The Classic Years in Mustang Advertising
In recognition as one of the "Icons of the '60s," the U.S. Postal Service honored our favorite vehicle, a while back, with a Ford Mustang stamp, unveiled in a ceremony in Dearborn, Michigan, hometown of the seminal Pony Car. This action recognized a daring and creative process that began significantly more than forty years prior.
In 1963, the planning begin in earnest. To be built upon the Ford Falcon unibody platform, Mustang was discussed at length before a single sketch was ever drawn. The all-consuming goal was to make a car that looked like no other. With a sweeping hood, sculptured flanks and short rear deck. With those design cues, the Mustang was set apart from all competition.
According to some, the Mustang was established as a response to GM's Corvair Monza and the defining ideas for it were committed to paper beginning in late 1961. Reportedly, Lee Iacocca - not Henry Ford II - determined that the car would be a four-seater, because of the economic failure of the two-seat Thunderbird in 1955.
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The commercial success of the Ford Falcon contributed significantly to the Mustang plan, as it became evident that smaller cars had become more acceptable to the American public. Through forty years of tough competition from Chrysler and General Motors, the Mustang has survived and outlasted them all.
Herein, we look at some of the advertising that supported the most successful and enduring North American automotive nameplate ever produced. If you wish, click on the individual thumbnails to see a larger version of the advertisement.
1964: Ford's Mustang, officially launched on April 17, 1964, became the Official Car of the Baby Boom. It was a fortuitous accident of timing and a brilliant result of product planning. This sleek, stylish automobile launched the genre with a staggering 417,000 sales in its first year. A Fastback version debuts on Oct. 1. Standard equipment included floorshift transmission, full wheel covers, padded dash, bucket seats, and carpeting.
1966: Much to both the buyer's and collector's delight, Mustang is "refreshed" annually. For 1966, thin bars replace the honeycomb grille texture, leaving the galloping horse to float in its chromed rectangular corral.
1967: Different everywhere except in its chassis, inner structure and running gear, the Mustang 2+2 goes from a semi-notchback to a sweeping full fastback roofline. Separate triple taillamps, a longer nose, and a bigger grille are also added to promote a more aggressive stance.
1967-1968: The Mach 1 concept teases the design direction of the production 1967 Mustang 2+2 Fastback. The concept features large rear-body scoops, racing style flip-open fuel doors, four exhaust ports, and mag wheels. The front end is changed several times to create a more traditional Mustang look.
1968: Mustang GT is given a unique look, highlighted by striking C-shaped body stripes. Styled steel wheels with a slotted disc pattern are stock on GTs. The 1968 fastback is virtually unchanged save new side marker lights.
1969: A "steed for every need" is launched with the creation of special models to complement the all-out muscle car. An extra pair of headlights is set within the grille and the taillights were no longer recessed.
1971-1973: The entire Mustang lineup gets longer and wider—the biggest Mustang ever. The freshening includes a stronger front appearance thanks to a new bumper and honeycomb grille with pony logo, a NACA-style ram-air hood scoop and Magnum 500 wheels.
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