There have been 5 different generations of Mustang since 1964.
1st Generation (1964 – 1973)
2nd Generation (1974 – 1978) aka Mustang II
3rd Generation (1979 – 1993)
4th Generation (1994 – 2004)
5th Generation (2005 – Present)
I would have to say my favorite generation is the 1st Generation (1966), followed by the 4th generation (99 and up).
Let us know what your favorite generation and year Stang you love!
Comment below and share!
Lets create a fictional scenario, in which you have unlimited money, and you have the option to purchase an original 66 Shelby GT 500 or a 2010 Shelby GT 500.
The older Stang was created at the start of the muscle car era, and thus defined how we classify a “muscle car”. At that current time, workmanship and pride in one’s work was something to be praised for. The muscle cars were produced for a specific demographic, those whom appreciated a sports car that can transport 4 people, roast tire at any given time, and hear the engine roar from a couple blocks away. The original defined what the current generation is known for today.
Those who grew up in that era all can identify the distinctive marks of a Shelby Stang. The two wide stripes down the middle of the car, the bullet shaped mirror, and the side stripe denoting the model “GT 500″. Yes, the current generation Shelby Stang has the same marks, but does it do it with the same “class” as the original…
Now, lets move onto the current generation. The all new, pant staining, 2010 Stang Shelby GT 500…the car produced for the masses. Going on looks, it is a hell of a looker, yet it still does not compose itself as elegantly as the original. When I say elegantly, I mean a car that can compose herself like a lady, but can get down and dirty when the time arises. This current generation is all about hard lines, aggressive stance, and general appeal.
I won’t give the 2010 a second glance unless the car is zipping by at 100+ or burning rubber. It has to be doing something notable, I won’t stare at it unless I have a reason. Another point is that it is a very popular car. Those that cannot afford the original, are moving towards the newer generation, thus making it common. Now before I make myself into a pompous ass, it is great that more can afford them, but the Shelby Stang should be a rare breed of car. I do not want to pull into my local Wal-Mart and see 2 of the same color parked next to each other. All other Stangs should bow down to the Shelby, and yet the GT with a couple of bolt-ons, and stripes can achieve the “status”.
To end, the status symbol of the original Shelby Stang cannot be achieved by the current generation. The original can be parked, and have all Stang fanatics in a 5 mile radius around there. The current gen will have a couple of glances, as any scantly dressed woman receives. The current generation is living off Shelby’s past, and fails to carry the same prestige as the original.
Find the right body style for you.
As many of us know, there many different variations of mustangs to choose from. It really depends on personal preference or era you grew up in. Those that grew up in the original muscle car era, will most likely lean towards the cars from 64 ½ up to the mustang II. The muscle cars range from 64 ½ to 74 and there are 3 main body styles to consider, 64 ½ to 67, 68-70, and 71 – 74.
Most will tend to lean towards the first two body styles of the mustang as they seem to be more popular in today’s muscle car crowd. Many show there affection towards the smooth lines of the fastback GT. How can you deny the mean look of the dual exhausts popping through the rear valance, powered by the 271 HP 289 small block v8. On the other side of the spectrum, one can also appreciate the notchback straight six, for its strong muscle car looks, fuel efficiency, and everything else your mother would appreciate. Let’s not forget about the convertible now; as can be seen, all mustangs deserve the same respect, as each one has their own appeal to each person.
My 71 302 convertible, is a weekend cruiser. It has a single exhaust that is barely audible at full throttle. I appreciate it for its boat like looks and the feel of the night air as I cruise the roads for no reason but to drive. The car is a looker, and a cruiser, nothing more.
It seems as the years go by, it no longer is about the car that has the v8, or the roars of the exhaust note at full throttle, but it is about looks, fuel efficiency, and cruise control. Cars today are coming from a cookie cutter. There is no longer a difference between brands of car as they all move towards unification. Each car make is appealing to the lowest common denominator, as American society slowly declines. Those of us who still believe in originality are moving towards vintage and classic cars, as well as modifying current generations to show a bit of creativity, and to set ourselves aside from the norm.