It has been immortalized in pop culture (remember Steve McQueen in the movie Bullitt?) and on America's streets. Forty years after its debut and with its current version channeling the original, the Ford Mustang is as relevant and popular as ever. Today, we profile the first generation Ford Mustang and ask the question: Is this the most popular classic car ever?
Before Chrysler, Lee Iacocca’s crowning achievement
Lee Iacocca was the corporate face behind Chrysler in the 80's and 90's. But his contribution to American automotive history includes something much more significant. As a VP with Ford in the early 60's, Iaccoca was the driving force behind the design and development of the first generation Mustang, which was introduced to the public at New York World’s Fair and rolled off the assembly line only eighteen months after its’ production was approved. The Mustang was based on the compact Ford Falcon to control costs and gained instant popularity with the American public. More than 400,000 vehicles hit the road in its first twelve months on the market, including almost 70,000 convertibles.
Have it your way
One of the more noteworthy aspects of the early Mustang was the litany of options available for it. Everything from manual and automatic transmission, six or eight cylinder engines, and comfort and styling options like air conditioning, vinyl tops and special wheels gave every Mustang buyer the opportunity to create a unique, customized vehicle representing their taste, style and driving habits. Initially available only as a coupe or convertible, the Mustang was offered in GT digs by the spring of 1965, as well as a Shelby-designed GT-350 as a 2+2 Fastback later that year.
Often imitated, never duplicated
The first generation Ford Mustang was produced until 1973, after which a string of flawed successors attempted to recapture the magic of the original. From its inception in 1964, the original Mustang has captured the attention of the driving public, and remained relevant for generations. Throughout its four year production cycle and beyond, the original ponycar reigns as a "must have" for the vintage vehicle collector.
Introduction Date: April 17, 1964
Original base price: $2,360 (half what a new Corvette cost)
Almost known as: Cougar, Torino, Tunderbird II, Colt
Engine and Transmissions: 120 Horsepower Inline 6-cylinder, 220 Horsepower V-8, 225 Horsepower V-8, 271 Horsepower V-8
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