History of The Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang is one of the most popular muscle cars in history. It has had an intriguing transformation over its 50+ year history. This review discusses the history of the Ford Mustang from its origin in 1963 to what the Mustang has evolved into today.

The first generation Ford Mustang (1965-1973)

The first generation of the Mustang technically began in 1965 (and production began in 1964). However, the very first model of the Mustang came several years prior. The prototype was built in 1961 and the official design by Ford began a year later. There is also what is referred to by enthusiasts as the “1964 1/2 model,” which was the original Mustang that was sold in the latter part of ‘64. 

Ford projected to initially sell 100,000 units of the Ford Mustang and sold more than 300,000. This lead them to invest more into the innovation and development of the Ford Mustang throughout the 60s. The well-renowned car designer Carroll Shelby officially became involved by working on the Cobra model, which he referred to as “the first car I am truly proud of.” 

The second generation Ford Mustang (1974-1978)

The second generation of the Ford Mustang began in 1974. While the Mustang continually grew in size and weight throughout the 60s, it began to slim down more in the second generation. This generation of the Mustang is unique as it was pitched more as an economy car and less as a performance vehicle. This is largely due to the skyrocketing gas prices of the time. As a result, this led Ford to offer only a Ford cylinder or a V-6 engine. Perhaps the most notable event to come from the second generation is the introduction of the Cobra II, the successor to Shelby’s Mustang Cobra. 

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The third generation Ford Mustang (1979-1993)

After a short second generation, the Ford Mustang really changed its approach during the 80s and early 90s. Most Mustangs produced throughout the third generation were known as “The Fox.” The different variations of The Fox featured notchbacks, hatchbacks and convertibles. The Mustang remained one of the hottest selling muscle cars of the 80s and early nineties.  Some regard the third generation Ford Mustang as the most fascinating generation. 

The fourth generation Ford Mustang (1994-2004)

The Ford Mustang was already considered a classic by the late 90s and early 2000s, and there were many enthusiasts intrigued by previous generations as well as the current Mustang. The body stayed relatively the same throughout the fourth generation, although the fourth generation Mustang featured more refined edges and a more modern look. You can still see many fourth-generation Mustangs on the roads today. However, many of the parts need upgrades, such as the headlights, taillights, mirrors, etc. 

The fifth generation Ford Mustang (2005-2014)

The fifth generation Ford Mustang received a significant facelift to resemble more of what you see with the more recent Mustangs in the sixth generation (see below). It also had more of a square shape and a bolder look to it during the fifth generation. It is very common to see the Ford Mustang fifth generation on the road today and in great condition. Many still have great resale value and are considered to be modern cars with quality parts. While models that predated 2010 likely need new headlights and other parts, this version remains a quality car for shoppers who want a reliable muscle vehicle. 

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The sixth generation Ford Mustang (2015-present)

The sixth generation Ford Mustang brings us to the present-day. The current mustang features a wider body than ever before and a trapezoid-shaped grille. There are many different types of sixth-generation Ford Mustangs to choose from, each of which offers unique specifications to consider. 

The best Mustangs of all time

There have been many legendary versions of the Mustang throughout its 57-year history. Narrowing down the best is not easy, but we decided to take a shot at it. After considering the modern-day value, the hype centered around the release of each model and various other ranking factors, we consider the best Mustangs of all time to include:

• 1964-1/2 Mustang
• 1967 Shelby GT500
• 1969 Boss 302
• 1984 SVO
• 1993 SVT Cobra
• 2003 SVT Cobra
• 2001 GT 5.0
• 2013 Shelby GT 500

As you can see, Ford is not shy about bringing back some of the relics from past decades, continuing the GT 500 model, SVT Cobra and more. Of course, there are many additional models that are great as well. 

The racing history of the Mustang

The recent release of the movie Ford v. Ferrari reminded car enthusiasts of the deep racing history of the Ford Mustang. Ford began racing its Mustang in the mid-60s right around the time of its first release to the public. When Carroll Shelby got involved in the mid to late 60s, Ford became a well-known competitor in many big international races, including the Le Mans. The Mustang race cars of the 60s are some of the most valuable Mustangs ever sold (see below), particularly those designed by Carroll Shelby. 

The most expensive Ford Mustangs

The most expensive Mustang ever sold was the 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350R, which sold for $3.5 million. This Mustang in particular was the first Mustang to win a race for Carroll Shelby. The 1968 Ford Mustang “Bullitt” sold for $3.4 million, which was driven by Steve McQueen in the film “Bullitt.” Other notable Mustangs that sold for more than $1 million include the 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 “Eleanor”, 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake and the 2020 Ford Shelby Mustang GT500, which was the first of the GT500 since Carroll Shelby was designing the model. 

Final thoughts

The Ford Mustang is legendary. Few car models last more than a decade, let alone last for more than 55 years. While the Mustang may not have the hype it once had, they are still great cars today as we dive deeper into the sixth generation.