The Original Pony Car: The Ford Mustang First Generation 1964½–1973
The first generation (1964 1/2-1973) Mustang is a true classic in every sense of the word. We’re talking about the original “Pony Car”. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, a pony car is an American class of automobile of which the Ford Mustang was generally regarded as the first. It was commonly considered as a comfortable, sporty, high-performance automotive machine that was as stylish as it was affordable.
Image By stevoarnold
Because some of the original Mustangs came out before the standard production year, they are often referred to as the 1964 1/2 models. Although many people would argue this fact and refer to them as early 1965 models, since the original models went through so many changes in the beginning months.
There probably isn’t anyone who wouldn’t consider the Mustang a sports car though. With various different body styles: hard top, fastback and convertible, true sports car aficionados had their pick. Interior features were pretty standard and included adjustable front seats, AM radio and a floor-mounted gear shift. The “Pony Interior” was later added and included, amongst other things, embossed ponies on the front of each seat.
One other feature that set the Mustang apart from earlier vehicles was the “torque box”. This innovative change made the structural construction of the Mustang more sound and greatly improved the way it handled.
I could go on and on about the marvel that is the first generation Mustang, but instead I’m just going to let these photos do the talking.
1964 1/2 Indianpolis 500 Pace Car
Image By The Brain Toad
1965 Ford Mustang Convertible
Image By Chad Horwedel
1965 Ford Mustang Fastback
Image By The Brain Toad
1966 Ford Mustang Convertible
Image By Morning theft
1966 Ford Mustang Coupe
Image By Chad Horwedel
1967 Ford Mustang Fastback
Image By christopherallisonphotography.com
1967 Shelby Mustang GT 350
Image By Telstar Logistics
1968 Mustang California Special
Image By Hugo90
1968 Ford Mustang Fastback
Image By Fabio Aro
1969 Ford Mustang Coupe
Image By exxodus
1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 BOSS
Image By Pascal-P
1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302
Image By Chad Horwedel
1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1
Image By . SantiMB .
1971 Ford Mustang Grande Convertible
Image By MSHennessy
1972 Ford Mustang Mach 1
Image By MSHennessy
1972 Ford Mustang Convertable
Image By Chad Horwedel
1973 Ford Mustang Coupe
Image By myoldpostcards
