National transportation expert Mike Caudill explains the history of the Ford Mustang and reveals the automaker’s future plans on “The Big Money Show.”
Ford Motor Co. on Wednesday celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Mustang pony car, which became an icon of the American auto industry and is now in its seventh generation.
The Ford Mustang debuted at the New York World’s Fair on April 17, 1964, and has carved out a unique legacy in the decades since its introduction, even as its features have changed over time.
“The Mustang has always been a car that appeals to the masses, both in terms of style and performance. Anyone who wants a cool-looking car that goes fast, the Mustang is for you,” said Ford Heritage Brand Manager. ‘s Ted Ryan told FOX Business.
Take a look at how the Mustang has evolved since its debut 60 years ago.
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1965 Ford Mustang Convertible. (Courtesy of Ford/Fox News)
1965-1973 first generation
“Of the first million sold, 43 percent were sold to women because, as Carroll Shelby derisively put it, ‘it’s a secretary’s car.'” Well, that’s a possibility. there is. Equipped with a small 289 engine he can have a 3-speed automatic, but can also go up to a V8. You can also transform your Mustang into anything you want, and that’s really cool. It’s in its DNA today,” Ryan said.
1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback. (Courtesy of Ford/Fox News)
“We know the audience we were serving,” Ryan said. “from [late Ford exec Lee] Iacocca’s speech, shown to the media for the first time that night, talks about building cars for baby boomers. Our marketing failed miserably with Edsel, but it worked with this product. ”
1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop. (Courtesy of Ford/Fox News)
Ryan pointed out that Ford has a large archive of documents from the time that reveal the automaker’s intentions for the Mustang.
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“The code name for the project was ‘Special Falcon Project,’ and the memo said it was a ‘sporty, stylish vehicle that would appeal to younger buyers,'” Ryan said.
“In many cases, they are first-time buyers because they suddenly found out that the GI Bill increased the number of college-educated buyers, and more women entered the workforce with dual incomes. So the women were looking for a new generation of cars. ”
2nd generation 1974-1978
1976 Ford Mustang Cobra II concept car. (Courtesy of Ford/Fox News)
1979-1993 3rd generation
Ryan said that although the third-generation Fox-body Mustang, built on Ford’s Fox platform chassis, was “pretty much maligned,” “the Mustang went faster, with increased horsepower.”
1985 Ford Mustang GT Convertible. (Courtesy of Ford/Fox News)
1994-2004 4th generation
1995 Ford Mustang Convertible. (Courtesy of Ford/Fox News)
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| ticker | safety | last | change | change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | ford motor corporation | 12.14 | +0.08 | +0.66% |
2002 Ford Mustang GT Premium Convertible. (Courtesy of Ford/Fox News)
2005-2014 5th generation
2007 Ford Shelby GT Mustang. (Courtesy of Ford/Fox News)
Ford Mustang brand manager Joe Bellino told FOX Business: “The Mustang is the core of our lineup, it’s the halo for our brand, and it’s what draws people to Ford.”
“Whether you’re racing a Mustang and need to tow it to the track, whether you have a Super Duty or an F-150, or your second car is an Explorer,” he added. “It grows with the family and transcends the family. My dad has a Mustang, I have a Mustang. It’s something that gets passed down from generation to generation.”
The 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt was named as an homage to the Mustang featured in the 1968 movie Bullitt. (Courtesy of Ford/Fox News)
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2015-2023 6th generation
2015 Ford Mustang GT 50th Anniversary Edition. (Courtesy of Ford/Fox News)
“In recent years, especially with the seventh generation, we’ve created a Mustang that appeals to everyone,” Bellino said. “We have EcoBoost 4-cylinders, V8s, Dark Horses, GTDs, and a wide range of products.”
2024-present 7th generation
“It’s still as much a part of our lineup now as it was 60 years ago, and it’ll be as much in the future 60 years from now,” he added.
2025 Ford Mustang 60th Anniversary Package Convertible Model. (Courtesy of Ford/Fox News)
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