Launched in April 1964 as a midyear model, Ford’s sporty new Mustang became an overnight sensation, marking the most successful new-car introduction of all time. The Mustang’s formula for success was straightforward: a compact, attractive, and sporty car that was affordable and comfortable, complemented by a comprehensive option list.
This allowed buyers to custom-order a Mustang tailored to their specific needs and budgets. Ford Motor Company initially projected first-year Mustang sales at 100,000 units, but this target was reached within just four months. By 1966, there were 1 million Mustangs on the road.
The Mustang’s immediate success prompted competition from every major American car company, yet none matched its enduring popularity. The Mustang nameplate has remained in continuous use since its launch, a distinction that even its GM F-body rivals, the Camaro and Firebird, cannot claim.
During Ford’s “Total Performance” era of the 1960s, the Mustang’s option list featured a range of powertrain combinations, highlighted by the high-revving 289 K-Code V-8 engine with 271 HP in solid-lifter tune, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. This combination eventually became the foundation for Carroll Shelby’s GT350 Mustang, designed to dominate the SCCA B-Production class and challenge Chevrolet’s Corvette.
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