Always one of the hottest cars on the Jenkins and Wynne lot, the Ford Mustang has been turning heads for almost 60 years, with a distinctive shape and incredible power. But that shape has changed a lot over the past six decades.
This year, Jenkins and Wynne is celebrating its 70th anniversary, and the Mustang has been an exciting part of that. Here’s a look back at the Mustang since its origins as a concept car, compiled from a history by Joe Cotton Ford in Carol Stream, Illinois.
1964 1/2 to 1973
After two concept models in 1962 and then 1963, the first Ford Mustang was launched five months before the start of the typical 1965 production year, on March 9, 1964, at the production plant in Dearborn, Michigan. These early models were referred to as “1964 1/2” models, although they were advertised as 1965, and they were first unveiled at the New York World’s Fair in April 1964. Later in August 1964, the true 1965 model began production with minor design updates.
The first generation Mustang was based on simple and familiar parts. In 1969, Ford began to offer this first generation with a variety of new performance and decorative options, including air scoops, cable and pin hood tie downs, and both wing and chin spoilers. Performance packages such as the original Mach 1 became available as well.
1974 to 1978
In response to design updates that led to a decline in sales, a new model called the “Mustang II” was introduced on Sept. 21, 1973. Lee Iacocca – an executive at Ford through the 1960s, known later for reviving Chrysler as their CEO in the 1980s – spearheaded the effort. He ordered that the new Mustang be smaller and more fuel-efficient, like Iacocca’s other baby, the Ford Pinto subcompact car.
The final version of the 1974 Mustang was not only smaller than the original, it was heavier too, leading to reduced performance despite new handling and engineering features.
The Mach 1 remained the same throughout the second generation; however, the 1976-78 Mustangs each saw various changes. In 1976, a “Stallion” trim package was added, a “Cobra II” version in each of the three years, and a “King Cobra” option in 1978 that saw an approximate production of less than 5,000 units. Hatchback options also became available in 1977 and 1978 for all trim levels with the popular T-top roof option.
1979 to 1993
The first model year of the third generation in 1979 was based on the larger Fox platform used for compact sedans. With a larger body and increased wheelbase, the 1979 Mustang yielded more interior space for up to four passengers as well as more trunk capacity and a larger engine bay.
From 1979 to 1986, the Mustang’s front end was angled back and included “four eyes” rectangular headlights, revered by Mustang enthusiasts. Starting in 1987, the front end was restyled to a contemporary, aerodynamic style – similar to that of the Ford Taurus – which remained on the vehicle for the remainder of the third generation.
1994 to 2004
The fourth generation of the Mustang contains the first major redesign of the Ford Mustang since 1979. As it debuted in the fall of 1993, the 1994 Mustang was code-named “SN-95.” For the first time since 1964, this Mustang was not available with a “notchback” coupe model.
In 1999, the Mustang body was recreated with “New Edge” styling, a design language used by Ford for many of their passenger vehicles in the late 90s and early 2000s. This new Mustang included sharper contours, larger wheel arches, and creases in its bodywork. Its basic proportions, interior design, and chassis remained the same.
2005 to 2014
With the fifth generation, we’re coming a lot closer to the modern Mustang that we know and love today. Ford introduced the re-designed 2005 model Mustang at the 2004 North American International Auto Show, codenamed “S-197” and based on the newer rear wheel drive D2C platform. This new generation is reminiscent of the original models of the 1960s while maintaining a modern edge, called “retro-futurism” by J Mays, Ford’s senior vice president of design.
By the 2010 model year, the Mustang received an exterior overhaul which included sequential LED taillights and reduced drag.
2015 to today
The current, sixth generation Mustang was unveiled on Dec. 5, 2013 in Dearborn, Michigan; New York City; Los Angeles; Barcelona, Spain; Shanghai; and Sydney, Australia. It was codenamed “S-550.”
Design changes from the fifth generation include a slightly widened body, a trapezoidal grille, and a 2.75-inch lower decklid, along with new colors. The “independent rear suspension” model was also developed for the new model, allowing each wheel to move vertically independent of each other, regardless of the axles. The 2015 Mustang was designed to be exported overseas as it was factory designed as a right-hand-drive model for right-hand-drive markets.
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Shelby Performance Mustang
In the Mustang’s earliest days, Ford worked alongside Carroll Shelby to develop a high-performance version, regularly shipping new Mustangs to Shelby American for modification. Following the release of the 1969 Shelby Mustang, Carroll Shelby ended his relationship with Ford. In 2006, Shelby and the Mustang were reunited beginning with an ’06 Shelby GT-H. In 2020, Ford shocked the world with the most powerful production Mustang to date, the GT500 with an incredible 5.2L V8 engine that reaches 760 hp.
The Bullitt
The 1968 dark green fastback became an iconic piece of movie history. For the film Bullitt, Steve McQueen drove the Mustang in one of the most iconic car chase scenes in movie history. The Bullitt has always been a performance-focused Mustang vehicle, equipped with more horsepower than the standard GT models. Although the Bullitt has never been a consistent, year-to-year model release for Ford’s Mustangs, there were model years released in both 2001 and 2008 following the original 1968 release. Ford then produced a 2019 Bullitt to celebrate the 50th year anniversary of when the first Bullitt truly became iconic.
Mach 1 Mustang
The Ford Mach 1 Mustang is a timeless piece of American muscle, originally released in 1969. The former bridge between the regular Mustang and its performance options, the Mach 1 has not been consistently released since 1978 despite a brief return in 2003 and 2004 before the 2005 release of the fifth-generation Mustang. Very soon, the world will see the Mach 1 take place of the special edition Mustang Bullitt of the last two years to bridge the performance gap between the Mustang and Shelby GT models in an exciting new way.
2021 Mach-E
The all-new 2021 Mustang Mach-E all-electric SUV features all the benefits America loves about the Mustang – sporty, aggressive styling and exhilarating performance – merged with modern technology and mobility for a new generation of owners. The Mustang Mach-E is designed for customers who appreciate performance, featuring nearly instant torque response and 0-60 mph times in the mid 5-second range for AWD models. The Mach-E also achieves a new EV experience with true SUV spaciousness, first-for-Ford technologies, and exclusive Drive Experiences. Mustang Mach-E is a new idea for a new decade, promising zero vehicle emissions mixed with the Mustang creed – make it fast, fun, and a symbol of freedom.
MORE: Ford Mustangs at Jenkins & Wynne
For the full history, including engine specs, check out History of the Ford Mustang by Joe Cotton Ford in Carol Stream, Illinois.
Show us your Mustang!
If you have a photo or a story about your family’s Mustang, share it with Jenkins & Wynne on Facebook or Instagram, or email it to sales@jenkinsandwynne.com so they can share it for you.
This year, Jenkins and Wynne is celebrating its 70th birthday, with this and other special initiatives and events. Come visit Jenkins and Wynne Ford, Lincoln and Honda at 2655 Trenton Road. You can also call 931-542-4886 or text 844-416-5165.