A Look Back at the Debut of America’s Favorite Pony Car

Learn about the origins and production timeline of the first Ford Mustang, a car that revolutionized the automotive industry with its sleek design, powerful engine, and affordability. …

Learn about the origins and production timeline of the first Ford Mustang, a car that revolutionized the automotive industry with its sleek design, powerful engine, and affordability.

The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that has been a symbol of freedom and youthful rebellion for over five decades. With its rich history and cultural significance, it’s no wonder that many enthusiasts want to know when the first Ford Mustang was produced. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through time to uncover the fascinating story behind the debut of America’s favorite pony car.

1964: The Birth Year

The first Ford Mustang rolled off the assembly line on March 9, 1964, at the Dearborn Assembly Plant in Michigan. However, its production was not without controversy. Lee Iacocca, then the vice president and general manager of Ford’s Ford Division, wanted to create a sporty car that would appeal to the youth market and compete with European sports cars.

Iacocca convinced Henry Ford II to give him a small budget to develop the Mustang, which was initially code-named “T-5” and later renamed to Mustang. The team worked tirelessly to design and engineer the car, incorporating innovative features such as an independent rear suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and disc brakes.

1964 1/2: A Mid-Year Update

The first production Mustangs were essentially modified versions of the Ford Falcon compact car, with a longer wheelbase and a more aggressive styling. These early models, often referred to as “1964 1/2” Mustangs, featured a 260 cubic-inch V8 engine producing 164 horsepower. The base price for this model was around $2,368.

Early Production Numbers

In its first year of production (March 1964 to December 1964), the Ford Mustang sold an impressive 418,812 units. This figure made it one of the best-selling cars in American automotive history. As a result, the demand for the Mustang skyrocketed, and by 1965, over 1 million units had been produced.

Conclusion

The first Ford Mustang was produced on March 9, 1964, at the Dearborn Assembly Plant. This iconic car revolutionized the automotive industry with its sleek design, powerful engine, and affordability, making it a cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply an avid fan of American muscle cars, the Ford Mustang is a true classic that deserves our appreciation.

Specifications

• Engine: 260 cubic-inch V8
• Horsepower: 164
• Transmission: 3-speed manual and 4-speed manual (optional)
• Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
• Wheels and Tires: 14-inch steel wheels with C70x14 tires
• Base Price (1964): $2,368

Sources

For this article, we drew information from various reputable sources, including:

• Ford Motor Company’s official archives
• The Mustang Club of America
• Classic Car Weekly Magazine
• Automotive News Online