In 1964, Ford crafted a car line that would soon become one of the most popular and recognizable sports cars in the world. That year, the Mustang was born.
Over the years, Mustang models have gone through a lot of changes and even hardships. Despite economic downturns and a few awkward design choices, the American icon of the Mustang lives on.
Here we have a list of the greatest designs of the most iconic of cars. Gaze at the powerful splendor of the Mustang’s history.
What Sets Mustang Models Apart
The Ford Mustang is an irrefutable American icon. Over the almost 60 years of production, the Mustang has had revolutionary highs and depressing lows.
From the classic styles of the 60s and 70s to the revamp of the new millennium, Ford has produced a line of cars that has an entire cult following.
What designs hit the top 10? Let’s find out. None of these items are in a particular order.
- 1964 Mustang 289
The original that started it all. Born in 1964, the Mustang was an immediate hit. The convertible wowed the public and revolutionized the entire automotive industry.
It came at a perfect time as well, with the idea of American independence and the open road linking together as one. The style screamed Americana and captured the hearts and minds of the American public.
The V8 engine inside the smaller body frame turned many heads. Until the Mustang, it was uncertain how well Ford could pull off the idea.
- 1971 Mustang Mach 1
One of the classic looks and styles of the Mustang, it was a feature in the 1974 original movie Gone in 60 Seconds.
Considered a more luxurious upgrade at the time, the Mach 1 gained a cult following in no time. Holding the ever-powerful V8 engine and a four-speed manual transmission, the car is a beast on the road and a blast to drive.
For many, the Mach 1 is the essential Mustang design.
- Ford Shelby Mustang GT 500
Carroll Hall Shelby was the man who had a heavy hand in the legacy of the Mustang. In 1967, Shelby worked to create another Mustang variant to work alongside the company’s Trans-Am ready GT 350.
With this, the Mustang GT 500 was born. With a host of upgrades to both the exterior and interior, it heralded one of the most celebrated Mustang designs of all time.
The special “King of the Road” version offered even higher performance than the usual version. This allowed the speed-hungry customers to have a real boost of power.
- 1969 Boss 429
In 1969, a new version of the Mustang had its introduction with the eye-catching Boss moniker. Ford made two versions, the 302 and the 429. For this list, we leaned towards the 429 version as the better car.
Featuring one of the most powerful engines to ever to grace the Mustang frame, the Boss lived up to its name. While the smaller engine 302 was more popular at the time, history remembers the sheer power of the 429 the best.
- 2008 Mustang Bullitt
Released on the 40th anniversary of the movie Bullitt, which gave this design its name, the Mustang Bullitt was a fitting tribute. The movie features Steve McQueen in one of the most thrilling car chases ever seen in film history.
The design has many callbacks to the automobile star of the movie itself. Sold with the iconic dark green paint and black oversized wheels, it became an immediate collector’s prize.
Combining power with nostalgic tribute is a big reason why this modern design made the list.
- 2000 Cobra R
Many have criticized the Mustangs of the new millennium for their soft angles and tame look. While the Cobra R has its share of design concerns, it is an absolute beast on the road.
A favorite among many racers, it had many showcases in many of the early Fast and the Furious movies. It holds a lot of customization potential and eschews non-racing elements like rear seats.
- 1968 California Special
In 1968, the state of California convinced the Ford Motor Company to produce a special variant of the Mustang for the state. This variant was a sleek combination of classic Mustang and the Shelby variants.
Very few of these cars went into production, making it a must for die-hard collectors. While Ford made an exterior upgrade package available in recent years, for many nothing beats the original.
- 1978 King Cobra
While many knock this design for its resemblance to the Mustang II produced in 1976, many defend the King Cobra as a vast improvement.
The design includes a hood decal, metal-spoked wheels, and a dash insert, making a unique addition to the Mustang line. It was available only in the T-top style.
The King Cobra did not slack off in power, either. With a V8 under the hood, it could keep up with most any other member of the Mustang line.
- 1984 Mustang SVO
While the 1980s themselves were a low point for both Ford and the Mustang, there is one positive that came from the decade. The Mustang SVO, while not the sleekest or most powerful, had an innovative engine.
The SVO’s engine had a forced induction system. This allowed the car to a host of better handling and a potent powertrain. The lighter engine did the SVO many favors, allowing it to stand out from the awkward phase of the 80s.
- 1965 Shelby GT 350
With only a year after the Mustang was first introduced, the Shelby GT 350 roared off of assembly lines. To most Mustang lovers, this is the pinnacle of the Mustang line and the major step towards defining the entire Mustang look and feel.
With the removal of rear seats and a staggering, at the time, amount of horsepower, the Shelby GT 350 was a sports car that knew what it was about.
Even with more current models beating the Shelby GT 350 in horsepower and efficiency, they would not have existed without the pioneer of Mustang engineering that was the GT 350.
Generations of Mustang Models
No matter which of the Mustang models catches your eye, there is no denying how much of an icon the Mustang is. From its effect on the automotive industry to the cult of personality it spawned, the Mustang has a place in car history.
From the Mustang to the F-150, Ford has made many beautiful cars over the years. We here at Bolivar Ford are eager to get you driving one today. Interested in finding your next ride? Contact us today.
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