MUSTANG TIMELINE
1963: The plans begin. To be built upon the
Ford Falcon unibody platform, Mustang is discussed at length before a single
sketch is drawn. The all-consuming goal is to make a car that looks like no
other. Sweeping hood, sculpted flank and short rear deck set the Mustang
apart.
1964: Ford officially introduces Mustang on April 17.
Fastback debuts on Oct. 1. Standard equipment includes floorshift transmission,
full wheel covers, padded dash, bucket seats and carpeting.
1966:
Much to the buyer’s and collector’s delight, Mustang is “refreshed” annually.
For 1966, thin bars, leaving the galloping horse to float in its chromed
rectangular frame, replace the honeycomb grille texture.
1967:
Different everywhere except in its chassis, inner structure and running gear,
the Mustang 2+2 goes from a semi-notchback to a sweeping full fastback roofline.
Separate triple taillamps, a longer nose and a bigger grille are also added to
promote a more aggressive stance.
1967-1968: The Mach 1 concept
teases the design direction of the production 1967 Mustang 2+2 Fastback. The
concept features large rear-body scoops, racing style flip-open fuel doors, four
exhaust ports and mag wheels. The front end is changed several times to create a
more traditional Mustang look.
1968: Mustang GT is given a unique
look, highlighted by striking C-shaped body stripes. Styled steel wheels with a
slotted disc pattern are stock on GTs. The 1968 fastback is virtually unchanged
save new side marker lights.
1969: A “steed for every need” is
launched with the creation of special models to complement the all-out muscle
car. An extra pair of headlights are set within the grille and the taillights
were no longer recessed.
1971: The entire Mustang lineup gets
longer and wider – the biggest Mustang ever. The freshening includes a stronger
front appearance thanks to a new bumper and honeycomb grille with pony logo, a
NACA-style ram-air hood scoop and Magnum 500 wheels.
1974-1978:
Due to the growing popularity of sporty import coupes, Mustang II enters the
market to appeal to those customer conscious of fuel economy during a historic
gasoline crisis. Convertibles are a thing of the past, not to return until 1983,
though the T-top is an option in 1977.
1979: New crisp and clean
lines help make the transition to the fifth generation of Mustang, beginning
with the 1979 “Fox” platform. Performance was back and quality is improved both
inside and out. The new model is longer and taller than Mustang II, yet 200
pounds lighter.
1983: All Mustangs look faster for 1983 due to a
more rounded nose that reduced air drag, as well as restyled taillights. The
first convertible in 10 years appears glamorous with a power top, roll-down rear
side windows and a tempered glass back window.
1984: Ford
introduces the Mustang SVO. It features a front fascia with integral fog lamps,
but no grille. An off-center functional scoop also make the vehicle unique. The
vehicle comes standard with a polycarbonate dual-wing rear
spoiler.
1987: The Mustang is heavily restyled, with a new
“aero-look” body and revised instrument panel that would influence future
models. Control buttons are placed conveniently on the steering wheel. GTs sport
a longer hood, new grille and aero headlamps.
1992: The Mach III
concept car is introduced. It has carbon fiber body panels sculpted to recreate
a long hood, short rear deck and grille-mounted running horse, dual cockpit and
three-spoke steering wheel: reminders of the 1965 original. The rounded rear end
carries two sets of triple tail lenses.
1993: Ford’s Special
Vehicle Team (SVT) introduces the Cobra. The hot hatchback is developed with an
undeniable GT interior and modest exterior performance upgrades. It features a
special grille opening with a unique running horse. The limited-edition 1993
Cobra R sells out prior to production.
1994: Mustang is
dramatically restyled to evoke the model’s heritage and performance tradition.
Thoroughly modernized with smooth and wedged lines, fully 1,330 of the vehicle’s
1,850 parts are changed. The hatchback body style is dropped, leaving the
two-door coupe and convertible.
1999: For 1999, Mustang has a
sweeping hood, side scoops and short rear deck that recall the past, while
crisp, beveled surfaces invite new interpretation.
2001: Building
on the success and history of limited-edition Mustangs, the Mustang Bullitt GT
is introduced. Unique side scoops, 17-inch Bullitt-style aluminum wheels and a
lowered suspension are specially tuned for the car. Rocker-panel moldings
enhance the low-to-the-ground appearance. A bold, brushed aluminum fuel filler
door is prominently placed on the quarter panel.
2002: The new
Mach 1 is introduced. The car features the return of the “shaker” scoop, a
redesigned “comfortweave” interior, heritage wheels and an extended black air
dam and spoiler.
2003: The legacy continues…