Ford Mustang I is a pony car produced by Ford Motor Company from 1964 to 1973. In the conditions of severe crisis, into which Ford slipped after the release of the failed Ford Edsel model, it was necessary to create something unique to regain the sympathy of customers and restore the good name of the concern. And so the iconic Ford Mustang was born.
Lee Iacocca and his team of like-minded people decided to entrust this task. And they got to work. And the first generation of Mustang, produced from 1964 to 1973, was constantly improved, as a result of which several milestones in its “life journey” stand out.
Exterior
The appearance of the car in that situation was almost a decisive factor. That’s why Iacocca paid attention to the fact that the sporty style of the Ford Thunderbird appealed to buyers. However, its cost and rather narrow specification did not give chances for active sales. That is why a truly fateful decision was made to create a mass-produced car with sporty features.
The result was a body with a long front, relatively small aft part, expressive wheel arches and slightly sloping roof. In addition, a bet was made on round optics, impressive radiator grille and thin chrome bumpers. And through the whole sidewall there was an expressive sub-stamping.
It was distinguished from other models by a relatively small amount of chrome, as well as a departure from the then prevailing “space” design, with its blown forms.
Initially, the car was sold exclusively in coupe body, but in 1965 the world saw the Ford Mustang fastback, as well as a convertible.
Ford Mustang 1964 Engines and gearboxes
The powertrain on the Ford Mustang “migrated” from the Falcon model. It became a popular, 2.8-liter motor. As a gearbox with it was installed either manual transmission (3-speed), or automatic (2 or 3-band).
However, already in 1965 there was a modification GT – with the same engines, but significant adjustments in terms of chassis, steering, exhaust system and other aspects. “Racing” version was tuned Shelby GT350 variation, which had a 306-horsepower V8 engine, and it was sold quite freely.
In 1966, the Mustang received a new, 3.2-liter motor (V6) with 120 hp. And for an additional fee it was possible to buy a car with V8 units, producing from 200 to 271 horsepower.
Ford Mustang 1964 chassis
The suspension layout was simple – front parallelogram design with double transverse arms. The rear suspension was dependent, with a driving beam (non-split type), equipped with semi-elliptic longitudinal springs. In addition to this there were drum brakes.
Such familiar things as a stabilizer bar, hydraulic power steering and vacuum brake booster were offered only as options.The chassis was tuned for a not too dynamic ride – the car was quite wobbly, the steering wheel returned to the zero zone slowly, and directional stability left much to be desired.
Ford Mustang 1964 interior
The interior could be ordered in one of 34 variants. The Mustang was equipped with a radio, adjustable split front seats (or a one-piece sofa), sun visors, and a floor-mounted transmission lever.
Overall, the Ford Mustang was a fantastic success, with 263,434 units sold in just 9 months!