The 1967 and 1968 Ford Mustang, considered by
many people as best Mustang pre 2000 series, was also the last "small
Mustang", until the introduction of the disappointing Mustang II.
It takes a long time to design a new model and
planning for this model began at the release of the April 1964 model.
As the Mustang grew to become one of Ford's most successful models ever,
Ford designers and engineers were given great latitude to improve the car
and to design and build parts specifically for the Mustang. While the
original Mustang was a good car, Many of its shortcomings and bugs were
corrected and the new car had a much better fit, finish, interior and build
quality. Also, substantially more options, models and 13 engine
choices were offered, ranging from the original but more powerful 200
cubic inch six cylinder engine all the way up to the mighty 427 "big block"
producing a massive 390 horsepower ( with 60 percent of its weight over the
front wheels). While the car could be ordered with disc brakes, overall
handling, breaking and cornering were much worse than today's Mustang.
At two inches longer than the original, this
Mustang series was similar in most other dimensions, and changes included a
modified front Grill, larger wheel options, bigger engine compartment able
to house Ford's largest engines, and the redesigned Mustang 2 plus 2
fastback. This was also the time when Carl Shelby introduced the Shelby G.
T. 500 as well as factory Shelby convertibles.
The Mustang also faced considerable
competition during this period from General Motors’ Chevrolet Camaro and the
Pontiac Firebird as well as Plymouth's 280 horsepower 383 barracuda. Despite
this competition, the Mustang continued to sell well. This is probably
because the car represented many things to many people. It was a cute,
sporty convertible. A sporty hatchback and an extremely powerful
muscle car, yet in its basic six cylinder hardtop form, it was also a sporty
inexpensive means of transportation.
Mustangs were still a bargain with the ragtop
having a basic list of about $2,800 but running well above $4,000 fully
loaded. That same ragtop, if kept in good condition, should bring
about $40,000 today.
