Ford Mustang The Ford Mustang is an automobile produced by the Ford Motor Company, originally based on the Ford Falcon compact. The first production Mustang rolled off the assembly line in Dearborn, Michigan on 9 March, 1964, and was introduced to the public at the New York World's Fair on 17 April, 1964, and via all three American television networks on 19 April. It was one of the most successful product launches in automotive history. The Mustang sold over one million units in its first 18 months on the market. The Mustang remains in production today after many decades and several revisions.
First generation (1965–1973)
Design and engineering The prototype, first conceived by Ford product manager Donald N. Frey and championed by Ford Division general manager Lee Iacocca, was a two-seat, mid-engine roadster. This would later be remodeled as a four-seat car penned by David Ash and Joseph Oros in Ford's Lincoln–Mercury Division design studios, which resulted in the winning design in an intramural design contest called by Iacocca.
To cut down the development cost, the Mustang was based heavily on familiar, yet simple components. Much of the chassis, suspension, and drive train was derived from the Ford Falcon and Ford Fairlane. The car had a unitized platform-type frame from the 1964 Falcon, and welcoming box-section side rails, including five welded crossmembers. Although hardtop Mustangs were the majority in sales, durability problems with the new frame led to the unusual step of engineering the (necessarily less rigid) convertible first, which ensured adequate stiffness. Overall length of the Mustang and Falcon was identical, at 181.6 in (4613 mm), although the Mustang's wheelbase at 108 in (2743 mm) was slightly shorter. With an overall width of 68.2 in (1732 mm), it was 2.4 in (61 mm) narrower, although wheel track was nearly identical. Shipping weight, about 2570 lb (1170 kg) with six-cylinder engine, was also similar. A full-equipped, V8 model weighed about 3000 lb (1360 kg). Though most of the mechanical parts were directly taken from the Falcon, the Mustang's body shell was completely different from the Falcon's, sporting a shorter wheelbase, wider track, lower seating position, and overall height. An industry first, the "torque box" was an innovative structural system that greatly stiffened the Mustang's unitized body construction and helped contribute to better handling.
1964–1966
Since it was introduced five months before the normal start of the production year, this first model has become widely known — although incorrectly — as the 1964 1/2 model. A more accurate description is the "early 1965" model, as the car underwent several significant changes at the start of the regular model year. All the early cars, however, were titled as 1965 models. The base, yet well-equipped Mustang hardtop with its 105 hp (78 kW), 156 ft·lbf (212 N•m) 170 in³ (2.8 L) inline six-cylinder engine and three-speed manual transmission listed for US$2,368. With its "long hood/short deck" styling giving an impression of a costly car. Some will say that it was the best thing in American Car History.
Some minor changes to the Mustang occurred at the start of normal 1965 model year production, a mere five months after its introduction, and these cars are known as "late 65's," as opposed to the "early 65's" built from April through September (also known, incorrectly, as 1964 1/2 models.) First was an almost complete change to the engine lineup. The 170 in³ (2.8 L) I6 engine made way for a new 200 in³ (3.3 L) version which had 120 hp (89 kW) at 4400 rpm and 190 ft·lbf (258 N•m) at 2400 rpm. Production of the 260 in³ (4.2 L) engine ended with the close of the 1964 model year, and a new, two-barrel carbureted 200 hp (149 kW) 289 in³ (4.7 L) engine took its place as the base V8. A 225 hp (168 kW) four-barrel 289 in³ (4.7 L) was next in line, followed by the unchanged "Hi-Po" 289. The DC electrical generator was replaced by a new AC alternator on all Fords and the now-famous Mustang GT was introduced. A four-barrel carbureted engine was now available with any body style. Additionally, reverse lights were an option added to the car in 1965. Originally, the Mustang was available as either a hardtop or convertible. During the car's early design phases, however, a fastback model was strongly considered. The Mustang 2+2 fastback made its inaugural debut with its swept-back rear glass and distinctive ventilation louvers. The 1966 Mustang debuted with only moderate trim changes, and a few new options such as an automatic transmission for the "Hi-Po," a new interior and exterior colors, an AM/eight-track "Stereosonic" sound system, and one of the first AM/FM monaural radios available in any car.
1967–1968
The 1967 model year would see the first of the Mustang's many major redesigns with the installation of big-block V8 engines in mind. The high-performance 289 option now took a supporting role on the option sheet behind a massive 335 hp (250 kW) 390 in³ (6.4 L) engine direct from the Thunderbird, which was equipped with a four-barrel carburetor. Stock 390/4speed equipped Mustangs of the day were recording ¼ mile times of mid 13's, with trap speeds of over 105 mph. A drag racer for the street took a stand during the middle of the 1968 model year, as the 428 in³ (7.0 L) Cobra Jet engine officially rated at 335 hp (250 kW), but in reality producing well in excess of 400 hp. The 1968 Mustang fastback gained pop culture status when it was used to great effect in the crime thriller Bullitt. Lt. Frank Bullitt drove a modified Mustang GT-390 fastback, played by legendary actor Steve McQueen, chasing two hitmen in a Dodge Charger in the film's famous car chase through the streets of San Francisco. An attractive version of the coupe was offered for 1968 only. The California Special Mustang, or GT/CS, was visually based on the Shelby and was sold only in the Western states. Its sister, the High Country Special was sold in Denver.
The industry reacts
In its first two years of production, three Ford Motor Company plants in San Jose, California; Dearborn, Michigan; and Metuchen, New Jersey produced nearly 1.5 million Mustangs. It was a success that left General Motors utterly unprepared and the Chrysler Corporation only slightly less so. Chrysler had just introduced a car only a few weeks before that would be a competitor, the Plymouth Barracuda. Though the "'Cuda" would grow into one of the most revered muscle cars of all time, it started out at as just a Plymouth Valiant with a hastily grafted fastback rear window. As for GM, they were certain that they had a Mustang fighter in their rear-engine Corvair Monza, but sales figures didn't even come close. The Monza was a fine performer, but it lacked a V8 engine and its reputation had been tarnished by Ralph Nader. It took GM until the 1967 model year to counter with the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird. Even Lincoln-Mercury joined the fray in 1967 with the introduction of an "upmarket Mustang" (and subsequent Motor Trend Car of the Year), the Mercury Cougar. The Cougar name had originally been given to the Mustang during the development phase. In 1968 American Motors (AMC) would introduce the Javelin and later, the 2-seat high-performance AMX. This genre of small, sporty, and often powerful automobiles was unofficially dubbed the "pony car" as a tribute to the car that started it all.
1969–1970
1969 saw the introduction of both the car's third body style and a hand-built muscle car intended solely to satisfy the homologating rules of NASCAR, the Boss 429. The 1969 featured a 302 cid V8 rated at 220 hp (164 kW). The 1969 coupe was longer than previous models and sported convex rather than previously concave side "lines". Ford also introduced a luxury Grande model with interior wood paneling, a quartz clock, and a 351 cid Windsor engine.
Available in 1969 and 1970 only, with a standard Mustang SportsRoof (the new corporate name for the fastback) and the new Mach 1 muscle car version's deluxe interior, the Boss 429 sported none of the garish decals and paint schemes of the day. Only a hood scoop and 15 in (380 mm) "Magnum 500" wheels fitted with Goodyear "Polyglas" tires, with a small "BOSS 429" decal on each front fender, hinted at a very special mustang. Holding a big block with a huge bore and hemispherical combustion chambers, the motor had staggering potential for power. The brainchild of this car, the late Larry Shinoda however, was disappointed with the finished product, as he was quoted as saying that he wanted a 10-second capable car in factory form. The actual production Boss 429 certainly wasn't capable of such wild times, for several reasons. The rev limiter, a small carburetor(the Boss 302 Mustang had a larger one), restrictive intake manifold, a mild solid lifter cam, and restrictive exhaust corked up the motor and kept it from revving. And, all of the smog equipment choked it down. The finished product was still strong, rated at 375 horsepower at 5200 RPM, however, the powerband was narrow for an engine of this size, a result of the restrictions. Of course, stoplight drag racing was prevalent in the day, and owners of these, as well as other cars such as Chrysler's street Hemi, could be surprised by "lesser" cars of the day that produced broader powerbands and more low-rpm torque. 100+ horsepower can easily be added with the right cam/intake/carb/exhaust selection, along with a broader powerband. While power steering was a "mandatory option" on the Boss 429, neither an automatic transmission nor air conditioning was available. In the case of the latter, there simply wasn't enough room under the hood.
Also available during that two-year period was another homologating special for the up-and-coming sport of Trans-American sedan racing. The Boss 302 Mustang was Ford's attempt to mix the power of a muscle car with the handling prowess of a sports car. The automotive press gushed over the result, deeming it the car "the GT-350 should have been." Boasting a graphic scheme penned by Ford designer Larry Shinoda, the "Baby Boss" was powered by an engine that was essentially a combination of the new-for-1968 302 cid (5.0 L) V8 and topped with cylinder heads from the yet to be released new-for-1970 351 cid (5.8 L) "Cleveland". This combination meant that the Boss 302 Mustang was good for a conservatively rated 290 hp (216 kW) through its four-speed manual transmission. Ford originally intended to call the car Trans Am, but Pontiac had beaten them to it, applying the name to a special version of the Firebird. In the ¼ mile the Boss 302 could post very similar times to the Boss 429, despite the smaller displacement and an incredibly free-breathing induction system in the car. It should be noted that the blocks from these cars are incredibly strong, and Ford Racing plans on selling new Boss 302 Mustang blocks in the near future.
1971–1973
1972 Ford Mustang Mach 1The Mustang grew larger and heavier with each passing year culminating with the 1971–73 models, designed under the supervision of Ford's new product design manager, Semon "Bunkie" Knudsen, originally of General Motors. Knudsen's turn at the helm would see the last high-performance big-block Mustang, 1971's 375 hp (280 kW) 429 Super Cobra Jet. Ford originally planned to install a 460 in the Mustang as well. Unfortunately, that very same body style that was designed for the sole purpose of big-block installation versions was limited to a maximum of 351 cid (5.8 L) in 1972 and 1973, due to extremely strict U.S. emission control regulations and low demand for big block muscle cars due to high insurance premiums. Two more high-performance engines were introduced in 1972, the 351 "HO" and 351 Cobra Jet. Both cars were excellent performers, but at nowhere near the level of the Boss cars and original Cobra Jet. Car companies switched from "gross" to "net" power and torque ratings in 1972, and this coincided with the manufacturers making low-compression motors with different, far more restrictive induction systems, making it difficult to compare power and torque ratings. Very much a different car than in 1964, Ford was deluged with mail from fans of the original car who demanded that the Mustang be returned to the way it had been.
Second generation (1974–1978)
Like the car that preceded it, the Mustang II had its roots in another compact, the Ford Pinto, though less so than the original car was based on the Falcon. The car sold well, with sales of more than 400,000 units its first year. It is also worth noting that four of the five years of the Mustang II are on the top-ten list of most-sold Mustangs. The Mustang II featured innovations such as rack-and-pinion steering and a separate engine sub-frame that greatly decreased noise, vibration, and harshness. The Arab oil embargo, skyrocketing insurance rates, and United States emissions and safety standards that destroyed the straight-line performance of virtually every car of the period. Chrysler ended production of the Barracuda and its stable mate, the Dodge Challenger, in 1974. Then GM nearly discontinued the Camaro and Firebird that same year.
1974
The 1974 introduction of the Mustang II earned Ford Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year honors again and actually returned the car to more than a semblance of its 1964 predecessor in size, shape, and overall styling. Though Iacocca insisted that the Mustang II be finished to quality standards unheard of in the American auto industry, the Mustang II suffered from being not only smaller than the original car, but heavier as well due to the federal emission and safety regulations and its build quality could be described as only "mediocre" — no better than other Ford or Detroit products of the day. Available as a hardtop or three-door hatchback, the new car's base engine was a 2.3 L SOHC I4, the first fully metric engine built in the U.S. for installation in an American car. A 2.8 L V6 was the sole optional engine, meaning the popular V8 option would disappear for the first and only time in 1974 (except in Mexico), and Ford was swamped by buyer mail and criticized in the automotive press for it.
1975–1978
Since the car was never meant to have a V8, it became a mad scramble to re-engineer the car in order to reinstate the 302 cid (5.0 L) V8 option in time for the 1975 model year, but only with a two-barrel carburetor and 140 horsepower. To make the V8 option fit changes were made to the front fenders, engine bay, and header panel. An interesting side note is that Ford of Mexico never lost the v-8 and assisted in the modifications. To help boost sales Ford introduced the Cobra II package in 1976, and the King Cobra in 1978. On the momentum of the Mustang II's successful sales, and under the direction of Ford's new styling chief, Jack Telnack, a totally new Mustang hit the streets for 1979.
|
