The Ford Mustang is an iconic racehorse that’s had plenty of defining moments over the years. From its 1964 debut to where it stands today, the Mustang has built a reputation for fine designs and impressive performance. Here are just a few elements that make this Ford an American favorite.
1964: The Beginning
First introduced to the public at the New York World’s Fair on April 17, 1964, the Ford Mustang was an idea proposed by Ford employee Lee Iacocca three years prior with the vision for a four-seat sports car. It was offered in either a coupe or convertible body style. It featured a chassis with a cockpit situated further back and had classic Mustang accents like a running horse in the grille, side scallops surrounding the flanks, and tri-divided taillights. Ford would end up selling over 126,000 Mustangs in the first year alone.
1979: A New Design
The 1979 Mustang greatly differed from its predecessors in terms of styling and design. Its flatter doors and upright-situated cockpit allowed significantly more room for passengers. Its modified MacPherson strut front suspension and updated coil spring rear suspension paved the way for the suspension systems found in Mustangs today.
Previous exterior accents that were taken out for the model year included the iconic running horse and the side scallop. Additionally, the grille appeared flatter and the taillights were now separated into six different sections.
Perhaps the most exciting design for the 1979 Mustang came when Ford produced 6,000 Indy Pace Car replica fastbacks. They featured genuine, high-quality Recaro front seats, a black and silver exterior with orange graphics, and a distinct front air dam.
2005: A Tribute to the Past
What Ford did with the 2005 Mustang was incorporate several elements seen in previous models. Its fastback-inspired roofline and triangular side windows resembled what legendary designer Carroll Shelby had envisioned with the 1965 Shelby GT350. Meanwhile, the 2005 model’s slanted nose, rounded headlights, and circular steering wheel center reminded drivers of the Mustangs from 1967, ’68, and ’69.
2017: A Modern Sports Car
Through the years, Ford has continued to improve its models to appeal to modern crowds. The 2017 Mustang, in particular, is truly a fashion-forward car with its stylish and aerodynamic exterior. Standard features include HID headlamps, dual exhaust pipes, and LED tri-bar taillamps. Other amenities include heated and cooled seats, advanced audio and technology systems, and a tilt/telescoping steering column, all features likely unheard of during the early years of the Mustang.
What’s more, the 2017 model also caters to different drivers and their lifestyles. There are 10 different trims to choose from, including fastbacks, convertibles, Shelby GT350s, and EcoBoost models with turbocharged, direct-injection engines to maximize fuel economy. As you can tell, this Mustang features a combination of superior engineering and modern innovations.
Whether you’ve been a Mustang enthusiast from the start or you’re simply someone who appreciates its modern appeal, there are so many reasons to love this particular Ford model.
“US California Ford Mustang Grille” by dfsym used under license CC0
