With the reveal of the 7th Generation Mustang at the Detroit Autoshow last week it got me thinking about the Mustang in general. The Mustang has been in continuous production since it’s launch in 1964. Very few manufacturers and nameplates can lay claim to such an achievement. It has become a recognizable icon. Even non Petrolheads can identify or are at least aware of the Mustang. It gave birth to a whole new era of sportscar, known as the Pony car.
Its recognizability is not only due to its presence and numbers on the road. It has also appeared in all forms of pop culture more than almost any other vehicle. Movies, television, music, video games and YouTube, the Mustang pretty much dominates all forms of media. And has helped it, in no small part, to achieve its iconic status. From appearances in James Bond to the brilliant Steve McQueen movie Bullitt. The Mustang has embedded itself as a true icon for generations. The only other vehicles that can really rival this level of cult status and global recognition is the Porsche 911.
So, in this column, let us take a quick look back at the various generations of Mustang… The good, the bad and the ugly. I will also highlight my personal favourites from each generation.
First generation (1965–1973) – The legend begins
When you mention the name Mustang to people, this is most likely the generation they will think of. The first generation is the quintessential Mustang, the icon, the legend. When Lee Iacocca’s team first presented the Mustang to the public in 1964, it became an instant sales success. 400,000 units sold in the first year and a million within the first two. From Accountants to Aristocrats, Secretaries to Starlets all want to get their hands on the sleek new sportscar from Ford. Its success started the Pony car era. Companies like Chevrolet and Pontiac soon followed suit with offerings of their own, namely the Camaro and Firebird.
For me personally, the height of the first generation was reached in 1969. With models like the Mach1, the big block Boss 429, and my personal favourite, the Boss 302. Although the 1969 Mustang was much bigger and heavier than the 1965, its proportions and stance were very muscular. The four headlights (two integrated in the grill) adding to its unique and menacing appearance.
From 1970 till its end in 1973 the Mustang’s size and weight continued to grow. Frankly it got a bit uglier and less popular amongst buyers in the process. Even Iacocca was not happy with what the Mustang became and called for a complete redesign… the Mustang II.
Second generation (1974–1978) – The dark years
Two months before the oil crisis in 1973, Lee Iacocca introduced the much downsized Mustang II to the world. The Maverick (and ultimately Pinto) based Mustang II was much closer in dimensions to the original Mustang. Just as Iacocca intended. Unfortunately for Mustang enthusiasts it was slow and underpowered. With only an 85hp 4 banger and a 105hp V6 on offer at launch. Even in its most powerful form, the 1978 King Cobra (which is my pick for this generation). That only made about 139hp with a V8.
The sales figures were not that bad though. Selling just over 385,000 in 1974 (in part due to the oil crisis). It was truly dark times for the Pony car. Sales figures dropped drastically in 1975 and the Mustang II kept on selling in much lower numbers. Until its ultimate demise in 1978. This was the shortest lived generation of Mustang in the Pony cars history. And a generation many fans would like to forget.
Third generation (1979–1993) – Get Foxy
In 1979, the third generation Mustang was introduced. Based on Ford’s new “Fox” platform it became known as the Foxbody Mustang amongst fans. It also became the longest produced generation of Mustang to date with production lasting 15 years. The styling was a far departure from the original, but it definitely was a product of its time. The angular design screams 80’s.
Coming out of the oil crises the engines on offer were still fairly underpowered. Especially when compared to the big block 375 hp engines at the height of the first generation. The Foxbody generation also saw the first Turbocharged 2.3 litre four cylinder engine installed in the Mustang. A precursor to today’s 2.3 Turbo Ecoboost Mustangs. In 1984 the SVO (Special Vehicles Operations) Mustang was introduced delivering 175hp from this Turbo engine. This is definitely my pick of this generation even though it’s not a V8.
Although the sales numbers never reached the levels of the first generation, it was a fairly popular generation. Emphasised by its 15 year record run. There is also a strong cult following that developed over the last couple of years for the Foxbody Mustang. Especially as a drag racing and tuner platform.
Fourth generation (1994–2004) – The next one
The fourth generation Mustang in my opinion was a bit average. Yes the sales figures were decent during its 11 year lifespan, but it lost some of its character. It was based on an evolution of the Fox platform, called the Fox-4. Dynamically it was struggling to compete with offerings from Germany and Japan. There was a new 4.6 litre V8 in the front. However, a large portion of sales was for the 3.8 litre V6. Power outputs from these two engines were a bit underwhelming initially though.
But it wasn’t all bad. The 1999 “New Edge” styling face-lift gave the Mustang a more muscular appearance again. Then in 2000 they released the Mustang SVT Cobra R. A 385hp 5.4 litre Supercharged V8 beast. This was definitely the highlight of this generation for me. It showed intent that Ford is taking the Pony car seriously again.
Fifth generation (2005–2014) – Retro
The early 2000’s was a time for Retro design. VW gave us the new Beetle and BMW the new Mini. No surprises then, that when time came for Ford to design an all new Mustang on an all new platform, they went Retro. “Retro futurism” is what their then head of design called it. It was heavily influenced by the first generation Mustang, especially the 60’s Mustangs.
Once again the Mustang looked like a proper Pony car. The 2010 face-lift and 2011 engine changes (including the brand new 5.0 Coyote) really brought the Mustang to a new level. In 2012 they also introduced a new Boss 302. But, my pick of this generation is the 2013 GT500 with the 5.8 litre Supercharged V8 pumping out 662hp… Now that is real muscle.
Sixth generation (2015–present) – Global icon
The sixth generation Mustang is possibly the most significant Mustang since the first generation. Firstly because it was also produced in right hand drive and sold globally through Ford dealers for the first time in its history. Secondly, because it had a fully Independent Rear Suspension setup as standard for the first time. Previously this was reserved for SVO models. The Mustang could finally compete on a world stage with European sportscars and sedans.
The styling was also on point. Modern and sleek looking with just the right amount of Retro touches. It is instantly identifiable as a Mustang. Through its 9 year life cycle it brought back various famous models like the Mach 1, GT350 and the absolutely bonkers 760 hp GT500 with its 5.2 litre Supercharged “Predator” V8. My favourite however is the 2019 Bullitt Mustang… in Highland Green of course.
Seventh generation (2024) – Last of the V8s?
The biggest surprise for me at the unveiling of the seventh generation Mustang last week in Detroit, was that it still retained its naturally aspirated 5.0 V8. And better yet it can be had with a manual transmission. I am sure at some point, the V8 will be replaced by some hybrid assisted Turbo V6. Or something greener, but for now, I will just enjoy what possibly might be… the last of the V8s.
Styling wise I can’t really comment. I would have to see it with my own eyes first, but I do think the newly unveiled “Dark Horse” looks mean. Will have to wait and see whether this generation will continue the success of past generations.
Whether you are a Mustang fan or not; there is no denying the impact it’s had on the automotive world and on car culture in general. It is truly an icon, and one I have appreciated since my youth.
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