Celebrating 60 Years of uninterrupted production of the Ford Mustang
by Dean V. Ricci
Editor, Fordsforever.com

The Ford Mustang, introduced on April 17, 1964, at the New York World's Fair, is an iconic American muscle car that has played a significant role in automotive history. Here's a brief overview of the history of the Ford Mustang:

First Generation (1964-1973):

The first-generation Mustang was designed by Lee Iacocca and his team at Ford. It was introduced as a 1965 model. The car featured a sporty and youthful design, offering a variety of body styles, including coupe and convertible. The Mustang gained immediate popularity and was dubbed a "pony car" for its compact size and affordable price. High-performance versions like the Shelby GT350 and GT500 were introduced, adding to the Mustang's racing legacy. The new Ford Mustang was the first car to win the Tiffany Award for Design.

Second Generation (1974-1978):

The second generation, introduced in 1974, faced challenges due to changing market demands and stricter emission regulations.
The Mustang II was smaller and more fuel-efficient but lacked the performance reputation of its predecessor. The Mustang II won the Motor Trend Magazine Car of the Year Award.

Third Generation (1979-1993):

The Mustang was redesigned for the third generation, becoming larger and adopting a more modern, aerodynamic style. Performance variants, such as the Mustang SVO, were introduced, showcasing advancements in technology and handling. These cars were known as the Fox Body Mustangs and were in production a record 14 years before a restyle came for the next model year.

A 20th Anniversary Edition was released in 1984 resulting in a trademark infringement lawsuit with Carroll Shelby over the use of the G.T. 350 Name. The suit was settled and eventually Carroll came back to work with Ford Motor Company.	Also in 1984, a new Mustang based on the Fox platform was introduced called the SVO. The car was priced higher than the V8 powered GTs and was not a good seller for Ford. However the car was a thoroughbred and a champion on the race course.	When Ford finally got the Fox Body right, they stopped making it. 1993 was the last year for the platform and the Cobra Mustang was the best of the breed. The car is very popular with collectors today and command high prices.

Fourth Generation (1994-2004):

In 1994, Ford launched a completely redesigned Mustang, returning to a more muscular and aggressive look. The SVT Cobra and the Mach 1 were among the high-performance models introduced during this era.

Fifth Generation (2005-2014):

The fifth-generation Mustang, introduced in 2005, featured a retro-inspired design reminiscent of the classic Mustangs of the 1960s. The Shelby GT500, with a supercharged V8 engine, became a flagship model, offering impressive horsepower. Carroll Shelby worked with the designers and engineers in creating the car that bears his name.

Sixth Generation (2015-2020):

The sixth-generation Mustang maintained the retro-modern design theme but introduced more advanced technology and improved handling. EcoBoost engine options were added for improved fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.

Seventh Generation (2021-Present):

The latest generation, continues the evolution of the Mustang. The Mustang Mach-E, introduced in 2020, represents a departure from traditional Mustangs, being an all-electric SUV. Throughout its history, the Ford Mustang has become a cultural icon, appearing in movies, TV shows, and music. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its impact on automotive design and performance. The Mustang has evolved to meet changing market demands while retaining its status as a symbol of American muscle and style.

2024 Mustang Dark Horse Edition, the latest Mustang from 60 years of production.

60 YEARS