The Beginning

When did the Ford Mustang enter the automotive world and who’s responsible? In order to fully understand this, we must first roll back the clock and take a look at the rise of the Ford Motor Company. It was incorporated in 1903 by Henry Ford but was originally called “The Henry Ford Company” (1901).

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The first gasoline engine was made in 1885 by Karl Benz but it was Mr Ford who created the first automotive assembly line and figured out a way to make cars affordable for many Americans. In 1908, Ford Motor Company began mass-producing it’s “Model T” car and produced over a million cars over the next 20 years. Amazing!

Ford Mustang – The Name

Where did the Ford Mustang get it’s name? Ford officially credited the name to the WWII Mustang P-51 fighter jet plane. The name was suggested by John Najjar, who co-designed the Ford Mustang along with Philip T Clark.

The Mustang prototype was built in 1961 and made it’s debut at the Grand Prix in Watkins Glen, New York on Oct 7th, 1962. This model was a 2-seater concept car and evolved into the 4-seater Mustang Mach II in 1963. The very first production Mustang was sold to Stanley Tucker and the year was credited as 1964 1/2.

Ford Mustang First Generation

Ford Motor Company began producing the Mustang on March 9th, 1964 in Dearborn, Michigan USA. It was first sold to the public on April 15th, 1964.. even before it was introduced at the World’s Fair on April 17th of the same year. Word spread like wildfire. The Mustang was HOT!

The classic 2+2 Fastback was added to the Mustang line in September of 1964. What a beauty! The Fastback has it’s own little place in classic car history.

What was Lee Iacocca’s Role in the creation of the Ford Mustang?

Lee Iacocca played a significant role in the creation of the Ford Mustang. At the time, he was the vice president and general manager of the Ford Division of Ford Motor Company. He saw an opportunity to introduce a new type of car that would appeal to the younger generation and offer something sporty, stylish, and affordable.

Iacocca championed the concept of the Mustang within Ford, pushing for its development despite initial resistance from some executives. He believed in the idea of a “personal car” that would capture the spirit of the times and resonate with the emerging youth culture of the 1960s.

Under his leadership, the Ford Mustang was officially unveiled to the public on April 17, 1964, at the New York World’s Fair. It was an instant hit, generating enormous excitement and demand. The Mustang became one of the most iconic and successful cars in automotive history, and Iacocca’s vision and persistence were instrumental in its creation and success.

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Ford Mustang: Record Breaking Sales

At the advertised price of $2,368, Ford Motor Company projected sales at under 100,000 cars for that first year. It far exceeded this projection by selling almost 400,000 Mustangs. In it’s first 18 months, one million Mustangs were built! A great American automotive brand had been established!

Ford Mustang Trivia

• On March 9th, 1964 the first Ford Mustang came of the assembly line and sold for $2,368 (retail)
• On opening day at the dealerships, Ford sold so many Mustangs that they had to put customers on a waiting list. Over 22,000 Mustangs were sold that first day and by the end of 1964, over 260,000 Mustangs had been sold
• In order to keep costs down, Ford used many parts from other models that they were already producing for the Ford Fairlane and the Ford Falcon
• The 2nd generation Mustang was introduced in 1974 and was marketed as The Mustang II. It was completely redesigned and was 500 lbs lighter and 19 inches shorter
• The “350” in GT 350 stands for the number of steps it would take to walk from the Ford production area to the racing shop
• The original artwork for the Mustang contained just the horse’s head, not the entire horse that we see today

• The most rare Mustang is the 1968 Mustang Shelby EXP500 “Green Hornet”. Completely restored, it can sell at auction for over $120,000
• The very first Mustang had only 3 gears
• The Ford Mustang’s name comes from a World War II fighter jet, not a horse
• Before Ford decided to call their car “Mustang”, the name “Cougar” was tossed around. Some prototypes were even made with a cougar logo
• Red is the most popular color sold for Ford Mustang
• The lowest horsepower for a Mustang was in the 1975 Mustang II. It came in at 87hp

Did You Know?

Did you know that the original design of the Mustang was inspired by the Ford Falcon, yet it had a wider track and a lower roofline for a sporty look? Also, the name Mustang was chosen because it represented the free-roaming wild horse of the American West, bringing a sense of power and agility to the car’s image.

Another interesting fact is that the Mustang’s success was not just due to its sleek appearance and affordability, but also because it came at a time when a new generation of American drivers was emerging. The Baby Boomers were coming of age and they wanted a car that reflected their sense of identity and freedom. The Mustang provided them with just that.

The Mustang has also played a role in popular culture, appearing in many movies and TV shows over the years. From the iconic car chase in the movie Bullitt, to being driven by Steve McQueen in the movie Gone in 60 Seconds, the Mustang has become a symbol of American muscle and style.

In conclusion, the Ford Mustang’s beginning was nothing short of legendary. Its unique design, affordable price, and perfect timing catapulted it to success and established it as a great American automotive brand. The Mustang continues to be a beloved classic car today and a symbol of American ingenuity and individuality.

Ford Mustang was the first car to be offered with a convertible option

Ford Mustang: The Fastback

The Mustang Fastback, an iconic symbol of American automotive performance, has captivated enthusiasts and car lovers for decades. First introduced by Ford in 1965 as part of the first-generation Mustang lineup, the Fastback quickly became a symbol of the muscle car era. Its sleek and aerodynamic design, characterized by a long hood and a distinctive sloping rear roofline, set it apart from other cars of its time.

Under the hood, the Mustang Fastback was known for its powerful engines, ranging from the legendary 289 V8 to the thunderous 428 Cobra Jet. This raw power translated to thrilling acceleration and the unmistakable roar of a V8 engine, making it a favorite among drag racers and speed enthusiasts.