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The Ford Mustang was estimated to sell

less than 100,000 units for the first year

but actually sold well over three times

this figure. Its front view presented a

honeycomb-type grille in gunmetal grey

with the Mustang emblem of a galloping

pony ‘floating’ in a rectangle at the centre.

The grille extended the sweep of the hood

ahead of the single-mounted, seven inch

headlamps and small scoop lines in the

sheet metal fairing that emphasised the

forward thrust. With a look of extreme

performance, the Mustang’s new low

centre of gravity presented a low profile

view with sports car proportions, while

the long thrusting hood and extremely

compact rear deck, both with short

overhang suggested a sports car design.The

two-plus-two seating featured front bucket

seats with foam-padded cushions and a

back bench, sculptured to provide good

body support for greater seating security

and comfort. The popularity of the Ford

Mustang at that time was probably thanks

to its varied choices in engine capacity.

Drivers could choose between standard

power, the ‘170’ Six with three-speed

manual transmission that provided low

initial cost, maximum operating economy

and good performance or three optional

V8 engines: the ‘260’ with 164 horsepower,

the ‘289’ with 210 horsepower or the’289’

High-Performance with 271 horsepower.

Since 1964, the Ford Mustang has evolved

through five generations to present the

sixth generation 2015 Ford Mustang this

year. The second generation (1974-1978)

based on the Ford Pinto was available in

coupé and hatchback versions but was

much smaller than the original model,

whilst the third generation (1979-1993)

modelled on the longer Fox platform

and available in coupé, hatchback and

convertible was restyled to accommodate

four people in comfort despite a smaller

rear seat. The fourth generation (1994-

2004) underwent its first major redesign

in fifteen years and featured an updated

version of the rear-wheel drive Fox

platform called Fox-4. The ‘new edge’

style had sharper contours, larger wheel

arches and creases in its bodywork but

maintained the same basic proportions,

interior design and chassis as the previous

model. The redesigned fifth generation

model (2005-2014) introduced at the

2004 North American International

Auto Show was based on the new D2C

platform and echoed the fastback Mustang

models of the late 1960s. However, it is the

sixth generation model available in both

fastback and convertible that highlights

the pinnacle of Ford’s history as they

celebrate 50 years of the Ford Mustang.

Driving Capacity

Described as “definitely more than just

a car” and “the heart and soul of Ford”

by Raj Nair, Ford group vice president

for Global Product Development, the

all-new 2015 Ford Mustang enhances

its performance with three choices of

engine power. Drivers can choose from

the more powerful 5.0-litre V8 equipped

with new cylinder heads, valve train and

intake manifold that will ensure that the

engine breathes freely from idle all the

way to 7,000 rpm, whilst generating 420

horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque. Or

the standard 3.7-litre V6 that provides

precise timing and control of the engine’s

air and fuel intake and helps enhance peak

power and low-speed torque in driving

situations such as passing and merging,

whilst producing 300 horsepower and 280

lb.-ft. of torque. Or even the all-new fuel

efficient 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine that

provides the performance that Mustang

enthusiasts are more accustomed to,

plus the ability to deliver projected best-

in-class fuel economy, with a capacity

of 305 horsepower and more than 300

lb.-ft. of torque. The new model is also

around 200 pounds lighter than its former

contender and more aerodynamic, thanks