The Ford Mustang is one of the most iconic cars of all time. The Mustang name isn’t just right at the top in the muscle car segment, but even those who aren’t into American muscle recognise the Mustang as one of the all-time greats.
The Mustang is also one of the longest-running vehicle nameplates in the world, with production having started way back in 1965 and still going strong today. With over 10 million units sold, it is also the most popular Muscle Car in the world. It is a style icon, its 5.0-litre V8 engine is legendary, and it features in several iconic movies.
In this edition of DubiCars Car Spotlight, we take a look at the Ford Mustang and all there is to know about the iconic American Muscle car.
Ford Mustang History & Heritage — Models Over The Years
Roots Of The Ford Mustang
Ever heard of the ‘Ford Mustang I’ concept? It is this very concept that eventually paved the way for the Ford Mustang. The concept was first showcased in 1962 after benign developed in a record 18 months. The ‘Mustang’ name was inspired by the fighter aircraft P51 Mustang which was used by the Allies during World War II.
In addition, it only helped that Mustangs were a fine breed of horses. This also led to the Mustang horse being added to the Ford Mustang as branding for the car. The V4-powered Mustang I concept was then further developed into the much-beloved first-generation Ford Mustang powered by a V8 engine.
First Generation Ford Mustang | 1965 – 1973
In 1963, Ford introduced the Mustang II four-seater concept. Along with doubling the seating capacity, the boffins at Ford had doubled the number of cylinders in the engine. The car had become bigger too. It was at the time based on the Ford Falcon platform.
Halfway through 1964, Ford introduced the production-ready Mustang. Several units of the car were produced in 1964. However, they were all branded as 1965 models as production of the car was only supposed to begin in 1965. The Mustang was launched at a price of $2,368 (AED 8,695).
Over its eight-year production run, the Ford Mustang underwent several upgrades. It was available with either an inline-six-cylinder or a V8 petrol engine. The first generation of the Ford Mustang is now a classic car and is considered a collectible. In 2020, a 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350R fetched $3.5 million (AED 9.18 million) at an auction, making it the most expensive Ford Mustang ever sold.
Even in the UAE, the first-generation Ford Mustang is much-loved and it is one of the local favourites when it comes to classic cars.
Second Generation Ford Mustang | 1974 – 1978
The second generation of the Ford Mustang was one of the few American cars that could successfully compete with the Japanese imports of the time during the oil crisis. This was because of what transpired during the months before the oil crisis hit.
Lee Iacocca, who is credited for the development of the first-gen Mustang became the president of the Ford Motor Company in 1970. As the president, he ordered the development of a new, more fuel-efficient Mustang. As a result, the engineers reduced the size of the vehicle and based it on the same platform as the compact Ford Pinto.
This new Mustang hit the market just a couple of months before the Oil Crisis of 1973 hit the USA. As it turned out, the Mustang was the first to have downsized during the period and all of its competitors soon followed suit. Engine options for the Second Generation of the Mustang included a 2.3-litre inline-four-cylinder and a 2.8-litre V6 petrol engine. Those who wished to could still spec their Mustang with a 4.9-litre V8 engine. However, sales figures for the V8 version were dismal.
These V8-powered versions are now considered classics and in recent years, many have opted for an engine conversion, replacing the I4 and V6 engines with a small-block V8.
Third Generation Ford Mustang | 1979 – 1993
This is when the Ford Mustang became unrecognisable and faced severe criticism. This was an age where the big, heavy American muscle cars were facing stiff competition from the smaller, lighter, and more efficient Japanese imports. As a result, the American muscle car market underwent a major transformation.
Gone were the large muscle car bodies and in came sedans, hatchbacks, and notchbacks. The third generation of the Mustang too was made available in the aforementioned body styles. This was also the first time that the Mustang was offered with a convertible option. The styling wasn’t appreciated back then and isn’t appreciated even today. If one is looking at purchasing an old Mustang, they certainly aren’t looking for the third-generation models.
There was a plethora of engine options available with this generation of the Mustang. Engine options included a 2.3-litre inline-four, a 2.8-litre V6, a 3.3-litre inline-six and a 4.9-litre V8. The V8 was replaced by a smaller 4.2 litre V8 in 1979 but the 4.9-litre V8 made a comeback in 1982.
Fourth Generation Ford Mustang | 1994 – 2004
The third generation of the Ford Mustang had a 14-year-long run and the time to replace it came in 1994. This is when the stylish and chic fourth generation was launched. It was a coupe and for the first time, the Ford Mustang boasted sporty styling. This generation of the Mustang was pretty popular and even appeared in a few video games.
In 1999, the Mustang received a redesign that gave it sharper looks. It was available with either a 3.8-litre or a 4.6-litre V8. Later versions received a 3.9-litre engine. This generation of the Ford Mustang gained popularity in the UAE too and a few of them can be found on sale in the used car marketplace even today.
Fifth Generation Ford Mustang | 2005 – 2014
The fifth generation is when the Ford Mustang’s muscular design & styling made a comeback. With circular headlamps, a long bonnet, a grille, and bumper inspired by the first generation, and a notchback design, the new Mustang was a proper muscle car. It debuted at the 2004 North American International Auto Show.
The base version was available with a 4.0-litre V6 petrol engine while the GT version used a modern 4.6-litre V8 engine. In 2010, the Mustang underwent a redesign while the engines were updated in 2011. The base variant received a 3.7-litre V6 while the GT variants now came with the well-known 5.0-litre V8 engine. With 412hp and 528Nm on tap, the 5.0 soon became the enthusiasts’ favourite.
The fifth-generation Mustang is one of the most popular muscle cars in the UAE.
Sixth Generation Ford Mustang | 2015 – Present
The era of the modern Mustangs arrived with the sixth generation. This generation of the Mustang saw the return of the four-cylinder engine. This time, however, it wasn’t an underpowered engine. The 2.3-litre EcoBoost inline-four produces 310hp. There is also a 3.7-litre V6 on offer. However, the best engine option still is the venerable 5.0-litre V8.
It is a thoroughly modern car with loads of technology. It also looks great. The sixth generation of the Mustang manages to hold onto proper muscle car styling while still looking chic and cool.
Seventh Generation Ford Mustang | Expected In 2024
Ford introduced the seventh generation Mustang at the 2022 Detroit Auto Show. It will continue to be powered by the 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder and the 5.0-litre V8, but ditches the V6 engine. The signature Mustang silhouette is very much present. However, the redesigned front end makes it look more stylish.
Ford Mustang Mach-e
In 2021, Ford introduced an electric crossover SUV named the Mustang Mach-e. It isn’t related to the conventional Mustang but only carries the Mustang nameplate. It was initially met with severe criticism from Mustang enthusiasts who were under the impression that the Mustang would be replaced by the Mach-e. However, the unrest died after the seventh-generation Mustang was introduced with a V8 engine.
Ford Mustang In Popular Culture
The Ford Mustang is possibly the most-featured car in movies. It played the lead car role in several films too. Big names like Gone In 60 Seconds, Bullitt, John Wick, Goldfinger, I Am Legend, Getaway, Death Race, Transformers, Back To The Future, etc, all star the Ford Mustang.
Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 & Shelby GT500
American race driver, automotive designer, and tuner Caroll Shelby formed Shelby American in 1962. When Ford launched the Mustang in 1964, Shelby American was given the task to develop a version of the Mustang that could be used for racing. Shelby then uprated the parts of the Mustang and the Shelby GT350 was born. The GT350 was a successful race car.
In 1967 Shelby installed a 7.0-litre V8 engine in the Mustang and upgraded the brakes, suspension, and chassis to cope with the added weight and power. With this, the Shelby GT500 was born. Today, every single Shelby GT350 and GT500 ever created hold great value, with some selling for millions of dollars. They are some of the best performance muscle cars in the world.
Ford Mustang In The UAE
The Ford Mustang is among the most popular cars in the UAE. First and second generations of the Mustang are treated as classics and some examples sell for hundreds of thousands of Dirhams. The fifth and sixth generations of the Mustang are very popular and commonly seen on UAE roads. Here is a list of new Mustang for sale in the UAE and used Mustang for sale in the UAE.
Also Read:
– Top 10 SUVs In The UAE: The Definitive List
– Toyota Land Cruiser: All You Need To Know About The Land Cruiser
– All You Need To Know About Exporting A Car From UAE
