First-generation Ford Mustang
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| Production | 1964–1973 |
| Assembly | Dearborn, Michigan San Jose, California Metuchen, New Jersey |
| Body style(s) | 2-door convertible 2-door hardtop 2-door fastback |
| Engine(s) | 170 in³ (2.8 L) Thriftpower I6 200 in³ (3.3 L) Thriftpower I6 250 in³ (4.1 L) Thriftpower I6 260 in³ (4.3 L) Windsor V8 289 in³ (4.7 L) Windsor V8 302 in³ (4.9 L) Windsor V8 302 in³ (4.9 L) Boss 302 V8 351 in³ (5.8 L) Windsor V8 351 in³ (5.8 L) Cleveland V8 390 in³ (6.4 L) FE V8 427 in³ (7.0 L) FE V8 428 in³ (7.0 L) FE V8 429 in³ (7.0 L) Cobra Jet V8 |
| Transmission(s) | 3-speed manual 4-speed manual 2-speed automatic 3-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 108 inches (2,700 mm) |
| Length | 181.6 inches (4,610 mm) |
| Width | 68.2 inches (1,730 mm) |
| Curb weight | 2,570 pounds (1,170 kg) I-6 3,000 pounds (1,400 kg) V-8 |
| Related | Ford Falcon Mercury Cougar Shelby Mustang |
First conceived by Ford product manager Donald N. Frey [1][2] and championed by Ford Division general manager Lee Iacocca, the Mustang prototype was a two-seat, mid-engine roadster. This would later be remodeled as a four-seat car penned by David Ash and John Oros[3] in Ford's Lincoln–Mercury Division design studios, which produced the winning design in an intramural design contest called by Iacocca. To cut down the development cost, the Mustang was based heavily on familiar, yet simple components. Much of the chassis, suspension, and drivetrain components were derived from the Ford Falcon and Fairlane. The car had a unitized platform-type frame, which was taken from the 1964 Falcon, and welded box-section side rails, including welded crossmembers. Although hardtop Mustangs were the majority of the sales, durability problems with the new frame led to the unusual step of engineering the (necessarily less rigid) convertible first, which ensured adequate stiffness. Overall length of the Mustang and Falcon was identical, although the Mustang's wheelbase was slightly shorter. With an overall width of 68.2 inches (1,732 mm), it was 2.4 inches (61 mm) narrower, yet the wheel track was nearly identical. Shipping weight, about 2,570 pounds (1,170 kg) with the straight six-cylinder engine, was also similar. A fully-equipped V8 model weighed about 3,000 pounds (1,400 kg). Though most of the mechanical parts were taken directly from the Falcon, the Mustang's body shell was completely different; sporting a shorter wheelbase, wider track, lower seating position, and overall height. An industry first, the "torque box" was an innovative structural system that greatly stiffened the Mustang's construction and helped contribute to better handling.
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[edit] 1964–1966
Since it was introduced five months before the normal start of the production year and manufactured amongst 1964 Falcons and 1964 Comets, the earliest Mustangs are widely referred to as the 1964 1/2 model. A more accurate description is the "early 1965" model, as the car underwent several significant changes at the start of the regular model year. All the early cars, however, were marketed by Ford as 1965 models. The base model hardtop with its 170 CID (2.8 L) straight-6 engine and three-speed manual transmission listed for US$2,368.
Several changes to the Mustang occurred at the start of the normal 1965 model year production, five months after its introduction. These cars are known as "late 65's," and were built after factory retooling in August 1964. First, there was an almost complete change to the engine lineup. The I6 engine made way for a new 200 CID (3.3 L) version that produced 120 hp (89 kW). Production of the 260 CID (4.3 L) engine ceased with the traditional end of the 1964 model year. It was replaced with a new 200 hp (150 kW) 289 CID (4.7 L) engine with a two-barrel carburetor as the base V8. A 225 hp (168 kW) four-barrel carbureted version was next in line, followed by the unchanged "Hi-Po" 271 hp (202 kW) 289. The DC electrical generator was replaced by a new AC alternator on all Fords (the quickest way to distinguish a 1964 1/2 from a 1965 is to see if the alternator light on the dash says "GEN" or "ALT"). The now-famous Mustang GT was introduced as the "GT Equipment Package" and included a V8 engine (most often the 225 hp (168 kW) 289), grille-mounted fog lamps, rocker panel stripes, and disc brakes. A four-barrel carbureted engine was now available with any body style. Additionally, reverse lights were an option added to the car in 1965. The Mustang was originally available as either a hardtop or convertible, but during the car's early design phases a fastback model was strongly considered. The Mustang 2+2 fastback made its inaugural debut with its swept-back rear glass and distinctive ventilation louvers.
The standard interior features of the 1965 Mustang included adjustable driver and passenger bucket seats, an AM radio, and a floor mounted shifter in a variety of color options. Throughout the 1965 model year, Ford continued to add to the Mustang's interior options. The Interior Decor Group was popularly known as "Pony Interior" due to the addition of embossed running ponies on the seat fronts, and also included integral armrests, woodgrain appliqué accents, and a round gauge cluster that would replace the standard Ford Falcon instrumentation. Also available were sun visors, a (mechanical) remote-operated mirror, a floor console, and a bench seat. Ford would later offer an under-dash air-conditioning unit, and discontinue the vinyl with cloth insert seat option, offered only in early 1965 models.
The 1966 Mustang debuted with moderate trim changes including a new grille, side ornamentation, wheel covers, and gas cap. Additionally an automatic transmission for the "Hi-Po," a large number of new paint and interior color options, an AM/eight-track sound system, and one of the first AM/FM monaural automobile radios were offered. The 1966 Mustang did away with the Falcon instrument cluster and made the previously option-only round gauges and padded sun visors standard equipment.
Although similar in design, the 1965 and 1966 Mustangs have a few visual exterior clues that differentiate the two model years. Among the differences is the emblem on the quarter-panels behind the doors. In 1965 the emblem is a single vertical piece of chrome, while in 1966 the emblem was smaller in height and had three horizontal bars extending from the design, resembling an "E". The front intake grilles and ornaments were also different. The 1965 front grille used a "honeycomb" pattern, while the 1966 version was a "slotted" style. While both model years used the "Horse and Corral" emblem on the grille, the 1965 had four bars extending from each side of the corral, while on the 1966, these bars were removed.
When Ford went to sell the Mustang in Germany they found that a company there had already registered the name. The German company offered to sell the rights to the name for US$10,000. Ford refused, and instead named it the T-5 and removed the Mustang badging and replaced it with T-5 badging.
[edit] 1967–1968
The 1967 model year would see the first of the Mustang's many major redesigns with the installation of big-block V8 engines in mind. The overall size was increased, as was the cargo space. Exterior trim changes included concave taillights, side scoop (1967) and chrome (1968) side ornamentation, square rear-view mirrors, along with the usual yearly wheel and gas cap changes. The high-performance 289 option now took a supporting role on the option sheet behind a massive 320 hp (239 kW) 390 CID (6.4 L) FE engine from the Thunderbird, which was equipped with a four-barrel carburetor. Stock 390 with 4-speed manual Mustangs of the day were recording quarter mile times of mid 13-seconds, with trap speeds of over 105 mph (169 km/h). During the middle of the 1968 model year, a drag racer for the street could be ordered with the optional 428 CID (7 L) Cobra Jet engine that was officially rated at 335 hp (250 kW).
The interior was more spacious due to an increase in the overall size of the vehicle. The 1967 and 1968 models did away with the "Pony Interior" in favor of a new deluxe interior package, which included special color options, brushed stainless steel (1967) or woodgrain (1968) trim, seat buttons, a tilt steering wheel, and special interior paneling. The air-conditioning option was fully integrated into the dash, the speakers and stereo were upgraded, and unique center and overhead consoles were options. The fastback version had a fold down seat, and the convertible was available with folding glass windows.
The California Special Mustang, or GT/CS, was visually based on the Shelby and was sold only in the Western states. Its sister, the High Country Special was sold in Denver, Colorado. While the GT/CS was only available in coupe form, the High Country Special was available in a fastback and convertible version in 1966 and 1967 and only as a coupe in 1968.
The 1968 Mustang fastback gained pop culture status when it was used to great effect in the crime thriller Bullitt. Lt. Frank Bullitt, played by legendary actor Steve McQueen, drove a modified Mustang GT-390 fastback, chasing two hitmen in a Dodge Charger in the film's famous car chase through the streets of San Francisco.
[edit] The industry reacts
In the Mustang's first two years of production, three Ford Motor Company plants in Milpitas, California; Dearborn, Michigan; and Metuchen, New Jersey produced nearly 1.5 million Mustangs. It was a tremendous success that left General Motors utterly unprepared and the Chrysler Corporation only slightly less so. Chrysler had just introduced the Plymouth Barracuda a few weeks before, and though the "'Cuda" would grow into one of the most revered muscle cars of all time, it started out at as just a Plymouth Valiant with a hastily grafted fastback rear window. As for GM, they were certain that they had a Mustang fighter in the rear-engine Corvair Monza, but sales figures didn't even come close. The Monza was a fine performer, but it lacked a V8 engine and its reputation had been tarnished by Ralph Nader. It took GM until the 1967 model year to counter with the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird. Even Lincoln-Mercury joined the fray in 1967 with the introduction of an "upmarket Mustang" (and subsequent Motor Trend Car of the Year), the Mercury Cougar. The Cougar name had originally been given to the Mustang during the development phase. In 1968, American Motors (AMC) would introduce the Javelin and later, the 2-seat high-performance AMX. This genre of small, sporty, and often powerful automobiles was unofficially dubbed the "pony car" as a tribute to the car that started it all.
[edit] 1969–1970
The Mustang's 1969 restyle gained 3.8 inches (97 mm) of body length, and was the first to use quad headlamps placed inside and outside the grille opening. The 1969 model featured a 302 CID (4.9 L) V8 rated at 220 hp (164 kW). The coupe was longer than previous models and sported convex rather than concave side panels. The new Mach 1, with a variety of new powerplants added many muscle car styling and performance features. It had dual exhausts, handling suspension with styled-steel wheels and Goodyear Polyglas tires with bold white lettering. Reflective striping was placed along the body sides, with a pop-off gas cap, matte-black hood with simulated air scoop and NASCAR-style cable and pin tiedowns. A functional "shaker" hood scoop which visibly vibrated by being attached directly to the air cleaner through a hole in the hood was available, as were a tail-mounted wing and chin spoilers and rear window louvered blackout shade. The Boss 302 Mustang was created for Trans Am rules, The Boss 429 was also offered with a larger engine.
The 1970 model moved the headlamps inside the grille opening, and deleted the rear fender air scoops. This Boss featured distinctive hockey-stick stripes, and Ford fielded a Trans Am series Boss 302 team which won the series and helped drive sales.
[edit] 1971–1973
The Mustang grew larger and heavier with each passing year, culminating with the 1971 to 1973 models designed under the supervision of Ford's new product design manager, Semon "Bunkie" Knudsen, originally of General Motors. Knudsen's turn at the helm would see the last high-performance big-block Mustang, 1971s 375 hp (280 kW) 429 Super Cobra Jet. The body style designed for the purpose of big-block installation versions was now limited to a maximum of 351 CID (5.8 L) in 1972 and 1973 due to stricter U.S. emission control regulation, as well as the low demand for big block muscle cars because of high insurance premiums. Two more high-performance engines were introduced in 1972; the 351 "HO" and the 351 Cobra Jet. Both versions were high performers for their era, but nowhere near the level of the Boss cars and original Cobra Jet. Automakers in the U.S. switched from "gross" to "net" power and torque ratings in 1972, which coincided with the introduction of low-compression engines with different, far more restrictive induction systems. Thus, it is difficult to compare power and torque ratings.
[edit] References
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