Mustang Fastback
History of The Great Ford Mustang
As far as the consumer is concerned, the history of the great Ford Mustang began when it was shown to the public at New York's World Exhibition. The prototypes had been in existence since 1962, with the Mustang 1 (T-5) being first introduced to the motor racing world at the Watkins Glen Grand Prix where Stirling Moss and Dan Gurney drove it for a few laps each as a demo.
In the early 1960s, Ford desperately needed a New Car to compete with the sporty Chevrolet Corsair Monza, and its first attempt, the Falcon Future, failed to compete. A brand New Car was needed, and the idea for the Mustang was born. It was sporty and quick and a four seater. It was appealing to youngsters, and the prototype was well received when shown at the motor racing circuits.
It went in production in 1964, and was an instant hit. Its launch on 17th April, 1964 was the beginning of what was to be the most popular car ever in American history, and it sold half a million in its first year. Its customers included every age and it was equally popular to men and women.
Many of its parts were taken from the failed Falcon, and its immediate success had as much to do with the almost perfect advertising campaign as it had to do with looks and speed. The advertising power of the three major television networks was used extensively, and with its distinctive mane and tail galloping across the red, white and blue of America the 'Pony Car' was the phenomenon of its age, representing the flavor of the 1960s more perfectly than its designers could ever have dreamt possible.
It was a car of its day that arrived with perfect timing. Later to be called the 1964 1/2, the original Mustang was available as a convertible and as a coupe, both with chrome wrap-around fenders, the distinctive chrome grill with running pony, and a lengthened hood. Although it claimed to have four seats, the back seat was a bit small and it also sported three tails lights on each side. It has sold a million by 1966, although before that the GT and fastback model had been introduced.
The car continued to progress, and by the end of the 60s had become longer by four inches, and a lot heavier than the original, much of this in response to the development of Chevrolet's Firebird and Pontiac. It was the Corvette, however, that brought the Mustang into the road racing arena. The Mustang was so popular, especially with the young, that Ford were desperate to race it against the Corvette. However, only production two seaters were allowed to race, and to enable them to do this at least 100 two seaters had be produced by January 1965.
This was achieved with the help of Mustang fan and racer, Carol Shelby, who modified 100 of the 2+2 models into GT 350 models, in the process re-equipping them to render them more suitable for racing. The suspension, wheel and brakes were all modified, and the cars were to become the basis of many future models that are even now are much sought after.
During the early 1970s the Mustang lost its way a bit and became a bit too big and unwieldy. The original grace and elan that so attracted early admirers was lost, and it became
just another car. Part of this was due to emissions regulations, but sales dropped so much that Ford had to rethink its design strategy with the Mustang.
The Mustang II was introduced in 1974, and although it was small and vastly underpowered, it takes its place in the history of the car because it brought to a halt the drop in sales. It sold because of economy in fuel, and the 1973 OPEC fuel embargo. People were afraid that a gas guzzler would hurt their pockets, and so temporarily went for the smaller car. However, this did not last long, and 1975 brought back the V8 engine to the Mustang. However, although it had a 5 liter engine, the carburetor was too small and the catalytic converter combined with that to render it lifeless.
Then came a period of relative stability although there were a few trim changes. Fans must have seen the end coming because the late 1970s saw a slight increase in sales, rather than the drop that model now deserved. The Cobra II and King Cobra versions did little to spark a return to the glory days for the 1960s, and Ford made a last ditch attempt to rewrite the Mustang in 1979. The new Mustang was available as a coup' or fastback with a bit more room inside than the either the original or the ill fated Mustang II.
However, the running horse had gone, and the rear lights lost their distinctive three segments: this expanded to six, while the side scallop also disappeared. It no longer resembled a Mustang! Alterations continued to be made, and the California Highway Patrol found a use for a special coupe model as a high speed pursuit vehicle. With its 157 HP V8 engine, this car was used by a number of law enforcement agent up until 1993, when Ford killed them off.
The fans were wrong, however, and development continued as the Mustang conformed with the coming of fuel injection, air bags and other essential improvements, though the original concept had completely disappeared. In 2005 Ford finally ditched the ancient Fox platform and introduced that now used for the Lincoln and the Thunderbird. The newest Mustang has reverted to some of the original features, and it is a miracle that the car has survived so long.
Nobody involved in 1962 development team would have believed that the great Ford Mustang would still be around 45 years later.
About the Author
Find out more about the history of the great Ford Mustang where you will also find some great deals on Mustangs and parts for every model and year.
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 Ford Mustang 2+2 FASTBACK 1965 MUSTANG 2+2 FASTBACK 289 AUTO SHELBY CLONE 66 67 68 69 70 OR FIX ORIGINAL $3,550.00 (20 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 23h 11m |
 Ford Mustang 1970 Ford Mustang Fastback Custom Race Car Vintage Legal A S Trans Am $39,500.00 Time Remaining: 9d 20h 11m Buy It Now for only: $39,500.00 |
 Ford Mustang RESTORED 1968 67 Mustang Convertible RESTOMOD w Removable Fastback Roof w Shelby Options $22,100.00 (17 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d |
 Ford Mustang 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback A code Custom Restomod 50 5 Speed Full Power and Air $20,850.00 (30 Bids) Time Remaining: 21h 41m |
 Ford Mustang GT 1968 Ford Mustang 428 Cobra Jet Fastback Four speed 19685 R Code $72,500.00 Time Remaining: 4h 45m Buy It Now for only: $72,500.00 |
 Ford Mustang ford mustang 1970 ford mustang fastback $7,500.00 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 20h |
 Ford Mustang Mach 1 70 Mach 1 Mustang Fastback Project Car Factory Red A C 351C AT Black Int 1970 $2,550.00 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 5d 23h 27m Buy It Now for only: $9,800.00 |
 Ford Mustang Fastback 1968 Mustang Fastback 289 V8 Candyapple Red $35,500.00 Time Remaining: 11d 15h 38m Buy It Now for only: $35,500.00 |
 Ford Mustang 1967 MUSTANG FASTBACK RESTO MOD PROJECT ALMOST DONE $14,606.00 (22 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 5h 27m |
 Ford Mustang 1968 Mustang Fastback $6,400.00 (16 Bids) Time Remaining: 7d 4h 11m |
 Ford Mustang 1967 Mustang Fastback GT500 Eleanor 428 SCJ $40,100.00 (12 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 1h 49m Buy It Now for only: $50,000.00 |
 Ford Mustang 1966 Mustang Fastback coupe conversion $7,700.00 Time Remaining: 8d 20h 35m Buy It Now for only: $7,700.00 |
 Ford Mustang GT 1965 Ford Mustang GT Fastback Must See $10,000.00 (28 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 23h 37m |
 Ford Mustang MACH 1 1972 Mach 1 Fastback Numbers Matching C 302ci V 8 Finished in Wimbledon White $8,100.00 (22 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 2h 31m |
 Ford Mustang 1965 Mustang Fastback A Code Highly Optioned $26,900.00 Time Remaining: 6d 19h 57m Buy It Now for only: $26,900.00 |
 Ford Mustang 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback Sportsroof Calypso Coral Orange $5,800.00 (23 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 2h 57m |
 Ford Mustang 1969 Mustang fastback project $380.00 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 5d 18h 36m |
 Ford Mustang GT 1965 FORD MUSTANG FASTBACK GT CUSTOM WOW $99,950.00 Time Remaining: 9d 19h 52m Buy It Now for only: $99,950.00 |
 Ford Mustang Fastback 2+2 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback 2+2 $12,500.00 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 2h 27m |
 Ford Mustang 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback Eleanor kit 302 Project 75 done $5,600.00 (15 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 2h 52m |
 Ford Mustang mustang 1970 Mustang fastback $4,500.00 (19 Bids) Time Remaining: 3h 52m |
 Ford Mustang FASTBACK 351 CID AC PS FOLD DOWN REAR SEAT $26,995.00 Time Remaining: 18d 9h 27m Buy It Now for only: $26,995.00 |
 Ford Mustang Supercharged 1967 FORD MUSTANG FASTBACK SUPERCHARGED 780 HP $50,100.00 (18 Bids) Time Remaining: 5d 1h 16m |
 Ford Mustang FASTBACK 2+2 1966 FORD MUSTANG FASTBACK 2+2 RESTORED 2 YEARS AGO $19,101.00 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 5h 57m |
 Ford Mustang GT FASTBACK 67 FASTBACK GT 351 WINDSOR GT 40 MOTOR 435HP 5SP 4 WHEEL DISC CALIFORNIA CAR $65,000.00 Time Remaining: 3d 22h 44m Buy It Now for only: $65,000.00 |
 Ford Mustang Fastback CALIFORNIACLASSIX 1 Owner 1965 Mustang 2+2 Fastback 70 PIX + Video $20,100.01 (14 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 20h 57m Buy It Now for only: $29,950.00 |
 Ford Mustang Fastback 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback 2+2 K code Restomod 5speed $15,655.00 (15 Bids) Time Remaining: 6d 3m |
 Ford Mustang Fastback 1965 Mustang Fastback Fully Stripped and Restored Ultimate Christmas Gift $65,000.00 Time Remaining: 16h 22m Buy It Now for only: $65,000.00 |
 Ford Mustang Fastback 68 Mustang Fastback Solid Texas Car M Code 351 AT ACPS PB Rack Pinion $15,100.00 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 3h |
 Ford Mustang Fastback 1966 Ford Mustang $10,800.00 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 22h 10m Buy It Now for only: $17,000.00 |
 Ford Mustang Fastback GTA 1967 Mustang Fastback GTA A code $16,100.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 3m |
 Ford Mustang Mach 1 1972 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback 351 Cleveland $9,900.00 Time Remaining: 2d 17h 32m Buy It Now for only: $9,900.00 |
 Ford Mustang Fastback 1965 FORD MUSTANG F B GT 350 CLONE $11,099.99 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 7d 19h 38m Buy It Now for only: $22,000.00 |
 Ford Mustang Fast back 1971 Fast Back Mustang $2,500.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 6d 21h 26m Buy It Now for only: $7,250.00 |
 Ford Mustang Shelby 1967 Mustang Fastback Shelby GT500CR 900S GT500 $199,000.00 Time Remaining: 10d 14h 22m Buy It Now for only: $199,000.00 |
 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Mach 1 351 C Posi Restored PS PB Yello Black Fastback $13,100.00 (14 Bids) Time Remaining: 21h 22m |
 Ford Mustang Fastback 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback Classic 2+2 stang VIDEO HOT 302 High Performance $10,100.00 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 20h 47m |
 Ford Mustang Shelby 1967 Fastback Shelby GT500CR Authentic GT500 $149,000.00 Time Remaining: 10d 14h 23m Buy It Now for only: $149,000.00 |
 Ford Mustang Fastback Pro Touring Boss Clone 351 5 Speed Rotisserie 4 Wheel D $20,100.00 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 6d 20h 50m |
 Ford Mustang GT 1967 FORD MUSTANG GT FASTBACK GORGEOUS W 50L GT40 V8 WE SHIP WORLDWIDE $18,600.00 (10 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 23h 2m |
 Ford Mustang Fastback 1970 Ford Mustang fastback 351 Automatic recently restored rebuilt engine $11,600.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 3h 16m Buy It Now for only: $19,500.00 |
 Ford Mustang 1965 Mustang Fastback Shelby GT350CR GT350 $119,000.00 Time Remaining: 10d 19h 16m Buy It Now for only: $119,000.00 |
 Ford Mustang Fastback 1969 Ford Mustang Fastback 351 V 8 GT Eleanor LOOK $676.00 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 6d 22m Buy It Now for only: $5,000.00 |
 Ford Mustang 2+2 FASTBACK 1965 FORD MUSTANG 2+2 FASTBACK $20,000.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4d 1h 27m Buy It Now for only: $28,000.00 |
 Ford Mustang 2+2 1965 Ford Mustang 2+2 Fastback Coupe $16,000.00 Time Remaining: 11d 15h 23m Buy It Now for only: $16,000.00 |
 Ford Mustang Fastback 67 Ford Mustang Coupe 4 Speed Manual $15,200.00 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 22h Buy It Now for only: $34,900.00 |
 Ford Mustang Fastback 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback 2+2 V8 C Code 289 K Code block restoration show car $16,993.00 Time Remaining: 2d 1h 16m |
 Ford Mustang 1967 mustang fastback 2+2 great car289 matching drivetrain shelby signed $27,998.00 Time Remaining: 1d 21h 2m Buy It Now for only: $27,998.00 |
 Ford Mustang Fastback 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback J Code Rust Free Project Car 67 68 Mustang $9,700.00 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 4d 2h 27m |
 Ford Mustang GT 1968 1 2 Mustang Cobra Jet Fastback $65,000.00 Time Remaining: 6d 3h 15m Buy It Now for only: $85,000.00 |
 Ford Mustang 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback 2+2 $13,000.00 Time Remaining: 19h 34m Buy It Now for only: $17,000.00 |
 Ford Mustang MACH 1 1970 FORD MUSTANG MACH 1 2D FASTBACK SWEET $24,888.00 Time Remaining: 16d 3h 14m Buy It Now for only: $24,888.00 |
 Ford Mustang 1965 MUSTANG FASTBACK $4,500.00 Time Remaining: 2d 4h 37m |
 Ford Mustang 67 Mustang Fastback Solid Desert car $5,000.00 Time Remaining: 6d 23h 9m |
 Ford Mustang 1970 Ford Mustang Fastback 302 Automatic PS AC Grabber Blue CHECK IT OUT LOOK $14,999.00 Time Remaining: 9d 22h 1m Buy It Now for only: $14,999.00 |
 Ford Mustang 1968 Mustang Eleanor built fastback conversion replica $29,700.00 Time Remaining: 2d 19h 33m |
 Ford Mustang 1968 Mustang Eleanor Fastback built Eleanor GT500 Replica conversion 390 4v $37,500.00 Time Remaining: 4d 36m |
 Ford Mustang fastback 1970 ford mustang fastback 428 auto too cheap LOOK $15,999.00 Time Remaining: 9d 22h 1m Buy It Now for only: $15,999.00 |
 Ford Mustang MATCHING S 1965 FORD MUSTANG K CODE FASTBACK RESTORED 2 OWNERS FROM NEW LOW MILES $57,770.00 Time Remaining: 15h 56m Buy It Now for only: $59,900.00 |
 Ford Mustang Shelby 1973 Mustang Gt500 Shelby Fastback Resto Mod Custom $22,000.00 Time Remaining: 2d 2h 33m |
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Mcqueen`s Machines (Paperback) $13.37 No other Hollywood star has been so closely linked with cars and bikes, from the 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback he drove in Bullitt (in the greatest car chase of all time) to the Triumph motorcycle of Th... |
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1967 1968 Mustang Fastback Hobbies Light T-Shirt by CafePress $23 Apparel for the 67 and 68 Ford Mustang enthusiast. If you own a 1967 or 1968 Mustang, then this Mustang illustration graphic or Fastback t-shirt is perfect for you A Great gift for any car owner Hobbies Light T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Look cool without breaking the bank. Our durable, high-quality, pre-shrunk 100% cotton t-shirt is what to wear when you want to go comfortably casual. Preshrunk, durable and guaranteed.5.6 oz. 100% cotton. Standard fit. |
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fastback '68 $10 fastback '68 |
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Replicarz FMG398 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback GT Aqua with Dark Aqua Interior $209.46 The Franklin Mint is proud to offer its 1:24 scale tribute to the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback. Including a fully detailed GT390 engine and sizzling Sixtiesstyle interior. Worldwide Limited Edition of 1 500. Manufactured to the Highest Quality Available. Satisfaction Ensured. |
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Fastback $16.96 Girls eagerly pursue well-hung Billy whose religious Aunt Tilly bequeathes her lovely old 1966 Toronado Fastback to him. The car objects to the back seat action but it gets worse when a less-than-attractive nerdy girl that likes him discovers the demon. She manufacturers boxes to control the car from her computer thereby tormenting Billy. Hate becomes love.until Billy finds the control box hidden in Fastback! |
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Astra/Hammond 10556 $200.99 Astra/Hammond 10556 10556 LOUV MUSTANG FASTBACK |
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1967 Ford Mustang GTA Fastback 1/18 Green $25.99 Made by Maisto |
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1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback 1/18 Black $42.99 Made by Greenlight |
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1965 Ford Mustang GT Fastback 1/18 Black $64.99 Made by Auto World (Round 2) |
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Atlantic Importers Jlc1856R 1965 Mustang Fastback Replica $67.74 This metal replica is all hand shaped hand painted and soldered. Made of tin and other metal wiring. Each item is carefully crafted to ensure a recognizable replica is made. This metal replica is for home decoration only not to be used as a toy for children. Measures 14in x 5in x 4in. |
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Mustang $10 Mustang |
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FASTBACK MEDIUM FIXED MOUNT $62.99 FASTBACK MEDIUM FIXED MOUNT |
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FASTBACK LARGE TILT MOUNT $102.99 FASTBACK LARGE TILT MOUNT |
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FASTBACK MEDIUM TILT MOUNT $78.99 FASTBACK MEDIUM TILT MOUNT |
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Mapex Fastback Snare Drum $260.13 Mapex Fastback Snare Drum |
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1967 Ford Mustang Fastback Sports Light T-Shirt by CafePress $20 Look cool without breaking the bank. Our durable, high-quality, pre-shrunk 100% cotton t-shirt is what to wear when you want to go comfortably casual. Preshrunk, durable and guaranteed.5.6 oz. 100% cotton Standard fit Sports Light T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Look cool without breaking the bank. Our durable, high-quality, pre-shrunk 100% cotton t-shirt is what to wear when you want to go comfortably casual. Preshrunk, durable and guaranteed.5.6 oz. 100% cotton. Standard fit. |
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69 Fastback - Ford Mustang Sports Light T-Shirt by CafePress $20 Look cool without breaking the bank. Our durable, high-quality, pre-shrunk 100% cotton t-shirt is what to wear when you want to go comfortably casual. Preshrunk, durable and guaranteed.5.6 oz. 100% cotton Standard fit Sports Light T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Look cool without breaking the bank. Our durable, high-quality, pre-shrunk 100% cotton t-shirt is what to wear when you want to go comfortably casual. Preshrunk, durable and guaranteed.5.6 oz. 100% cotton. Standard fit. |
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1968 Ford Mustang GT Cobra Jet Fastback 1/18 Blue $25.99 Made by Maisto |
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Vater 3A Fastback Drum Set Sticks $7.25 3A Fastback Drum Set Sticks |
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The Complete Mustang: A Model-By-Model History $3.98 The Complete Mustang follows the history and technological developments of the car that has captured the heart of American. From the 1963 prototype and 2+2 Fastback, back in 1964, through the high-performance Shelbys, the 1978 King Cobra and the "new breed" Fox Mustang, with its popular 5.0-liter-of-the-pack, engine, and on to the SN-95 and the SVT Cobra to today's Mustang Mach 1, this book tackles all the great models. Each legendary car comes with detailed specifications, information and production features, and color photography, alongside an extensive narrative text that leads the reader sequentially through Mustang's exuberant history. For all Mustang enthusiasts and car devotees, this is an invaluable insight and comprehensive guide to a perrenial favorite.- This lavish, profusely illustrated, large format book is a fantastic tribute to a legend that celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2004- A model-by-model history of one of America's most exciting and classic automobiles- Includes detailed model specifications, production figures, and developments in styling and power, alongside an erudite narrative- Ultimate book for Mustang fansAbout the AuthorMike Mueller is a freelance automotive journalist residing in Georgia. He has written thousands of enthusiast magazine articles and has authored or contributed to more than 20 books. |
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1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback Triple 9 1/18 Orange w/Silver Stripes $45.99 Made by Greenlight |
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1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback- Jimbo's Pure Oil Go Go Gone Tribute 1/18 Blue $42.99 Made by Greenlight |
1967 Mustang Fastback!