The Mustang created what is known as the “pony car” - coupes with long hoods and short rear decks. It wasn’t long before other carmakers hopped on the pony wagon. Chrysler’s Plymouth Barracuda actually went on sale weeks prior to the Mustang’s public release, but it wasn’t quite as successful as the latter. In 1966, General Motors responded with the Chevrolet Camaro. The Dodge Challenger followed in 1970.
Ford’s new pony had so much appeal to the public that it appeared in countless movies, making its film debut in the 1964 James Bond film, Goldfinger. Other notable movies include Diamonds are Forever (1971), Gone in 60 Seconds (1974), Charlie’s Angels (1976), and The Thomas Crown Affair (1999) just to name a few.
In 2001, the Ford Motor Company released a Bullitt edition of the Ford Mustang GT, after 1968 American dramatic thriller Bullitt starring Steve McQueen. A second version was released in 2008, more closely resembling the Mustang in the original film.
The Mustang’s highest year for American sales was 1999 with 166,915 units sold. This was also the year Ford introduced its New Edge styling - crisper contours, larger wheel arches, and creases on an otherwise sloping body. Coincidence? I think not.
Between 1964 and 2012, this pony has spawned five generations of classic American muscle. The latest version of the Ford Mustang was launched in early 2012 as an early 2013 model. We saw a fine example of this model in the recently-concluded 8th Manila International Auto Show at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. There are no specific dates yet as to when the 2013 Ford Mustang is coming to our country, nor are there any official specs or prices, but we’re looking forward to seeing these beauties sprint through the streets of Manila!
So from the bottom of our engine blocks, Happy 48th Birthday, Ford Mustang!
