Since we’re on the subject of Mustangs, and their design influence, let’s go back to 1962 or so, and see how the design development program for it changed rather abruptly after the 1961 Continental went into production and became a major influence on other Ford cars as well as the competition’s.
Here we see one of several concepts that was part of the Mustang’s design evolution. This one, the Allegro from 1962, has quite a bit of Corvair Monza influence, except for the front end. That’s hardly surprising, given how the Monza coupe’s success was the trigger that really launched the Mustang project. In a curious coincidence (or not) the Allegro is wearing Comet wheel covers, which are almost identical to those on the 1960½ Monza.
Elwood Engel’s concept for the 1961 Thunderbird was rejected, but got a second life when it was adopted for the Continental. Its slab sides with that upkick over the rear wheels, roof, rear window, and aspects of the rear fenders all found their way into the final Mustang program, in a complete about face from the Allegro.
Obviously, the Mustang’s trademark side scallop and fake air intake, a key part of the original mid-engine Mustang I, added some distinct character to the slab sides, but the influence from the Continental is unmistakable.
No doubt elements of the ’61 T-Bird concept are in the Mustang. It is interesting how so many elements of prior production and concept cars that were sometimes floating around for years make their way into a new production car. Growing up, I was more of a luxo barge fan than a Mustang guy, but that ’61 T-Bird concept just looks heavy, not a light line in it. The Mustang still looks fresh and lively today, just a timeless design.
Ford correctly promoted themes of styling continuity. Many themes were repeated frequently over the years on many models.
The Mustang style was somewhat derivative, but some original Mustang proposals appeared on later models. Thr 67 T-bird’s front end is almost identical to that seen on a Mustang prototype.
I see the influence in the section of the body/greenhouse between the axles but I struggle to see the influence in the front and rear of the Mustang.
I don’t know, the rear glass slope, decklid transition to the rear, bladed rear quarters, bumper integration, location and proportion of the tail lights all look familial with the ’61 T-Bird concept.
It is funny that when Ford tried to go straight up with a GM vehicle it’s styling was good but not great. But when Ford aimed for a place GM was not, it’s styling was epic.
Well put.
Random aside. No matter how many times I see pics of the Engel T-Bird prototype, I’m always surprised to see the rear “blades” slant outward – not at all unlike his later ’64 Imperial. A lot more work went into that rear than most accounts imply…
As great as the ’60s were to GM, they did seem to spend much of the decade playing catch-up to Ford. The Chevy II/Nova, the (relatively) muted early to mid-’60s Cadillacs, the Riviera, the Caprice, and the Camaro were all obvious responses to earlier successful Ford products. Arguably the Blazer too, although the Bronco itself was an attempt to compete with Jeep and other early 4WDs.
oh, and also the ’64 Chevy/GMC van which copied the ’61 Econoline
I’m really digging the concept/prototype car features! I hope they keep coming! Finding the design influences of production cars id like watching an artist create a masterpiece. That the Continental influenced the styling would likely have surprised the average Mustang buyer in 65, But really looking at it, it really did. Of course, the thick “C” pillars of of the 61 Connie was likewise influenced by the ’58 Thunderbird it self. Untill it was “snapped up” by everyone else, the “Thunderbird roof” really gave a “family look” that said “FoMoCo” in the late 50’s – early 60s.
I’ve read about the Mustang’s development and seen the different Allegro concepts, but wasn’t aware how much the success of the ‘61 Continental influenced the Mustang that was unveiled to the public on 17 April 1964 – thanks!
That this Thunderbird prototype didn’t make the cut ended up being a win-win proposition. The silver lining was that we got both the ’61 Continental and the ’64 1/2 Mustang. I’ll try to remember this the next time something doesn’t pan out the way I had hoped at the time.
I still think even today a ’65-’66 Mustang is one of the best looking cars ever made IMO. There is just something about it’s looks that is just right. After ’66 it got larger and it ruined the proportions of the car. But then again I could say the same as to ’64 GTO and Chevelles, as they got restyled and larger they just didn’t have that look to me.
I was born a couple of years after the Mustang was, so during my childhood, they were everywhere — including a yardfull in the front yard of a neighbor who had a side business restoring them throughout the 70s and 80s.
That means I never got to look at them with fresh eyes. For a long time, I undervalued their design since they were so common. Over time I’ve come to appreciate them more, but even so I never would have seen the resemblance of the upkicked beltline and bladed rear fenders to the Continental before reading this.
Being who I am, I just have to weigh in on this. I have always loved the Mustang, obviously, and saw my very first one at our small town Ford dealer the day before they were introduced to the public. A buddy of mine came by right after school and told me that they had just unloaded some kind of new car at the dealership. We both had just gotten our drivers license so we drove over to have a look. I really liked it but told my buddy that they probably wouldn’t sell very many. Ahh! The wisdom of a 16 year old!
I have seen pictures of the T Bird concept before, but had never noticed the influence on the Mustang. I can’t believe I missed it. I have also seen the Allegro before but never caught the Monza resemblance. Of course, I had never seen a shot of it from that angle before, either.
People have knocked the Corvair for years. If it had not been for the Monza coupe, most people don’t realize that there never would have been the Mustang. The same with the Mustang II being a place holder to permit what we have had since.
I know what building the first picture was taken at, and it looks almost exactly the same today.