving the car a more aggressive appearance. In 1970, when Lee Lacocca, one of the original driving forces behind the mustang, became President of Ford Motor Co., he ordered the design of a smaller, more fuel-efficient Mustang.
Debuting in 1974, the Mustang II featured a reduced size, allowing it to compete with Japanese competitors the Datsun 240Z and Toyota Celica. This sleeker Mustang was marketed as a “hard top”, available in coupe or hatchback versions and featured a thin b-pillar and rear quarter windows that didn’t roll down. A T-Top roof option became available for the 1977-78 hatchback models coming with the added touch of a leatherette storage bag which clipped on top of the spare tire hump.
Possibly one of the best-known generations of the Mustang, the “Fox Body” mustang became the third generation. Produced from 1979 to 1993, the Fox Body Mustang was introduced with a larger body, extended wheelbase, and more interior, trunk, and engine bay space. Available in 3 body styles and various trim packages, the earliest model years featured an angled back front end with four rectangular headlights, affectionately known to enthusiasts as “four eyes”.
Removing the Notchback Coupe from the Mustang lineup, the Mustang received its first major redesign in 15 years for 1994. Designed by Patrick Schiavone to incorporate styling cues from previous generations, the Fox-4 Mustang featured frameless door windows, a fixed b-pillar, and rear windows. Receiving a “New Edge” update five years later, the 1999 model year brought sharper contours, larger wheel arches, and more prominent body lines.
Find a used Ford Mustang in Evansville
Since its last major redesign in 2005, the Mustang has remained largely unchanged, with the only subtle changes to its style coming to modernize its appearance and improve aerodynamics. Today’s Mustangs are just as iconic as the very first model introduced almost 60 years ago, a clear reminder to never forget where you came from.
In conclusion, a Ford Mustang stands the test of time and is one of the most reliable and popular used cars on the market. The friendly sales team at Edge Auto Sports in Evansville can help you find the right model and trim package for you. If you can’t find what you’re looking for in our used car inventory, please feel free to contact us, and a member of our team would be happy to help you out!
