In 1964, at the World’s Fair in New York, Walt Disney introduced “It’s a Small World.” At the end of the Fair, the attraction was moved to Disneyland where it has operated for over forty-five years other than some downtime for maintenance and refurbishment. Meanwhile, across the pavilion, on April 17, 1964, Ford Motor Company introduced the Ford Mustang, another American tradition that has continued for over forty-five years.
Initial sales of the Mustang were only surpassed by Henry Ford’s Model “A.” The original Mustang had a MSRP that was $2368. The vehicle borrowed framework as well as other parts from Ford’s Falcon as well as their Fairlane models. Some of the first Mustangs had the Falcon’s 100 HP engines. The Falcon’s emblem even showed up in the horn ring in the first models of the Mustang. Although Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) identify those first Mustangs as 1965 models, collectors call them a 1964 1/2 model. There were several very significant differences in the actual 1965 models. A 1964 1/2 Mustang in good condition today could bring over thirty thousand dollars.
The body of the Mustang has changed throughout the years, yet it is still easy to spot a Mustang. The characteristic grill and side swoop make the vehicle easily recognizable.
The success of the Mustang lead other manufacturers to quickly introduce their own “pony cars.” These vehicles had large hoods and small trunk decks.
In 1960, Ford had introduced the Falcon as a compact car. Market research had shown that women of the day found many of the full size cars to have become too large. The Mustang was introduced to appeal to both men and women. The introduction of the Mustang in 1964 and its popularity is ultimately credited with the discontinuing of the Falcon in 1970.
In the years after the first introduction of the Mustang, the models became progressively larger. In response to the fans of the original Mustang, Ford introduced the Mustang II in 1984. This Mustang was smaller but heavier than the original Mustang. The additional weight was due to the newly required anti-pollution devices required on vehicles. Due to this weight, the Mustang II was severely underpowered.
The Mustang is now in its fifth Generation. A 2010 model will offer plenty of power, coming equipped with a 4. 6 liter 316 horsepower gasoline engine. Ford has beefed up the suspension and new Mustangs offer more stability than ever. New Mustangs are designed so that they can use regular unleaded gasoline for economical situations, but also can use premium gasoline when additional torque is needed.
If you buy a new Mustang today, the base price is somewhat more than the price of the original. Base price for a 2010 Mustang is approximately twenty-one thousand dollars, and a fully accessorized model may cost as much as thirty-two thousand dollars.
The new Mustang, like it predecessors, is expected to be a great seller for Ford.