Collector Worthy Cars: 1st Generation Ford Mustangs ('64-'73)
As car people, we'd be remiss to not give credit to one of the most influential classic muscle cars ever designed: The 1st Generation Ford Mustang. According to Ford, the Mustang was the “working man’s Thunderbird.” With the first models carrying an affordable starting price tag of around $2,300, the combination of the automobile’s unique style with affordability and performance resulted in the Mustang taking lead in the auto industry from the moment it was created.
The quickest pony in the stable even made its way to the big screen within its first year of distribution in the James Bond movie “Goldfinger.” Shortly after the 1968 Mustang 390 GT was famously featured in the famous Steve McQueen movie “Bullitt.” Since then, Mustangs have appeared in hundreds of movies, and in millions of homes! Let's take a look at the history and evolution of the 1st generation Mustang.
The quickest pony in the stable even made its way to the big screen within its first year of distribution in the James Bond movie “Goldfinger.” Shortly after the 1968 Mustang 390 GT was famously featured in the famous Steve McQueen movie “Bullitt.” Since then, Mustangs have appeared in hundreds of movies, and in millions of homes! Let's take a look at the history and evolution of the 1st generation Mustang.
The First Pony Car
The Ford Mustang made its official debut at the World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows, New York on April 17, 1964. That same day, Henry Ford II also debuted the Mustang in Ford showrooms across America and almost 22,000 Mustangs were immediately snapped up by buyers. Named after a World War II fighter plane, the Mustang was the first of a type of vehicle that came to be known as a “pony car.” Ford sold more than 400,000 Mustangs within its first year of production, well exceeding sales expectations.
The 1964½ was available in only two models: the coupe and convertible. Both models featured a lengthened hood and shortened rear deck, chrome wrap-around bumpers, chrome grille with a running horse, and full wheel covers. Both models were available with a 170 cid, 101 horsepower, 6 cylinder engine, a 260-2V, 164 horsepower V8, a 289-4V, 210 horsepower V8 and a fire breathing, 4 barrel, solid lifter, 271 horsepower, 289 cid V8 engine. Consumers had a choice of a 3 speed, 4 speed or automatic transmission, and a variety of rear end gear ratios. The interior featured "wall-to-wall" carpeting, front bucket seats or an optional front bench seat, rear bench seat, a sports car style steering wheel, floor mounted shifter, and full headliner.
First Major Restyling
From its debut, there were some minor changes made over the first few years to the Mustang, but 1967 brought the first major restyling to this pony car. The Mustang was starting to grow up. The length and height were increased, 2.7" and .5" respectively. The wider body allowed for the installation of a tire smoking, 320 horsepower, 390 cid engine, the first big block engine in the Mustang. Among new options for the 1967 Mustang were the tilt-away steering wheel, an overhead console, power disc brakes, and an all new transmission, the FMX, which allowed fully automatic or manual shifting. The Mustang Fastback roof line was extended to the rear of the trunk.
Introduction of the Mustang Boss Models
The Mustang met another major restyling in 1969. The Fastback was gone and replaced by the new SportsRoof model. The new Mustangs were almost 4 inches longer than their 67/68 predecessors, yet they retained the 108" wheelbase of the original 1964½. The base Mustang engine continued to be the 200 cubic inch six cylinder. New for the economy minded Mustang owner was an optional 250 cubic inch six. The base V8 continued to be the 302-2V. The 351-2V and 4V entered the lineup for 1969. The 302-4V and the 390-2V were dropped, but the 390-4V remained. There were two special engines offered for 69, the Boss 302 and the Boss 429. New features for 1969 included quad headlights, front parking lights were now located behind the front valance panel, new quarter panel ornaments, side scoops and integral rear spoiler on the SportsRoof models, and front seat back locks.
Last Major Restyling of the 1st Generation Mustang
1971 saw another major restyling change for the Ford Mustang, which would be the last for the first generation Mustang. Introduced late in August of 1970, the new Mustang was more than two inches longer and almost two and a half inches wider than it's 1970 predecessor. The wheelbase was extended one inch to 109". The 200 cid 6 cylinder was dropped along with the 428, the Boss 302, and the Boss 429. New engines for '71 were the Boss 351, the 429, and the Ram Air 429. The Mustang Boss 351 produced 330 horsepower, while both 429 engines produced 370 horsepower.
1973 brought the last year of the "big" Mustang. It was replaced by a smaller, lighter breed, therefore, most of the changes for '73 were merely cosmetic. Ford continued evolving the Mustang, and now, fifty-plus years later, Ford has offered six distinct generations of their iconic pony car, and it remains in production today, with more than 9 million sold.
Let's Find and Restore Your Dream Mustang!
The Mustang is one of Ford’s most popular vehicles, and for good reason! Are you looking to add a 1st generation Mustang to your collection? We can help you find one! We can also fully restore it to its original/super modified glory. We run a one-stop-shop here at Farm Boy Garage, and all restoration services are done on site, meaning your car doesn't leave our garage until it's completed to your satisfaction! So, what are you waiting for? Let's find that Mustang you've been dreaming of!
Are you ready to create the muscle car or classic truck of your dreams? Let us be your one-stop-shop! Visit our website to check out some of the recent projects we've completed and to learn about the vehicle restoration services we offer.
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