The year was 1964. The Beatles were dominating the charts, and American car culture was about to be changed forever. That year, Ford introduced a car that would redefine performance and style — the Ford Mustang. The 1st generation Mustang wasn’t just a car; it was a cultural movement. Sleek, affordable, and bursting with power, this Mustang started a legacy that’s still going strong today.
In this article, we take a deep dive into the 1st generation Ford Mustang, the car that started it all.
🏁 The Debut of a Game-Changer: 1964½ Mustang
Officially introduced at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, the Mustang received over 22,000 orders on its first day. Built on the Falcon chassis, it came with a choice of engines, stylish options, and a price tag most Americans could afford.
Highlights of the 1964½ Mustang:
- Base price around $2,368
- Engine options: Inline-6 to 289 V8
- Fastback, coupe, and convertible body styles
- Sporty look, practical design
🚀 Ford’s sales target of 100,000 units for the first year? Smashed in 3 months.
📆 Model Year Evolution: 1965–1973
Each year of the 1st generation Mustang brought new styling, engine options, and innovations.
🔧 1965–1966: Early Refinement
- GT option introduced (fog lights, dual exhausts, stripes)
- Shelby GT350 released for performance enthusiasts
- 289 cubic inch V8 became a fan favorite
🎯 Lightweight, fast, and clean design — perfect muscle DNA.
💪 1967–1968: Bigger and Bolder
- More aggressive design with larger dimensions
- Introduction of big-block 390 and 428 engines
- 1968 saw the release of the GT500 KR (King of the Road)
🔥 These years defined raw muscle power and street dominance.
🐎 1969–1970: The Mach 1 Era
- More angular, aggressive front fascia
- Performance variants like Mach 1, Boss 302, and Boss 429
- Track-ready design with bold stripes and spoilers
🏆 The Mustang became a full-fledged performance monster.
🚗 1971–1973: The End of the First Era
- Heavier and longer body
- Continued performance models, but emissions and safety laws impacted output
- By 1973, the Mustang was ready for a major transition
⚖️ A mix of style and substance before the downsizing of the next gen.
🔍 Why the 1st Generation Still Rules Today
- Collector’s favorite: High demand at auctions
- Endless customization: Restomods, restorations, track builds
- Pop culture status: “Bullitt,” “Gone in 60 Seconds,” and more
- Workshop manuals available: Making restoration easier than ever
🛠️ Want to work on a classic? Download our detailed 1st Gen Mustang workshop manual to get started.
🖼️ Design Language of an Icon
- Signature long hood/short deck design
- Iconic running horse emblem
- 3-bar taillights and chrome bumpers
- Available in eye-popping colors of the era
📸 Our gallery highlights the beauty of each year — check out the image sliders on the dedicated generation pages!
🧰 1st Gen Mustang Workshop Manuals
Your restoration journey begins with the right tools — and that means having the original workshop manuals at your fingertips. We provide:
- Full service and repair guides
- Wiring diagrams
- Engine & transmission specs
- Torque settings and maintenance schedules
📥 Download the PDF manual now on our 1st Generation Mustang page.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The first-generation Mustang is where it all began. Its combination of performance, affordability, and style launched a legacy that still commands respect today. Whether you’re admiring one on the road or restoring one in your garage, the 1st Gen Mustang is pure American muscle at its finest.
