Look at the Wheels on That: Ford Mustang
22 March 2007
But the real reason Stuart Milne loves the original Mustang is because it looks the business. And it sounds fantastic, too.
Launched to an unsuspecting American public in 1964, the Mustang was a massive hit.
You didn't have to look hard to find out why – the growling front end and sleek lines were the perfect antidote to the chrome 'n' fins machines of the previous decade.
And coupled with a massive range of bodystyles and engines, there was something for everyone.
Buyers could plump for a breathless six-cylinder, 2.8-litre engine, a brutal 250bhp V8 – or anything in between – automatics, manuals, sports suspension packages and a whole bundle of different interior trims.
Then there were the bodystyles – a coupe, convertible and fastback with a sweeping roof and bootline all bought style to the American car buying public.
Despite the Mustang's beautiful clothing, the underpinnings couldn't have been more humble. Many of the chassis and suspension components were borrowed from the lardy Falcon and Fairlane models – the Granadas and Sierras of the day.
That's not to say the Mustang was ordinary to drive. Buyers snapped up the hot, bigger engined models; and improved the performance of their 'Stangs yet further by bolting on a host of go-faster parts.
It wasn't long before Mustangs were regular visitors to dragstrips across the country, with owners working hard to shave valuable tenths of seconds off their quarter mile times.
Ford were quick to capitalise on this interest, and with ex-Ford racer Carroll Shelby, released the quick GT 350 and GT 500 models.
In fact, the programme was so special, Ford restarted it last year with the latest generation model.
After an impressive 43 years, the original Ford Mustang remains one of the most successful cars of all time. Selling more than one million models in its first 18 months, Ford could barely keep up with demand.
That demand remains today, with 1960s Mustangs attracting prices starting at £10,000, although the less desirable models from the 1980s and 1990s can be had for a couple of grand.
L.A.T.W.O.T. Video of the week
Check out this fantastic promo video for the GT350 Rent-A-Racer
Auto Trader links Look at the Wheels on That: Ford Mustang GT500 Read previous Look at the Wheels on That editions
|
It was a long way from Henry Ford's statement: "Any customer can have a car painted any colour that he wants so long as it is black".
Ford famously signed a deal with Hertz car rental to loan special versions to weekend race car drivers – the GT 350-H became known as "Rent-A-Racer".Page 1
