Mustang is ‘American motoring’ in one word. First introduced in 1964, the Ford Mustang galloped into everyone’s minds, hearts and ears, and hasn’t stopped since. Ford recently celebrated the Mustang’s 56th anniversary with indomitable style, cementing the Mustang’s place in history as the world’s top-selling sports car.
The brainchild of Lee Iacocca, he unknowingly gave birth to the Pony Car segment. Small, compact and nimble, pony cars were a significant departure from big and burly muscle cars Americans were used to. It spawned a new breed of iconic vehicles such as the Chevy Camaro, Pontiac Firebird and Plymouth Barracuda.
Commonly mistaken to be named after the wild Mustang horses, mainly due to the horse insignia, the coupe was actually named after the legendary WW2 fighter plane, the P-51 Mustang. Talk about waving the Star-Spangled Banner!
Now in its sixth-generation, the Mustang is a global sports car being available in right-hand drive. Since global exports began in 2015, the Blue Oval has sold over 633,000 Mustangs in 146 countries as at December 2019, with 2019 seeing 102,090 units being sold. The Mustang continues its streak being the best-selling sports car in the US for the past 50 years, with 72,489 ‘Stangs, or 71 per cent of 2019 sales accounted for in the US alone.
The positive sales growth in European markets continues to emphasize the fact that the Mustang is truly a global sports car. Mustang sales in Germany increased by 33 per cent, in Poland sales rose by nearly 50 per cent, and in France, they nearly doubled. Looks like the European’s wanted a piece of the American dream after all.
The 6th generation Mustang has 12 variants in its line-up, more than ever before. The range kicks-off with the Mustang EcoBoost and GT models, available in a coupe and convertible styles. These base models come with two Performance Pack options if the standard pony car doesn’t give you enough horsepower (pun intended). The range continues with the Mustang BULLIT tribute, Mustang Shelby GT350 with Handling Pack and GT350R. The Mustang range tops out with the monstrous 760hp Shelby GT500 that’s available Handling Pack and Carbon Fiber Track Pack options.
The Mustang has been an American institution for the better part of half a century. Over the decades, it has garnered cult status. Steve McQueen’s 1968 Mustang from “Bullitt” and the Shelby GT500 Eleanor from “Gone in 60 Seconds” has cemented the Mustang as a Hollywood icon. With the heritage, style and American pride powering the Mustang, it’s no wonder that since its inception in 1964, over 10 million units have been sold worldwide.
Like its symbol of the running horse, the Mustang has powered its way into the 21st century with pride and gusto, staying true to its humble roots. Leaving smiles and tyre smoke in its trail, the Mustang looks set to bring the same joy of freedom for years to come. Just don’t mention anything about the Mustang Mach E electric SUV.