First-generation Ford Mustang
From Ford Wiki
| Automotive industry | Ford Motor Company |
|---|---|
| Production | 1964–1973 |
| Assembly | Dearborn, Michigan San Jose, California Metuchen, New Jersey |
| Car body style | 2-door Convertible 2-door Hardtop 2-door Fastback |
| Automobile layout | FR layout |
| Internal combustion engine | 170 Cubic inch (2.8 L) Thriftpower Straight-6 200 CID (3.3 L) Thriftpower Straight-6 250 CID (4.1 L) Thriftpower Straight-6 260 CID (4.3 L) Windsor V8 289 CID (4.7 L) Windsor V8 302 CID (4.9 L) Windsor V8 302 CID (4.9 L) Boss 302 V8 351 CID (5.8 L) Windsor V8 351 CID (5.8 L) Cleveland V8 351 CID (5.8 L) Boss V8 390 CID (6.4 L) FE V8 428 CID (7.0 L) Cobra Jet & Super Cobra Jet V8 429 CID (7.0 L) Boss V8 |
| Transmission (mechanics) | 3-speed Manual transmission 4-speed manual 2-speed Automatic transmission 3-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 108 inches (2,700 mm) |
| Length | 181.6 inches (4,610 mm) |
| Width | 68.2 inches (1,730 mm) |
| Curb weight | 2,570 pounds (1,170 kg) I-6 3,000 pounds (1,400 kg) V-8 |
| Related | Ford Falcon Mercury Cougar Shelby Mustang |
The first-generation Ford Mustang was a successful Automobile developed, sold and manufactured by Ford Motor Company from 1964 until 1973. It was first conceived by Ford product manager Donald N. Frey and championed by Ford Division general manager Lee Iacocca.[1][2] The prototype was a two-seat, mid-engine Roadster, which was later remodeled as a four-seat car designed by David Ash and John Oros at Ford's Lincoln–Mercury Division design studios.[3]
To decrease development costs, the Mustang used Chassis, Suspension (vehicle), and drivetrain components derived from the Ford Falcon and Fairlane. It used a Unitary platform-type frame from the 1964 Falcon, and welded box-section side rails, including welded crossmembers. Although hardtop Mustangs accounted for the highest sales, durability problems with the new frame led to the engineering of a convertible first, which ensured adequate stiffness. Overall length of the Mustang and Falcon was identical, although the Mustang's Wheelbase was slightly shorter. With an overall width of 68.2 inches (1,732 mm), it was 2.4 inches (61 mm) narrower, yet the wheel track was nearly identical. Shipping weight, approximately 2,570 pounds (1,170 kg) with the straight Straight-6 engine, was also similar to the Falcon. A fully-equipped V8 model weighed approximately 3,000 pounds (1,400 kg). Although most of the mechanical parts were from the Falcon, the Mustang's body was completely different; 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 construction and helped contribute to better handling.
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1964–1966
Since it was introduced five months before the normal start of the production year and manufactured among 1964 Ford Falcons and 1964 Mercury Comets, the earliest Mustangs are widely referred to as the 1964½ model. A more accurate description is the "early 1965" model because it underwent significant changes at the beginning of the regular model year. All the early cars, however, were marketed by Ford as 1965 models. The low-end model hardtop used a 170 Cubic inch (2.8 Litre) Straight-6 engine and three-speed Manual transmission and retailed for United States dollar2,368.
Several changes to the Mustang occurred at the start of the normal 1965 model year production, five months after its introduction. These cars are known as "late 65's," and were built after factory retooling in August 1964. The engine lineup was changed, with a 200 cu in (3.3 L) engine that produced 120 hp (89 kW). Production of the 260 cu in (4.3 L) engine ceased when the 1964 model year ended. It was replaced with a new 200 hp (150 kW) 289 cu in (4.7 L) engine with a two-barrel Carburetor as the base V8. A 225 hp (168 kW) four-barrel carbureted version was next in line, followed by the unchanged "Hi-Po" 271 hp (202 kW) 289. The DC Electrical generator was replaced by a new AC Alternator on all Fords (the quickest way to distinguish a 1964½ from a 1965 is to see if the alternator light on the dash says "GEN" or "ALT"). The now-famous Mustang GT was introduced as the "GT Equipment Package" and included a V8 engine (most often the 225 hp (168 kW) 289), grille-mounted fog lamps, rocker panel stripes, and disc brakes. A four-barrel carbureted engine was now available with any body style. Additionally, reverse lights were an option added to the car in 1965. The Mustang was originally available as either a hardtop or convertible, but during the car's early design phases a fastback model was strongly considered. The Mustang 2+2 (car body style) Fastback made its inaugural debut with its swept-back rear glass and distinctive ventilation louvers.
The standard interior features of the 1965 Mustang included adjustable driver and passenger bucket seats, an AM radio, and a floor mounted shifter in a variety of color options. Ford added additional interior options during the 1965 model year. The Interior Decor Group was popularly known as "Pony Interior" due to the addition of embossed running ponies on the seat fronts, and also included integral armrests, woodgrain appliqué accents, and a round gauge cluster that would replace the standard Falcon instrumentation. Also available were sun visors, a (mechanical) remote-operated mirror, a floor console, and a bench seat. Ford later offered an under-dash air-conditioning unit, and discontinued the vinyl with cloth insert seat option, offered only in early 1965 models.
The 1966 Mustang debuted with moderate trim changes including a new grille, side ornamentation, wheel covers and gas cap. An Automatic transmission for the "Hi-Po," a large number of new paint and interior color options, an Amplitude modulation/Stereo 8 sound system, and one of the first AM/FM broadcasting Monaural automobile radios were also offered. The 1966 Mustang removed the Falcon instrument cluster; the previously optional features, including the round gauges and padded sun visors, became standard equipment.
The 1965 and 1966 Mustangs are differentiated by variations in the exterior, despite similar design. These variations include the emblem on the quarter-panels behind the doors. In 1965 the emblem was a single vertical piece of chrome, while in 1966 the emblem was smaller in height and had three horizontal bars extending from the design, resembling an "E". The front intake grilles and ornaments were also different. The 1965 front grille used a "honeycomb" pattern, while the 1966 version was a "slotted" style. While both model years used the "Horse and Corral" emblem on the grille, the 1965 had four bars extending from each side of the corral, while on the 1966, these bars were removed.
When Ford began selling the Mustang in Germany, they discovered a company had already registered the name. The German company offered to sell the rights for US$10,000. Ford refused and removed the Mustang badge, instead naming it T-5 for the German market.
1967–1968
The 1967 model year Mustang was the first model to feature a major redesign with the installation of a big-block V8 engine. The overall size, interior and cargo space were increased. Exterior trim changes included concave taillights, side scoop (1967) and chrome (1968) side ornamentation, square rear-view mirrors, and usual yearly wheel and gas cap changes. The high-performance 289 option was placed behind the newer 320 hp (239 kW) 390 cu in (6.4 L) FE engine from the Ford Thunderbird, which was equipped with a four-barrel carburetor. Stock 390 4-speed Manual transmission Mustangs were recorded Quarter mile times of approximately 13 seconds and trap speeds of over 105 mph (169 km/h). During the mid-1968 model year, a Drag racer for the street could be ordered with the optional 428 cu in (7 L) Cobra Jet engine which was officially rated at 335 hp (250 kW) all of these mustang were issued R codes on their vin#'s with the R standing for Racer.
The 1967 and 1968 models discontinued the "Pony Interior" in favor of a new deluxe interior package, which included special color options, brushed stainless steel (1967) or woodgrain (1968) trim, seat buttons, a tilt steering wheel, and special interior paneling. The 1968 models that were produced during 1968 were also the first year to incorporate 3 point lap belts as opposed to the standard lapbelts The air-conditioning option was fully integrated into the dash, the speakers and stereo were upgraded, and unique center and overhead consoles were options. The fastback model offered the option of a rear fold-down seat, and the convertible was available with folding glass windows.
The California Special Mustang, or GT/CS, was visually based on the Shelby model and was only sold in Western states. Its sister, the High Country Special, was sold in Denver, Colorado. While the GT/CS was only available as a coupé, the High Country Special model was available in fastback and convertible configurations in 1966 and 1967 and only as a coupé in 1968. The Mustang fastback gained popular culture status when used in the crime thriller Bullitt. Lt. Frank Bullitt, played by actor Steve McQueen, drove a modified green 1968 Mustang GT fastback (390ci, Toploader, 3.73 gears), chasing two hitmen in a black 1968 Dodge Charger (B-body) in the film's car chase through the streets of San Francisco.
| 67' Engines 200cid 1V 6-cyl 120 hp U Code 67' Base Prices 67' Production 68' Engines 68' Base Prices 68' Production |
1969–1970
The 1969 restyle increased body length by 3.8 inches (97 mm) (with the wheelbase remaining at 108 inches) and width by almost half an inch. This was the first model to use quad headlamps placed inside and outside the grille opening. The corralled grille pony was replaced with the pony and tribars logo, set off-center to the drivers side.
It featured a 302 cu in (4.9 L) V8 engine with 220 hp (164 kW). The 351cid V-8 was introduced in 1969, and was available with 250 or 290 hp. For those wanting more power, the 335-hp 428cid Cobra Jet V-8 big block was available with or without Ram-Air. More than 80 percent of Mustangs in 1969 had V-8 engines.
The coupé was longer than previous models and sported convex rather than concave side panels. The new Mach 1, with a variety of new powerplants, added many car styling and performance features. It used dual exhausts and steel wheels with bold-lettered Goodyear Polyglas tire. Reflective striping was placed along the body sides, with a pop-off gas cap, matte-black hood with simulated air scoop and NASCAR-style cable and pin tiedowns. A functional "shaker" hood scoop which visibly vibrated by being attached directly to the air cleaner through a hole in the hood was available, as were a tail-mounted wing and chin spoilers and rear window louvered blackout shade. The Boss 302 Mustang was created for Trans Am rules, The Boss 429 was also offered with a larger engine.
The 1970 model moved the headlamps inside the grille opening, added vent looking front corners on the outside of the headlamps, and removed the rear fender air scoops. This Boss featured distinctive hockey-stick stripes, and Ford fielded a Trans Am series Boss 302 team which won the series and helped drive sales.
The 789 remaining 1969 Shelbys in Ford inventory after the model year were titled as 1970 models. These were modified to include a front air dam and a blackout point treatment around the outboard hood scoops.
Ford made 96 Twister Specials for Kansas Ford dealers in 1970. The Twister Specials were Grabber Orange Mach 1s with special decals. Ford also made a few Sidewinders, which were built in Dearborn, shipped to Omaha, and sold in Iowa and Nebraska. They were available in Grabber Green, Grabber Blue, Calypso Corral, and Yellow. The stripes came in the trunk and the dealers had the option of installing them on the car.
| 69' Engines 200cid 1V 6-cyl 115 hp T Code 69' Base Prices 69' Production
70' Base Prices 70' Production |
1971–1973
The Mustang became larger and heavier with each revision, culminating with the 1971 to 1973 models designed under the supervision of Ford's new product design manager, Semon "Bunkie" Knudsen, originally of General Motors. Knudsen's leadership saw the last high-performance big-block Mustang, 1971s 375 hp (280 kW) 429 Super Cobra Jet. The body style designed for the purpose of big-block installation versions was limited to a maximum of 351 cu in (5.8 L) in 1972 and 1973 due to stricter U.S. emission control regulation, as well as the low demand for big block muscle cars because of high insurance premiums. Two more high-performance engines were introduced in 1972; the 351 "HO" and the 351 Cobra Jet. Both versions were high performers for their era, but nowhere near the level of the Boss cars and original Cobra Jet. Automakers in the U.S. switched from "gross" to "net" power and torque ratings in 1972, which coincided with the introduction of low-compression engines with different, far more restrictive induction systems. Thus, it is difficult to compare power and torque ratings.
Industry reaction
In the Mustang's first two years of production, three Ford Motor Company plants in Milpitas, California; Dearborn, Michigan; and Metuchen, New Jersey produced almost 1.5 million Mustangs. Its success left General Motors (GM) unprepared and Chrysler Corporation slightly less so. Chrysler introduced the Plymouth Barracuda a few weeks before the Mustang, and although it grew into one of the recognized Muscle car, it started as a Plymouth Valiant. GM believed the rear-engined Chevrolet Corvair would compete against the Mustang, but sold poorly compared to the Mustang. The Monza performed well, but lacked a V8 engine and its reputation was tarnished by Ralph Nader. It took GM until the 1967 model year to counter with the First-generation Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird. Lincoln-Mercury joined the competition in 1967 with the Mercury Cougar, an "upmarket Mustang" and subsequent Motor Trend Car of the Year. The Cougar brand was originally given to the Mustang during development. In 1968, American Motors (AMC) introduced the AMC Javelin and later the 2-seater high-performance AMC AMX. This genre of small, sporty, and powerful automobiles is often referred to as the "Pony car" by the press as a tribute to the Mustang which started it.[4]
References
- ↑ National Medal of Technology recipient, retrieved 2008-05-11
- ↑ The Thinker (Detroit Style), Time, 1967-04-21, http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,843628,00.html, retrieved on 2008-05-11
- ↑ Belatedly, Stardom Finds a 20th-Century Master - New York Times
- ↑ Mustang Ready For the Pony Car War "Mustang is the only one of the original pony cars from the 1960s to live on into the 21st century with no interruption in production."
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