Grand Prix Badge
The history of the Mustang begins in 1960 and 1961, when market research indicated that a young, relatively affluent market was ready for a sporty, distinctive car that was affordable and not too extreme. The Mustang 1, or T-5, was introduced in 1962 at the U.S. Grand Prix, where it was taken for a few demonstration laps. The immediate reaction from the racing community was enthusiastic. The car was capable of reaching a top speed of 115 miles per hour. After the success of this prototype, a Spring 1964 release date was proposed.
This car would become the famous 1965 Mustang, although the first few production months are termed the 1964 1/2 model by some auto enthusiasts due to its early Spring release date. During this shortened 1965 model year, over 125,000 Mustangs were sold. It found immediate success with women, men, old drivers, younger generations; in short, its enormous appeal led to its status as the most popular car ever. In fact, Ford even termed their Mustang "the universal car." Over half a million Mustangs were sold during 1965, the model's first full year, making it Ford's most successful car since the Model A. In fact, it was so much of a hit that over 90,000 1965 Mustang pedal cars were sold as a promotion through Ford dealerships, each at the discount price of $12.95.
The Ford Mustang is a symbol for youthful, yet classic, styling. With more power than cars of previous decades, the Mustang was as sleek as the Corvette, its main competitor among American cars then in production. The engine choices began with a 170 cubic inch, 2.8-liter straight six offering 101 horsepower offering weak power up to the famous "K-code" 289-cubic-inch engine with 271 horsepower. There were six engine choices in all, with only the "K-code" engine earning a special "high performance" badge on the front fenders.
In the earliest model years, the Mustang was offered in a coupe or convertible, measuring almost 182 inches long, with a distinctively long hood. All had a standard three-speed manual transmission, except the "high performance" version with a four-speed manual transmission. Added for the full 1965 model year were a fastback body, optional GT equipment and trim package, and optional power front disc brakes.
Throughout the many model changes over the past four decades, iconic touches such as a running horse on the grille, side scallops along the fenders, and taillights divided into three sections have remained. Changes for the 1966 model year included a lack of dividing bars in the grille, a modified instrument cover, and a few other slight changes. Over 600,000 Mustangs were sold during the 1966 model year. To date, no other year has seen higher sales of the Mustang.
Some of the most desirable Mustangs from this era are those built for racing by Carroll Shelby. Designed to compete against the Chevy Corvette, this two-seater "GT 350" Mustang was built from 1965 to 1970. The Shelby GT 350 won five of the six divisions of the Sports Car Club of America in 1965.
If you are interested in Mustangs you might want to check out our Mustang Pedal Cars. Classic Pedal Cars specializes in premium quality steel pedal cars.
September 3rd, 2010 
admin 
Posted in 
Tags: 
