Where does the Mustang fit?

Is it a high performance car, a sporty car, or just a sporty compact? Frankly, while Lee Iaccoca saw the car more as a niche car for the baby boomers, there was never a doubt that it would have a performance heritage. As soon as it was settled on its configuration, plans were afoot to fit it with the Shelby Cobra-based Hi performance 260 V8. By the time it made it to production, the 289 version was in the wings and by the summer of 1964, the "Hi-Po" version was already in production.

(To read a test of the early Hi-Po Mustang in the August 1964 Motor Trend, click HERE).

From that day forward, there would always be a performance version - except for a few dark yeas in the Mustang II era - and even at the end of that period there was the 302 V8 "Cobra" version. Of course, by the mid 80's the GT was revived, and the rest is history. Today you can buy a new Mustang with over 420 HP!

So is the Mustang a high performance car? HECK YES!

General History

The Ford Mustang is an automobile manufactured by the Ford Motor Company from 1964 to the present. At introduction, it was based on the second generation North American Ford Falcon, a compact car. It was introduced on April 17, 1964, dubbed as a "1964 " model by Ford, though it was really a 1965 issue. The 1965 Mustang was the automaker's most successful launch since the Model A.

The Mustang created the "pony car" class of American automobiles sports car-like coupes with long hoods and short rear decks and gave rise to competitors such as GM's Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird, AMC's Javelin, and Chrysler's Plymouth Barracuda and Dodge Challenger.

Significant is that this class of car has survived to this day - with the Mustang, Camaro and Challenger still in production.

The Mustang name was never retired, even as the car was "downsized in 1974-1978, and placed on the Pinto chassis. The third generation Mustang, based upon the new "Fox" body was a wise choice, as it allowed the fitment of larger brakes, axles, and easily fit the entire gamut of available Ford V8s. This version, available from 1979 through 1993, revived the "pony car" at Ford, and in fact revived performance at Ford as well. The next iteration, offered from 1994 through 1994 was truly a refinement of the "Fox" chassis car - and became notable for the installation of Ford's "Modular" V8.

The biggest change occurred when the "retro look" Mustang was introduced in 2005. This model was based on the modern "DC-2" platform, which had spawned the retro Thunderbird and other vehicles. With minor modifications, it is still in use. Significant in this generation is the installation of the newer iterations of the modular motors, including the 2012 "5.0" V8, a complete rehash of the architecture ot such a degree as to be a whole new engine. Further, the V6 powerplant was all new as well. Topping the power hierarchy is the Shelby Cobra with 5.8 Liters and 662 HP (1000 HP versions have been produced.

For 2015, Ford intends to give us a totally new platform for the Mustang and a rash of new powerplants - including Eco-Boost 4s and 6s, in addition to the 5.0 V8.

For a detailed breakdown of the various generations - Click HERE

For Road Tests of Mustangs click HERE

For Mustang Ads click HERE

For Mustang Brochures click HERE