The History of the Ford Mustang

America seems to have a love affair with the Mustang, which folds together restlessness, unapologetic excellence and secret power into a perfect steel package. It’s no wonder the model has lasted more than five decades. We’re going to take a short look back at the history of this famous car, checking out the changes to Mustang models by year and decade, and examining how this sleek, powerful car had a profound impact on American culture.

The Mustang Generations

The 1964 ½

John Najjar designed the first mustang after the WWII P-51 mustang fighter plane. The prototype for the Ford Mustang was built in 1961, with the official concept car was built in 1962. Between August 1964 and January 1965, Ford released the early introductory models, which are referred to by enthusiasts as the “1964 ½” models. Those first cars sold for a cool $2,368 back in 1964. This car was featured in thousands of newspaper ads, and in that same year it also stared in the now-famous James Bond film Goldfinger. It was set up as a pretty cool ride, to say the least.

First Generation Mustang (1965 to 1973)

The 1960s mustang, which was projected to sell about 100,000 units, sold more than 300,000. Over the course of the decade, it grew in length, width and weight. The late 60s mustang was restyled to have more decorative options. In 1967, the now-famous Cobra was introduced, which Carroll Shelby called “the first car I’m really proud of.” Later, the company introduced the Mach 1, Boss 302 and Boss 429 versions.

Second Generation Mustang (1974 to 1978)

The later 70s Mustang was smaller than the old mustang models, offering only a four-cylinder or a V-6. In part due to the skyrocketing gas prices of 1973, this monster car had to quickly adapt. The car was pitched as an economy car with a few luxury features. The Ghia and the Stallion versions were introduced in this decade. The Cobra II was introduced in 1976 as a spiritual successor to Shelby’s Cobra.

Third Generation Mustang (1979 to 1993)

Sometimes referred to as “the Fox,” 80s mustangs came as notchbacks, hatchbacks and convertibles. The car experienced its 20th anniversary in 1984, and Ford celebrated by creating a collectible anniversary Mustang. In the late 80s, there was a public outcry at the idea that an all-American Mustang would be created mostly by Japanese engineers, to which Ford quickly reacted to quell their fears.

Fourth Generation Mustang (1994 to 2004)

By this point, Ford knew that they had acquired quite a few enthusiastic fans of the Mustang. Body styles were once again updated in 1994, this time incorporating more if a jellybean shape. In 1999, they gave their Mustang sharper edges and styling, but much of the car was the same.

Fifth Generation Mustang (2005 to 2014)

This generation was styled to capture “retro-futurism,” with a squarer shape and bold look. Its new popularity inspired competitors Chrysler and GM to bring back the Challenger and Camaro, respectively.

Current Generation (2015 to Present)

Today’s mustang has a wider body and a very recognizable trapezoid-shaped grille. There are many different types of mustangs today to choose from, so if you’re thinking of buying your own Mustang, feel free to check our inventory or give us a call at (870) 735-9800.

How the Ford Mustang Has Affected Popular Culture

The Ford Mustang’s history is littered with film appearances. Arguably the car became such a smash success in part due to its appearance in Goldfinger in 1964.

It’s been in dozens upon dozens of films since: The Troops of St. Tropez, Bullitt (which inspired its own line of cars), John Wick, Diamonds Are Forever, Gone in 60 Seconds, Need For Speed, I Am Legend, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Transformers, Grand Prix, War of the Worlds, Basic Instinct and many others. Recently the film Ford vs. Ferrari features the Mustang’s creator, Shelby. This doesn’t even count the TV shows and video games it’s starred in.

With the rugged beauty of the horse with the same name and consistent quality since 1964, the Mustang still draws the eye of passersby. If you’re thinking of buying a new Mustang, get in touch with us or check out our inventory.

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