In this article we offer a brief history legendary brand, which can be used to trace all models Ford Mustang from 1962 to the present.

1960s

In the early 60s, global automakers were faced with the question of what to offer the post-war baby boom generation. For this Ford company decided to create a special model of a personal car based on the Ford Falcon. A competition was announced within the company, in which the winner was the project that laid down the canons of the future “pony style”: sharply defined sides, a long hood and a shortened rear end.

The first “Mustang” was conceptual model Mustang I, introduced in 1962. The two-seater sports car was named after the legendary World War II era stormtrooper P51 Mustang. The second generation of Mustangs was shown to the public at the New York Auto Show in 1964. The car was equipped with a 170 in³ 6-cylinder engine, three-speed transmission, closed wheel covers, original instrument panel, bucket seats and carpeted interior.

First serial version The “Mustang” was the Wimbledon convertible, whose sales exceeded all expectations. Already 12 months after its release, almost 420 thousand copies of this car were sold. By the end of the 60s, “pony cars” were almost universally recognized as the highest achievement of automotive design.

1970s

With the advent of the 70s, Ford stopped producing original Mustang models based on the Falcon platform. But during this period the most large versions Ford Mustangs based on the GT350/GT500 and Boss 302/429. They were almost 600 pounds heavier and 1 foot longer than the first models. The Ford Mustang Mach 1 was also presented to consumers with an impressive range of power plants, the most impressive of which was the 429 Super Cobra Jet (SCJ) with a power of 370 hp.

In the mid-70s, Ford introduced the second generation of Mustangs with a completely new design and a line of Cobra II engines. The car was equipped with a non-functional air intake on the hood, front and rear spoilers. In versions with a V8 engine, American engineers installed a 4-speed manual transmission.

1980s

During this period, tightening environmental restrictions forced many manufacturers to reduce engine power. The Ford company was no exception with the Mustang model - the 4-cylinder was removed from the line, the car received a new aerodynamic body. The convertible body, which was produced in the 60s, also returned to the assembly line.

1990s

This time became the era of design and technical progress. In honor of its 30th anniversary, the car was significantly modernized and its already excellent performance characteristics were improved. 1,330 of the vehicle's 1,850 components were replaced. The fastback body was no longer produced, leaving only a convertible and a 2-door coupe. For the first time in standard equipment The driver's airbag was turned on. All cars in basic modification equipped with an improved 4-cylinder engine.

The fourth generation of the legendary pony car received sharply defined lines, new hood and radiator grille, stylish wheel arch trims, updated headlights and facing panels. At the same time, the manufacturer launched a small batch of the exclusive SVT Mustang Cobra model with improved performance and original style. In 1993, a limited number of racing versions of the Cobra R sold out before production began.

2000s to present day

In the new millennium, the Ford Mustang remained almost alone on the market. Pontiac Firebird's closest competitors are essentially not developing and are not pleasing consumers with updates. At this time, Ford is producing the 300 millionth Mustang and celebrating the 40th anniversary of the popular model.

Although Mustang production at the famed Dearborn plant ceased in the 2000s, models assembled at other plants were put on the market. First of all, it should be noted that the model Mustang Shelby GT, an exclusive version of the Shelby GT500 with a 500 hp turbocharged power plant, a limited edition Mustang Bullitt.

In 2013, the sixth Ford generation Mustang in convertible and coupe body styles. In April 2014 legendary model celebrated its 50th anniversary. During this time, more than 9 million copies of the car were sold. Half a century has passed, but the Mustangs have retained the easily recognizable elements of the classic design and their character, for which they are idolized by numerous fans around the world.

Ford Mustang first generation was first demonstrated at the World's Fair in New York on April 17, 1964 and made a great impression on the audience. The initial version of the car with a 2.8-liter engine (102 hp) accelerated only to 150 km/h. But the list of options included V8 engines with a power of up to 380 hp, an automatic transmission and a lot of other equipment. The first Ford Mustang was offered in three body styles: coupe, fastback and convertible. Over the years of production, it has lengthened from 4613 to 4923 mm.

The production of the first models continued until 1973. In total, almost three million first-generation cars saw the light of day. The "base" version was priced at $2,368 (roughly $18,500 these days).

2nd generation, 1973–1978

The second Ford Mustang, shortened to 4445 mm, developed on the basis of the compact one, was released in 1973. The cars were equipped with a 2.3 liter four (89 hp), a 2.8 V6 (106 hp) or a 4.9 liter V8 (131-141 hp). The car was offered in two versions: two-door coupe or three-door hatchback

Despite poor dynamics and poor handling, about 1.1 million cars were sold until 1978, with prices starting at $3,134.

3rd generation, 1978–1993

The third generation Ford Mustang lasted on the assembly line from 1978 to 1993. At this time, it was again lengthened to 4562 mm, and lighter materials were used for production. The previous engine range was supplemented by a 2.3-liter turbo-four (118 hp), and more powerful (up to 203 hp) engines with fuel injection began to appear under the hoods of Mustangs only in 1983.

The result of the restyling of the “third” Mustang in 1986 was the Mustang SVT, boosted to 238 hp. "eight" 4.9 liters. In just 15 years, 2.6 million third-generation cars were produced. The car was also sold at American market under the name .

4th generation, 1993–2004

GM's plans to revive the model prompted Ford production to develop the Mustang fourth generation in 1993. New car was based on a reinforced old platform. Wheelbase increased slightly, the brakes became disc brakes in the “base”, and ABS was installed at an additional cost.

The “basic” version of the “fourth” Mustang was equipped with 3.8-liter V6 engines (147-193 hp), and the GT, Cobra and Mach I versions were equipped with 4.9 V8 engines (218-243 hp) and 4.6 liters (264-390 hp). From that time on, only models with coupe or convertible bodies began to go on sale. The starting price increased from $10,810 to $13,365 (about $22,000 today).

In 1998, during restyling, the exterior of the car was redesigned in the spirit of New Edge design, sound insulation was improved, and traction control system, and the top versions of Cobra received an independent rear suspension. Production of the fourth Mustang generation ceased in 2004, by which time approximately 1.6 million vehicles had been produced.

5th generation, 2004–2014

The first copy of the fifth generation Ford Mustang was released in 2004. The new cars had a simplified suspension and interior; the cars were based on their own D2C platform.

The new Mustang was equipped with V6 4.0 (231 hp) and V8 4.6 liter (304-450 hp) engines combined with a five- and six-speed manual transmission or a five- and six-speed automatic transmission. “Charged” versions with V8s 5.4 and 5.8 produced up to 672 hp.

The cost of the “basic” model was $19,000 (about $24,000 today). In 2009, the car underwent a restyling, but this did not save it from declining sales.

6th generation, 2014

The sixth generation Ford Mustang sports car debuted on the American market in September 2014, and in 2015 the car officially began to be sold in Europe - for the first time in the history of the model. The Ford company has refused to sell Mustangs in Russia.

Coupes and convertibles are equipped with a 2.3 EcoBoost turbo engine (317 hp) or atmospheric engine V8 5.0 with a capacity of 421 hp. s., and the Ford Mustang is also equipped with a V6 3.7 engine that develops 300 horsepower. Cars are equipped with a six-speed manual transmission or automatic transmission with the same number of steps. All versions have rear wheel drive.

In the American market, the Ford Mustang is offered at a price of 23.5 thousand dollars, in Western Europe the car costs from 35 thousand euros.

The sixth generation of the legendary American muscle car Ford Mustang in fastback coupe and convertible bodies made its world debut in January 2014 at an international show in Detroit, but its preview took place on December 5, 2013 (simultaneously in six cities around the world - in Dearborn, Los Angeles, Barcelona, ​​New York, Sydney and Shanghai).

Compared to previous models, the car has changed dramatically - it has received beautiful styling, modern technical components, new engines and previously unavailable equipment.

In mid-January 2017, the “American” underwent a planned update, one of the main innovations of which was the appearance of a 10-speed automatic transmission instead of a 6-speed transmission. However, Ford didn’t stop there and thoroughly shook up the entire car: they “refreshed” its appearance, corrected the interior, added new options, modernized the engines and removed the 3.7-liter naturally aspirated engine from the lineup.

Externally, the sixth generation Mustang is beautiful and quite modern, but a piece of primitiveness still lingers in it. The streamlined and wide body of the muscle car with a long hood, low roofline and short tail extension is topped with “evil” front and stylish rear lighting, which together creates a powerful and insanely brutal image. The picture is completed by huge “rollers” of wheels measuring from 18 to 20 inches.

The “sixth” Ford Mustang is available in two body versions – a fastback coupe and a convertible with a multi-layer fabric top. The “closed” two-door is 4784 mm long, 1381 mm high (the convertible is 13 mm taller) and 1916 mm wide, and the “open” car is 13 mm taller. A muscle car has a 2,720 mm distance between the axles, regardless of the solution.

The interior of the Mustang looks organic and stylish, and as befits a “thoroughbred” sports car, it resembles an airplane cockpit. The characteristic symmetrical front panel in the central part houses an 8-inch “TV” of the multimedia system, a “trapezoid” of the multimedia installation and a quartet of toggle switches that control the driving settings. Behind the weighty multifunctional “donut” with a three-spoke design are the “cylinders” of the speedometer and tachometer with a color display of the on-board computer in the middle (a “drawn” instrument cluster with a 12-inch screen and a bunch of settings is available as an option). Mostly high-quality materials are used in the decoration, but there are also plastics with hard textures.

For front passengers, the sixth generation Ford Mustang has anatomical seats with a grippy profile, electric adjustments and ventilation, but in powerful versions they give way to Recaro buckets. Both coupe and convertible rear seats are more suitable for children or compact passengers due to the limited space in the legs and above the head.

The luggage compartment volume of the Mustang in the coupe body is 408 liters; in the convertible, this figure is reduced to 332 liters due to the folding awning mechanism.

The soft roof of the “open” version is semi-automatic, and its transformation in motion is impossible.

Specifications. For the 6th generation Ford Mustang, two standard ones have been prepared in the European specification gasoline modifications, each of which is equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 10-speed automatic transmission:

• The base version of the muscle car is equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four with turbocharging, direct injection and variable valve timing, which produces 317 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 432 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm. With such a “heart,” the car accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 250 km/h, and its “fuel gluttony” does not exceed 8-10 liters in mixed driving conditions for every “hundred.”

• Engine compartment of the “top” version GT filled with a 5.0 liter eight-cylinder V-engine with combined injection gasoline, generating 421 “horses” at 6500 rpm and 530 Nm of torque. As a result, the Mustang conquers the starting jerk to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, and the “maximum” capabilities are fixed at 250 km/h. In the combined cycle, the car's fuel consumption varies from 12 to 13.6 liters per 100 km.

Before the update (carried out in January 2017), another unit was also offered in the USA - a 3.7-liter V-shaped six with distributed feed fuel, producing 305 “mares” at 6500 rpm and 366 Nm of rotating thrust at 4000 rpm.

The “sixth” Ford Mustang is built on a new “trolley”, similar in architecture to the front-wheel drive CD4 platform, which “flaunts” a fully independent suspension - MacPherson struts with a double hinge system at the front and an advanced “multi-link” on the subframe at the rear. For an additional fee, the two-door is equipped with adaptive MagneRide shock absorbers filled with magnetorheological fluid (which, before the update, were the privilege of exclusively “hot” modifications of the GT350/GT350R).
The American muscle car is equipped with rack and pinion steering with electric amplifier, having three operating modes – Normal, Sport and Comfort. All wheels accommodate powerful ventilated discs brake system(the size of the front mechanisms, depending on the version, varies from 320 to 380 mm) with ABS, EBD and other modern “assistants”. By default, all versions of the Mustang are equipped with a limited-slip rear differential.

In addition to the basic versions, there are also more “charged” options in the Ford Mustang palette, and one of them is Shelby GT350. Along with an even more aggressive appearance and some modifications in the interior, this car has a lightweight body, reinforced suspension with adaptive shock absorbers and effective system brakes with Brembo calipers. But the main thing about it is the 5.2-liter V8 Voodoo engine, which produces 533 “stallions” at 7500 rpm and 582 Nm at 4750 rpm.

Even more interesting version – Shelby GT350R. It has the same power unit as the car without the letter “R”, but at the same time its body is even lighter, the wheel rims are made of carbon fiber, and the functionality includes some “racing” equipment.

Well, the most “extreme” performance of the sixth generation Mustang is GT King Cobra. Externally, such a muscle car is not very different from its usual “brother”, and the main emphasis in it is on improving the technical part.

It is driven by a 5.0-liter V8 with a supercharger, the performance of which exceeds 600 horsepower. Essentially, "King Cobra" is full package modifications to the engine and other components and assemblies.

Options and prices. In the USA, sales of the restyled Ford Mustang will start in the fall of 2017, and it will reach the countries of the Old World in early 2018 (it is possible that its sales will begin in Russia).
On European market, in particular in Germany, the “sixth” Ford Mustang in the pre-reform solution is sold at a price of 38,000 euros (~2.42 million rubles at the current exchange rate) for a fastback coupe, and a convertible will cost 4,000 euros more. The muscle car should reach Russia, but exactly when this will happen is still unknown.
In the “base” the car is equipped with seven airbags (the convertible has five), ABS, a multimedia system with a color screen, dual-zone climate control, a rear view camera, power accessories, cruise and many other modern features.

The Mustang car stands out especially. As the owner of a long history, this flagship quickly became one of the leaders, consolidating its position to this day. The history of the Ford Mustang during its existence has gone from the beginning of the model range, snatching the lion's share of the market, and has become a standard for buyers.

Start of the story

Initially, the brand was focused on the sports segment. The first car was released in 1964. It was immediately positively received by users due to its high technical specifications. The car appeared thanks to the engineering solution of Lee Iacocca. The “basis” for the Mustang was the Ford Thunderbird, which in 1954 was the standard representative of the sports class.

During the introduction of new models, Ford was not worried better times. Then they had problems with the Edsel that came out, which only created big losses. The manufacturer decided that researching the market for progressive development is an unprofitable process. But the fact remained and it had to be corrected. For this purpose, specialists from all departments were brought together to present it to the buyer with a united effort. This is how the Ford Mustang was born.

1964 movement

The first step was to create a social orientation for the car. It was also important to maintain the image. The creators were guided by Thunderbird, however, they wanted to get a more social orientation from it. For this purpose, the Monya model from the Corvair automobile line was taken. This made the car recognizable. Next, the designers took the body features from Lincoln Mark II due to its rather prominent hood, striking silhouette and small trunk.

In order for the Mustang to convey the assertiveness of the company's intentions, attention was paid to the sharp corners of the famous Maserati. This was complemented by a low rise, which was positively received by the average buyer. At the very beginning, the name of such a car was Cougar, which was accompanied by the same figure on the hood. The management changed the name just before the release of the series. On March 9, 1964, the market saw

Main advantages

Had special modification, which had an opening top. It used a special power point 28 liters, V-type. Thanks to its characteristics and attractive appearance, the car quickly reached the top sales position of the brand. Experts note the thoughtful design, which qualitatively distinguished the new product from its competitors. Since that time, many manufacturers began to copy the original style of the car.

In 1965, the company offered a special package of GT modifications: an improved control system, disc mechanisms on all wheels, precise suspension, unusual color for the body and exhaust system double type. Manufacturers went further, and already in 1966 the buyer could get one of 34 ways to decorate the car's interior.

Model Update

The idea of ​​developing the popular flagship was supported by the release of a sports modification. It was created jointly with Carroll Shelby specialists. This made it possible to obtain engine power of 306 horsepower for the Shelby GT-350 and 360 horsepower. With. for Shelby GT-350R. This was later supplemented by a Paxton supercharger, which increased power to 420 hp. With.

Since the process did not stand still, it was necessary to periodically update the parts of the Mustang. This was especially true for the Shelby GT 500, in which the horizontal inserts on the radiator were removed and an air splitter was attached to it. The engines also received changes in the form of 6 cylinders, although the V8 model was still relevant. Of course, each user could order increased power from Cobra, if 270 hp. With. was not enough for him.

Carroll Shelby GT 500

This model appeared in 1967. It included minor changes to the body and its increase by several centimeters. The general range of such modifications included new engine: previously it was 3.3 liters, with a power rating of 115 hp. With. Now it has been replaced by a V8 format, which had 7 liters and a power output of 355 hp. With. Actually, the increase in the size of the car made it possible to change the format.

Among the innovations, FMX is noted - a hydromechanical transmission, which provided control in both automatic and manual formats. Already in 1967, changes took place - Mustang production moved under Ford management Motor, and the original line received the Shelby prefix. This also changed the production format itself, closing the department for the production of sports cars.

In 1968, the history of the model was marked by new eight-cylinder engines. The company continued to allow users to choose their own Mustang features. Thus, you can choose among engine volumes from 3.3 to 7.0 liters. Power was also available at the discretion of the buyer from 115 to 390 horsepower. In the same year, the company introduced a modification of the Shelby GT-500KR, which has a seven-liter engine from the Ram Air 428 Cobra Jet. It is distinguished by a special method of air intake, which increases power to 410 hp. With.

Mustang modifications

An improvement in the model range was scheduled for 1969, when the length was increased by 10 cm. To expand its position in the market, the brand released a cheaper E model and a more expensive Grande. This was complemented by a special edition of the Boss flagships, which had engines of 290 and 302 hp. With. This allowed the company to take part in Trans Am racing, going against Chevrolet Camaro Z28.

This period was also marked by the appearance of the Mustang Boss 429. A set of eight-cylinder engine with 375 horsepower was complemented by lighter parts, which was provided by their special warehouse. Since such an engine had a lot of power, it was necessary to make a revision to the front suspension. Because of this, the shock absorbers were swapped, and the wishbones were moved lower by 25 mm. General improvements have also been made to the appearance and technical side. Buyers noted the exceptional maneuverability of the car.

Motion support

1974 was a memorable year Ford release a fundamentally new line of Mustang cars. The company worked hard to reduce the scale, but preserve the usual bodies. Such innovations were supported by the release of the next generation Cobra and Mach I engines. This was followed by the debut of the Mustang III in 1978. Characteristic Features The Mustang had pronounced angles and a body more familiar to European users.

In 1982, the targa and coupe body were introduced, and a year later the updated Convertible came off the assembly line. The company decided to pay attention to the speed class, so it organized the release of improved Mustang models. The result was the SVO in 1984, followed a year later by modifications to the familiar Mach and Cobra.

New format

Taking into account market trends, production decided to make changes to the fourth generation. This period occurred in 1997. The format of the body elements was corrected, in which the lighting equipment was reorganized (it was positioned vertically). The following year, an improved SVT with 320 hp was introduced. With. Alas, in practice it was not possible to develop such a speed indicator, so the production of the model had to be quickly closed.

The new millennium began with a redesign of the automotive range. It has become typical for Mustang to have a brutal appearance. This affected the installation of new headlights, bumpers and even the hood. The wheel arches began to have a steeper angle. Interior also received a new 4.6-liter engine, which allowed it to reach speeds of up to 240 km/h. The same applied to the emblem - the familiar horse acquired a chrome edging.

In the trend of the times

In 2003, the anniversary of the 10th anniversary of the release took place famous line SVT cars. For this event, Ford presented new modification for Mustang. In its current version, buyers had access to the car in two versions: convertible and coupe. Exactly 2003 of these cars were produced, which corresponded to the year. The Mustang's power was provided by a 390-horsepower supercharger. s., as well as a valve-type engine from Triton. All this complemented independent suspension and the possibility of ordering a modification with a 5-speed transmission.

The anniversary production also differed in appearance. Wheel disks 17 inches had a gold-plated color and double-format knitting needles. On the panel was the name 10th anniversary with an image of a cobra in a throw. The user had several color options to choose from: Silver Metallic, Black Clearcoat and Torch Red. The interior was equipped with red leather and carbon fiber inserts.

Mustang SVT Cobra

During the Mustang's anniversary, Ford created a new product Mustang GT-R. It included a modern aluminum-based V8 engine with two camshafts. The power of the new product was able to reach 440 hp. s., which complemented the torque of 542 Nm. The company allowed the client to make changes to technological features device, selecting power up to 500 horsepower.

In 2005, a performance took place in Detroit, where the Mustang GT-R was shown. This is a new generation, focused on the sports class. It had an improved platform in which it was installed powerful engine, rugged design and improved stability. The designers worked especially hard on the interior, making it truly sporty. Thanks to complete redesign, the new product quickly took a leading position.

Thus, the Ford automobile range is still one of the leaders today. Buyers choose this brand because of its high quality and modern capabilities. Also classic models are successful and are often used in cinema. The history of the creation of the legendary Ford Mustang is based on the right decisions that led the company to success.

When choosing a car, many try to highlight the main quality that is worth paying attention to. But this increases the possibility of getting shortcomings from the purchase, because the manufacturer rarely cares about a balanced assembly. This does not apply to Ford, which has been proving its quality and reliability for a long time.

Ford Mustang is one of the most famous cars American auto giant Ford Motor Company. The company manufactures cars in Flat Rock, Michigan, USA. The main competitors are Chevrolet Camaro And Dodge Challenger.

The Ford Mustang belongs to the Pony Car class (a class of small sports cars by American standards), although some “experts” believe that it is a Muscle Car. In fact, we believe that this is a controversial statement, because... specifically in in this case the car can be positioned both as a pony car and as a muscle car - the dimensions of the model allow you not to bother with this issue.

History of the model

The history of the Mustang model dates back to the distant 60s of the twentieth century. The country was on the rise, consumer demand for cars in general and sports cars in particular grew every year. Manufacturers competed for potential buyers in all niches of the automotive industry.

At the beginning of the seventh decade of the last century, Ford's position in the market was not very stable. Marketers explained this by the absence of lower-mid-level cars in the model range, although the main competitors - General Motors and Chrysler - had such models.

The closest Ford had to the required niche at that time were the Falcon and Thunderbird. The first was a budget car, and the second, although it was intended as a people's car, cost significantly more expensive than that the threshold that was most in demand on the market at that time.

The Falcon line was low-profit due to high price competition in the budget segment, and the Thunderbird was not in demand due to its fairly high price. As a result, Ford suffered huge losses. And in order to improve its position in the market, it was urgently necessary to develop and launch into production an affordable, but at the same time, interesting model that would bring the main profit.

In 1962, the company presented to the general public a conceptual sports two-seater model.

After analyzing the reviews, it became clear that the main requirement of the potential audience was capacity. In this regard, everyone was happy with the Falcon - even with a coupe body it could accommodate up to 6 people, which was due to the presence of a spacious rear sofa in the car. I wasn’t happy with the budget nature of this model; I wanted something more expensive and more prestigious.

So, after studying all the requirements for future model on the consumer side, a formula for the conceptual appearance was derived the car being created. It should be roomy, comfortable and sufficiently powerful car, personifying the self-sufficiency of the owner.

In 1963 year Ford presented the second version of the concept, which has already incorporated all the necessary attributes that are so necessary for potential buyers.

Over the past year, the company has finally decided on the name of the model. Of all the many options, we settled on the Mustang. This is what feral horses are called North America. New model was supposed to conquer the American open spaces, and its name stated this in the best possible way. A corresponding logo for the new product was also developed.

Apparently, the designers sincerely believed that sharpness was the future. How else can we explain the fact that the front part of the Mustang II was made, although not the same as in the first version, but still sharp. Probably, after assessing the public's responses, they finally came to the look of the car that we all know so well.

Undoubtedly, the Ford Mustang is not just another model of the world famous auto giant. This is a whole culture. It was the Mustang that gave rise to a new class of cars (Pony Car, if you remember - this has already been mentioned above). All other automakers began to focus on it. It has become a standard for the best available, but sufficient prestigious cars, an American icon, an object to be emulated. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Mustang is still in production.

Generations

Over the entire period of its existence (which is more than half a century), the Ford Mustang has already gone through 6 generations. Most on the market retro cars old models are in demand - classics of the 60-70s of the 20th century. The old Shelby GT 500 is especially valued. Modifications of the old model are so popular all over the world that entire companies have appeared that do nothing but restore old junk. By the way, they make good money from this.

The easiest way to follow the evolution of the Ford Mustang is by watching the video:

In any case, we consider it our duty to briefly describe all generations, indicating the main distinctive features each generation of the model. So, let's begin.

1

The first Mustang went on sale in 1964. At that time, it was offered only as a coupe. In 1965, a convertible appeared, and in 1967, Ford gave the world a fastback - the one that all fans of American classics dream of owning.

The first generation was on the assembly line until 1973. 9 years was quite a long time in those days. Therefore, in order to compete on equal terms with other automakers, the company had to modernize the model 3 times: in 1967, 1969 and 1971.

For the entire period from 1964 to 1973. At different times, 13 engine modifications were installed on the car: 3 types of in-line six-cylinder engines and 10 variants of V-shaped “eights”. There were three body styles: coupe, fastback and coupe.

2

The 2nd generation Mustang was produced for only 4 years - from 1974 to 1978. And if latest versions 1st generation possessed large sizes and “hippopotamus” design, the second generation returned to the original concept of a small sports car. Its dimensions were European-style compact, even smaller than the 1964 model.

The model was produced in three body styles: hardtop, hatchback and targa. There were also three engines to choose from: an in-line four-cylinder and a V-shaped six and eight.

3

The 3rd generation Ford Mustang was produced for 15 years, from 1979 to 1993, representing a completely new approach to development available cars. To reduce costs, its design was unified with other models intended for both the American and European markets.

The design was distinguished by its angularity and straight lines - a tribute to the fashion of the 80s. But since 1987, the model has undergone a slight restyling, which slightly smoothed out the sharp shapes. The line of bodies traditionally had 3 versions: coupe, hatchback and convertible.

In 1979, the fuel crisis broke out in the United States, which affected demand towards economical engines. In this regard, the engines installed in the third generation were mostly small-volume and low-power: naturally aspirated and turbocharged “four”, in-line 6-cylinder engine and 3 V6 modifications. Although, Ford did not forget about those who like “hot” things and offered 3 V8 options.

4

Since 1994, the 4th generation Ford Mustang entered the production line, which was produced for just over 10 years. In the 90s, auto fashion looked towards biodesign, so it is only logical that one of the most popular models the auto giant was made in accordance with new trends. The body line consisted of only two options: coupe and convertible.

In 1999, the car underwent a light restyling in the spirit of the then popular “New Edge” idea, which Ford adopted, embodying the concept in a number of its models.

The fuel crisis has long passed, so the new generation was developed in accordance with new challenges in terms of power and speed. 12 modifications were offered for the Mustang power units: 2 V6 variants and as many as 10 V8 variants.

5

The 5th generation Mustang, produced from 2005 to 2014, was designed in a “retro-futurism” style. The idea is based on old models from the 60-70s of the last century. Thanks to the harmonious combination retro style and modern technologies both outside and in interior design, the model has become wildly popular.

Only two bodies were offered: coupe and convertible. Only two engines were also offered: V-shaped six- and eight-cylinder.

In 2010, a facelift was carried out, and the car received an even more harmonious appearance and a more ergonomic interior.

6

Mustang 6th generation went to mass production in 2015 and is still in production. The company decided to take advantage of the success of the fifth generation, so it continued the retro theme in its appearance, developing, however, fresh futuristic trends. The result is a very harmonious and modern stylish sports car.

The buyer can choose from only two (traditionally) body types: either a coupe or a convertible. The powertrain lineup consists of three options: a turbocharged 4-cylinder EcoBoost, a V6 and a V8.

Modifications

Like most cars, the Ford Mustang acquired modifications that were especially popular at one time and are now sought after by fans of the brand. Let's try to list all the models in the order of their appearance and indicate their distinctive features.

1. Mach 1
2. Shelby GT
3. Cobra
4. Saleen Mustang

The first three modifications are purely factory.

The Mustang GT appeared a year after the premiere of the first generation and differed from the regular version with a retuned suspension and steering, as well as a horizontal stripe along the side. Subsequently, a separate emblem with the inscription “GT” was developed specifically for this modification.

The Mustang BOSS was created in 1969 primarily for auto racing, to compete with the hot-footed Chevrolet Camaro. The BOSS 302 raced in Trans Am and the BOSS 429 raced in NASCAR. The numbers 302 and 429 indicate engine displacement in cubic inches. Externally, the cars were distinguished by a special color, some additional body elements and nameplates. These models were not produced for long.

The Mustang Mach 1 also appeared in 1969, with the second restyling of the first generation. It was positioned as a sportier civilian version, representing a more developed modification of the GT. Due to this, the GT version gradually became irrelevant, ceased to exist and returned to the market only with the third generation of the Mustang. Externally, Mach 1 also featured a different color and the presence additional elements body

The Shelby GT came to be like this. In 1965, after studying the demand for a factory version of the GT and realizing that the public wanted even more exclusivity, Ford negotiated with Carroll Shelby, a famous racing driver, to create an even more powerful modification. Mr. Shelby boosts the most powerful engine available at the time in the Mustang line and achieves a 30% increase in power. Plus, it completely reworks the suspension to give it character racing car. On the outside, the Shelby GT received two longitudinal stripes along the top across the entire body.

Initially, the prefix “Cobra” designated the most powerful car from the Shelby studio. That's what they said: Shelby Cobra. The modification existed before fuel crisis, which was already mentioned above.

In addition to the version from the studio, since 1968 there has also been a factory modification with a Cobra Jet engine. Subsequently, by the way, in the second generation, only the factory version remained, which was called Mustang Cobra II. Externally, the car differed from other versions by stripes on the body.

The Saleen Mustang entered its third generation. The reason was an increase in demand for powerful compact cars in the early 80s of the last century. The newly opened tuning studio of the famous racer Steve Saleen has signed a contract to supply “charged” versions of the Ford Mustang. In addition to power, Saleen products are always distinguished by a wealth of configurations and highest quality execution.

Most modifications from time to time (and some constantly recently) are present on the market in the form of special series in limited quantities and are of more interest to collectors and fans of the brand.

Conclusion

Ford Mustang is a real find of developers. Almost always he enjoyed great success. Millions of American families at one time dreamed of having one. Nowadays, both young and old all over the world still dream about him. The Ford Mustang will forever go down in the history of the automotive industry as one of the most popular and iconic cars.