Take a journey through the decades and explore the top Mustang models, from the original 1964.5 Pony Car to the 2015 GT350 track-ready performer.
Top Mustangs of the 1960s
The 1960s was a defining decade for the Ford Mustang, with the model quickly becoming an iconic symbol of American muscle and performance. This was a time when the Mustang transitioned from a sleek and sporty coupe to a serious contender on the racing circuit. In this section, we’ll explore three of the top Mustangs from the 1960s that solidified the model’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
1964.5 Mustang: The Original Pony Car
The 1964.5 Mustang is often referred to as the “original pony car” because it was the first production model to combine sporty styling with affordable pricing. This groundbreaking car was introduced in August 1964 as a 1965 model, hence the “1964.5” designation. Its sleek fastback design, powerful V8 engine, and agile handling made it an instant hit with driving enthusiasts. With over 418,000 units sold in the first year alone, it’s clear that the Mustang was on to something big.
1965 Shelby GT350: Racing Heritage
If the 1964.5 Mustang was the original pony car, the 1965 Shelby GT350 was its high-performance cousin. Created by legendary racing driver and car builder Carroll Shelby, this limited-edition model was designed to dominate on the track. With a modified 289 cubic-inch V8 engine producing 306 horsepower, the GT350 was an instant racing sensation. Its success on the track helped establish the Mustang’s reputation as a serious performance vehicle, earning it a permanent place in racing history.
1968 Mustang Fastback: Steve McQueen’s Iconic Ride
The 1968 Mustang Fastback is perhaps most famous for its starring role in the classic Steve McQueen movie “Bullitt.” With its aggressive lines, sporty styling, and powerful 390 cubic-inch V8 engine, this car was the epitome of cool. McQueen’s iconic car chase scene through the streets of San Francisco cemented the Mustang’s status as an American muscle car legend. Today, the ’68 Fastback remains one of the most sought-after Mustang models among collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Best Mustangs of the 1970s
The 1970s was a transformative decade for the Ford Mustang, marked by significant design changes, engine upgrades, and a shift towards performance-driven models. Amidst the era of , the Mustang continued to thrive, solidifying its position as a iconic American pony car. In this section, we’ll explore the top Mustangs of the 1970s, each showcasing exceptional power, agility, and style.
1970 Mach 1: Aggressive Performance
The 1970 Mach 1 is a force to be reckoned with, boasting a robust 428 cubic-inch Cobra Jet engine that churns out 335 horsepower. This behemoth of a car was designed to dominate the streets, with its aggressive stance, Spoiler Delete hood, and racing-inspired stripes. But what truly sets the Mach 1 apart is its incredible performance, capable of reaching 0-60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. Imagine the thrill of driving a car that can devour the quarter-mile in 13.9 seconds – the Mach 1 is the epitome of American muscle.
1971 Mustang Boss 351: Rare and Powerful
The 1971 Mustang Boss 351 is a rare gem, with only 1,806 units produced. This limited-edition model was built for the track, featuring a high-performance 351 cubic-inch engine, dubbed the “Cleveland” due to its Cleveland-built credentials. The Boss 351’s engine roars with 330 horsepower, making it a formidable competitor in its class. Its sleek design, complete with a front spoiler, rear deck spoiler, and sporty stripes, only adds to its allure. As one of the rarest Mustangs of the decade, the Boss 351 is a coveted collector’s item among enthusiasts.
1973 Mustang Mach 1: Last of the Muscle Cars
The 1973 Mustang Mach 1 marks the end of an era, as the muscle car phenomenon began to fade into the distance. However, this final hurrah is a stunner, with its sleek, aerodynamic design and a powerful 351 cubic-inch engine producing 245 horsepower. The Mach 1’s quarter-mile time of 15.3 seconds is nothing to sneeze at, making it a respectable performer even by today’s standards. As a testament to its capabilities, the 1973 Mach 1 won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award, solidifying its place in Mustang history.
Mustang Resurgence in the 1980s
The 1980s were a pivotal time for the Mustang, marking a resurgence in performance and style after a brief lull in the late 1970s. This decade saw the introduction of new models that would shake up the pony car market and reinvigorate the Mustang’s reputation as a speed demon.
1982 Mustang GT: Return to Performance
The 1982 Mustang GT was a breath of fresh air, bringing back the performance credentials the Mustang had been lacking. With a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 157 horsepower, this GT was a significant upgrade from its predecessors. But what made it truly special was its aerodynamic design, which included a unique front air dam, side skirts, and a rear spoiler. This sleek new look not only improved handling but also gave the Mustang a much-needed injection of style.
1984 SVO Mustang: High-Performance Model
The 1984 SVO (Special Vehicle Operations) Mustang was the brainchild of Ford’s performance division, tasked with creating a high-performance model that would rival the likes of the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird. And boy, did they deliver! With a turbocharged 2.3-liter engine pumping out 205 horsepower, the SVO Mustang was a force to be reckoned with. Its sport-tuned suspension, limited-slip differential, and five-bolt wheels made it a handling wizard, while its distinctive bi-wing rear spoiler and unique interior trim added to its exclusivity.
1989 Mustang LX 5.0: Budget-Friendly Performance
The 1989 Mustang LX 5.0 was a game-changer – a high-performance pony car that didn’t break the bank. With a 5.0-liter V8 engine delivering 225 horsepower, this LX was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Its subtle exterior design belied its potent performance, making it a sneaky quick ride that could outrun many of its competitors. And the best part? It was affordable, offering buyers a thrilling drive experience without the hefty price tag.
Modern Mustangs of the 1990s-2000s
The 1990s and 2000s marked a significant shift in the Mustang’s design and performance, blending modern technology with classic styling cues. This era saw the introduction of new models that not only pleased enthusiasts but also resonated with a broader audience.
1993 Mustang SVT Cobra: Power and Handling
The 1993 Mustang SVT Cobra was a game-changer, boasting a 235-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine and a specially tuned suspension. This potent combination made it a force to be reckoned with on both the road and the track. But what truly set the Cobra apart was its exceptional handling, thanks to its stiffer chassis and precise steering. It was as if the Cobra was designed to dance around corners, making it an absolute joy to drive.
2001 Mustang Bullitt: Tribute to the Classic
The 2001 Mustang Bullitt was a loving tribute to the iconic 1968 Mustang Fastback made famous by Steve McQueen in the movie Bullitt. This modern interpretation paid homage to the original’s sleek design, complete with a Dark Highland Green paint job and subtle chrome accents. Under the hood, a 265-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 engine provided the necessary oomph to make this Bullitt a true performer. But it was the attention to detail that truly made this Mustang special, from its uniquebadging to its retro-inspired interior trim.
2005 Mustang GT: Retro Styling and Power
The 2005 Mustang GT marked a significant departure from the rounded, curvy lines of previous models, opting instead for a more angular, aggressive design. This bold new look was backed up by a 300-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 engine, making it the most powerful Mustang GT in decades. But what truly set the 2005 GT apart was its retro-inspired styling, complete with a vintage-style grille and tri-bar taillights. It was as if Ford had taken the best elements of the past and merged them with modern technology to create a truly unforgettable driving experience.
Top Mustangs of the 2010s
The 2010s marked a significant milestone in the Mustang’s evolution, with Ford pushing the boundaries of performance, design, and technology. This decade saw the introduction of some of the most iconic and powerful Mustangs ever produced. Let’s take a closer look at three of the top Mustangs of the 2010s.
2011 Mustang GT: 5.0-Liter Powerhouse
The 2011 Mustang GT was a game-changer, boasting a 5.0-liter V8 engine that pumped out 412 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine was mated to a six-speed manual transmission, making it a driver’s dream. The GT’s impressive acceleration, agile handling, and aggressive styling made it an instant hit among enthusiasts. With its iconic V8 rumble and rear-wheel drive dynamics, the 2011 Mustang GT was the perfect blend of power and sophistication.
2012 Mustang Shelby GT500: 650 HP Beast
The 2012 Shelby GT500 was a force to be reckoned with, thanks to its monstrous 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine that produced a staggering 650 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine was paired with a six-speed manual transmission and an advanced launch control system, making it capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. The GT500’s aggressive styling, complete with a unique front fascia, side skirts, and a rear spoiler, made it a head-turner on the road. With its incredible performance and handling capabilities, the 2012 Shelby GT500 was the ultimate track-ready Mustang.
2015 Mustang GT350: Track-Ready Performance
The 2015 Mustang GT350 was designed with one thing in mind: track performance. This high-performance variant featured a 5.2-liter V8 engine that produced 529 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in a production Mustang. The GT350’s advanced suspension system, complete with MagneRide dampers, provided incredible handling and stability at high speeds. With its aggressive styling, lightweighed carbon fiber wheels, and unique aerodynamic features, the 2015 Mustang GT350 was the ultimate track-ready Mustang, capable of delivering lap times that rivaled those of exotic sports cars.