Six generations of Mustang

A lot has changed since Ford’s first Mustang made its global debut at the World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows, New York, on April 17, 1964.

Join us as we trace five decades of the Blue Oval’s original pony car, which becomes a global model for the first time in its sixth generation.

Ford expected annual sales of about 100,000 units, but 22,000 Mustang orders were taken on the first day, and sales reached an astounding 417,000 in the car’s first 12 months on the market.

The Shelby GT350 was introduced in 1965, its 306hp (228kW) V8 bringing performance credibility to the Mustang, and Mustang coupe and convertible sales passed the one million mark in March 1966.

Mustang-mania hit full force when the 289 cubic-inch ‘Hi-Po’ V8 became available. Carroll Shelby adapted the Shelby GT350 for Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) competition, and the GT350 went on to win three straight SCCA national championships.

The 1967 Mustang 2+2 went from a semi-notchback to a sweeping full fastback roofline design with separate triple tail-lights, a longer nose and bigger grille.

In 1968, the 428 Cobra Jet engine was introduced as part of an option package aimed at enthusiasts, and it helped make the Shelby GT500 become King of the Road – KR.

A “steed for every need” philosophy yielded 11 different powertrain combinations in 1969. New models included the 290hp (216 kW) Boss 302, the 375hp (279kW) Boss 429, the Mach 1 and the Grande luxury model.

In 1970, a ram-air ‘Shaker’ bonnet scoop could be ordered on any Mustang with a 351ci or larger V8.

The 1971 Mustangs were the biggest Mustangs ever – nearly a foot longer and some 270kg heavier than the originals.

The Boss 351 debuted with a 351ci ‘Cleveland’ V8 and Cobra Jet heads, and the Mach 1 was available with a variety of powertrains, topped by the 370hp (275kW) 429 Super Cobra Jet.

Fuel shortages, rising insurance premiums and tighter emissions controls brought the muscle car era to a close in 1973, when the last US Falcon-based Mustang was produced and the convertible discontinued.

For the first time, there was no V8 and no convertible available. V8 power returned to the Mustang in 1975, but the 302ci V8 produced only 130hp (95kW) and came only with an automatic transmission.

The Cobra II package joined the line-up in 1976, replete with non-functional hood scoop, racing stripes and front and rear spoilers.

In an attempt to appeal to convertible fans, fastback models became available with T-Top removable glass roof panels, while a new Sports Performance Package added a four-speed manual transmission to the 302ci V8.

In 1978, the new King Cobra model was the first Mustang to wear a 5.0 badge – the metric equivalent of 302ci.

MUSTANG Mk3 – 1979-1993:
The new ‘Fox’ platform made its debut in 1979. The new ‘Euro’ inspired model was longer and taller than the Mustang II, yet it was 90 kg lighter. Engine choices included a 2.3-litre four-cylinder, 2.8-litre V6, 3.3-litre inline six-cylinder and a 140hp (103kW) 5.0-litre V8.

In 1980, the 302ci V8 was dropped and replaced by an economy-minded 119hp (88kW) 255ci, and in 1981 performance headed to the back burner as the turbo four was dropped and new emissions controls dropped the 255ci V8’s power to 115hp (85kW).

In 1982, the Mustang GT returned after a 12-year absence with a 5.0-litre V8 delivering 157hp (115kW), while optional T-Tops also returned.

By 1983, the Mustang convertible was back and so was the Boss, as Ford’s pony car returned to its performance roots following the fuel crisis and emissions standards that influenced the Mustangs of the 1970s.

In 1984, Ford’s Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) team created the Mustang SVO, featuring fog lights, a functioning bonnet scoop and unique dual-wing rear spoiler. A turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine produced 175hp (129kW).

Also in 1984, a limited-edition V8 Mustang GT was created to commemorate the Mustang’s 20th anniversary of the Mustang.

In 1985, Mustang received a 5.0-litre high-output V8 that made 210hp (154kW) with a manual transmission. New Quadra-Shock rear suspension provided better acceleration and reduced wheel hop on take-off.

Mustang’s V8 traded its carburettor for sequential multi-port fuel-injection in 1986 and in 1987 the Mustang was restyled with a new ‘aero-look’ body. The 5.0-litre V8 produced 225hp (165kW).

For its 25th Anniversary, all Mustangs produced between April 17, 1989 and April 17, 1990 sported the familiar running horse on the dashboard with ‘25 Years’ inscribed underneath.

In 1990, Mustang was fitted with a driver’s airbag as standard and in 1991 entry-level Mustangs received an improved 105hp (77kW) twin-plug 2.3-litre four-cylinder with distributor-less ignition. All V8 models came with new five-spoke 16x7.0-inch cast aluminium wheels.

The stealthy Mustang LX 5.0 developed a cult following in 1992 and outsold all other models combined. Wire-style wheel covers and whitewall tyres disappeared from the options list.

In 1993, Ford’s new Special Vehicle Team (SVT) introduced the limited-production SVT Mustang Cobra with subtle but distinctive styling cues and performance upgrades. The low-volume 1993 Cobra R, developed to be used as a race car, sold out prior to production.

MUSTANG Mk4 – 1994-2004:
The fourth-generation Mustang – the car’s first major redesign in 15 years – was dramatically restyled to evoke its pony car heritage in 1994. The hatchback style was dropped, leaving the two-door coupe and convertible.

The SVT (Special Vehicle Team) Cobra launched with a 240hp (176kW) 5.0-litre V8, but 1995 was the final model year for the 5.0-litre V8, which began life as the 260ci and later 289ci engine. The second SVT Cobra R was introduced with a 300hp (220kW) 5.8-litre V8 and five-speed manual.

In 1996, Mustang GTs and SVT Mustang Cobras were equipped for the first time with the 4.6-litre DOHC V8, which produced 305hp (224kW). Ford’s Passive Anti-Theft System became standard on all models in 1997.

In 1998, the output of Mustang GT’s 4.6-litre V8 was increased to 225hp (165kW).

A refreshed Mustang debuted in 1999, sporting sharper lines, pronounced wheel-arches and a new bonnet, grille, fascias and lights.

The SVT Mustang Cobra became the first Mustang with independent rear suspension and the 4.6-litre DOHC V8 produced 320hp (235kW).

In 2000, the third Mustang SVT Cobra R was produced in a 300-unit run. It came with a 386hp (284kW), 5.4-litre DOHC V8 mated to Mustang’s first ever six-speed transmission.

Inspired by the 1968 movie, the first Mustang Bullitt GT model was offered. It featured unique side scoops, 17-inch ‘Bullitt’-styled wheels and lower, firmer suspension.

In 2002, production ended for two of Mustang’s closest competitors: Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird.

The Mach I returned in 2003 with a 305hp (224kW) V8 under a signature ram-air ‘Shaker’ bonnet scoop. The supercharged SVT Mustang Cobra produced 390hp (287kW).

In 2004, Ford produced its 300 millionth car – a Mustang GT convertible 40th anniversary edition. The 2004 models were the last cars built at Ford’s fabled Dearborn Assembly Plant, which had built Mustangs since the car’s 1964 introduction.

MUSTANG Mk5 – 2005-2013:
In 2005, production of the all-new S-197 codenamed Mustang moved to Flat Rock, Michigan. The Mustang’s V6 was increased to 4.0 litres and the V8 increased to 300hp (220kW).

The V6 ‘Pony Package’ debuted in 2006. GT models got 18-inch wheels and owners could configure instrument panel lighting in 125 different colours – an industry first – using Ford’s MyColor instrument gauge.

In 2007, the line-up also included the Mustang Shelby GT and the Shelby GT500KR. The second limited-edition Mustang Bullitt was introduced in November.

The nine millionth Mustang – a GT convertible – was built in 2008 and sold to an Iowa farmer. The 2009 Mustang featured a glass roof option and special 45th anniversary badging.

The upgraded 2010 Mustang was introduced in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show, featuring more technology, power-dome bonnet, sequential turn signals and more power from a throatier sounding V8.

The 5.0 badge returned to Mustang in 2011 with the introduction of the all-new 5.0-litre ‘Coyote’ V8 and, in 2012, the Boss 302 returned to the line-up for the first time in more than 40 years.

At 662hp (494kW), the supercharged 5.8-litre V8 in the 2013 Shelby GT500 became the most powerful production V8 in the world, a year before the Flat Rock Assembly Plant celebrates the production of one million Mustangs in 2014.

MUSTANG Mk6 – 2014 onwards:
Ford revealed its sixth-generation Mustang coupe and convertible in a six-city simultaneous world debut on December 5.

The first ‘global’ Mustang to be produced in both left- and right-hand drive ex-factory, it is significantly lighter, features independent rear suspension across the range and, when it arrives in Australia in 2015, will be powered by 2.3-litre turbo four and 5.0-litre V8 engines.

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