First-generation Ford Mustang

Infobox Automobile generation
name=First generation


production=1964–1973
assembly=Dearborn, Michigan
San Jose, California
Metuchen, New Jersey
body_style=2-door convertible
2-door hardtop
2-door fastback
engine=170 CID (2.8 L) "Thriftpower" I6
200 CID (3.3 L) "Thriftpower" I6
250 CID (4.1 L) "Thriftpower I6
"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
390 CID (6.4 L) "FE" V8
427 CID (7.0 L) "FE" V8
428 CID (7.0 L) "FE" V8
429 CID (7.0 L) "Cobra Jet" V8
transmission=3-speed manual
4-speed manual
2-speed automatic
3-speed automatic
related=Ford Falcon
Mercury Cougar
Shelby Mustang
length=convert|181.6|in
layout=FR layout
wheelbase=convert|108|in
width=convert|68.2|in
weight= convert|2570|lb I-6
convert|3000|lb V-8

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. [ [http://www.thetech.org/nmot/detail.cfm?ID=8& National Medal of Technology recipient] , retrieved 2008-05-11] [Citation | title = The Thinker (Detroit Style) | publisher = Time | date = 1967-04-21 | url =http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,843628,00.html | accessdate = 2008-05-11] 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. [ [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/11/garden/11viktor.html?ex=1176177600&en=70832a56ef031791&ei=5070 Belatedly, Stardom Finds a 20th-Century Master - New York Times ] ]

To decrease development costs, the Mustang used chassis, suspension, and drivetrain components derived from the Ford Falcon and Fairlane. It used a unitized 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 convert|68.2|in|0, it was convert|2.4|in|0 narrower, yet the wheel track was nearly identical. Shipping weight, approximately convert|2570|lb with the straight six-cylinder engine, was also similar to the Falcon. A fully-equipped V8 model weighed approximately convert|3000|lb. 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.

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.Fact|date=June 2008 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 Convert|170|CID|L|abbr=on|lk=on straight-6 engine and three-speed manual transmission and retailed for US$2,368.

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 Auto CID|200 engine that produced Convert|120|hp|kW|0|abbr=on. Production of the Auto CID|260 engine ceased when the 1964 model year ended. It was replaced with a new Convert|200|hp|kW|-1|abbr=on Auto CID|289 engine with a two-barrel carburetor as the base V8. A Convert|225|hp|kW|0|abbr=on four-barrel carbureted version was next in line, followed by the unchanged "Hi-Po" Convert|271|hp|kW|0|abbr=on 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 Convert|225|hp|kW|0|abbr=on 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 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 AM/eight-track sound system, and one of the first AM/FM 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 Convert|320|hp|kW|0|abbr=on auto CID|390 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 auto mph|105. During the mid-1968 model year, a drag racer for the street could be ordered with the optional auto CID|428 Cobra Jet engine which was officially rated at Convert|335|hp|kW|0|abbr=on.Fact|date=June 2008

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 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 used a fold-down seat, and the convertible was available with folding glass windows.Fact|date=June 2008

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 1968 Mustang fastback gained popular culture status when used in the crime thriller "Bullitt". Lt. Frank Bullitt, played by actor Steve McQueen, drove a modified Mustang GT-390 fastback, chasing two hitmen in a Dodge Charger in the film's car chase through the streets of San Francisco.Fact|date=June 2008

1969–1970

The 1969 restyle increased body length by convert|3.8|in|mm, and was the first model to use quad headlamps placed inside and outside the grille opening. It featured a Auto CID|302 V8 engine with Convert|220|hp|kW|0|abbr=on. 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 tires. 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.Fact|date=June 2008 The 1970 model moved the headlamps inside the grille opening 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.Fact|date=June 2008

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 Convert|375|hp|kW|0|abbr=on 429 Super Cobra Jet. The body style designed for the purpose of big-block installation versions was limited to a maximum of auto CID|351 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.Fact|date=June 2008

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 cars, it started as a Plymouth Valiant. GM believed the rear-engined Chevrolet Corvair Monza 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.Fact|date=June 2008 It took GM until the 1967 model year to counter with the 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.Fact|date=June 2008 The Cougar brand was originally given to the Mustang during development. In 1968, American Motors (AMC) introduced the Javelin and later the 2-seater high-performance 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. [ [http://media.ford.com/NEWSROOM/feature_display.cfm?release=24065N 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."] ]

References