The fiftieth anniversary of the ‘stang snuck up on me, even though I’d read about it on blogs and in print on more than one occasion. I remember the car’s thirtieth anniversary very well, as it coincided with the introduction of the overtly-nostalgic 1994 model. At the time, I didn’t “get” pony cars, and I still don’t pay much attention to Mustangs made after 1993, but twenty years later, I understand their enduring appeal. Which of these beautiful machines, made over five generations, charms you the most?
My personal favorite Mustang would be the Fox body, since they were such a bold break with tradition. It’s rare such a sensational car manages that kind of transition so successfully, while remaining true to its original spirit. And while the initial models left something to be desired in terms of performance, the issue was quickly rectified by the 1982 GT, which was an icon in its own right, representing the end of the Malaise era.
As much as I love the Fox, I know it can’t match the beauty of the original, and I suspect that will be the most popular version among the commentariat. But do any of you have a more controversial preference? Does a Mustang II Ghia hit the spot for anyone? Or perhaps a quad-cam 1996 SVT Cobra? With such a so many limited production models, a lot of ups and downs, and a wide variety of options packages and trim levels, there’s a huge number of Mustangs to choose from. As such an opinionated, engaged bunch, I know most of us will share a definite preference for one model or another.
I’m not a fan of Mustangs at all, but my favorite has to be the original.. 1965 Convertible in black with red interior, six cylinder, auto.
The big fast muscle car ones are cool and all, but they don’t do a thing for me.
Man, I really had to think on this. Finally I decided I’d like a ’93 Mustang LX coupe, the last of the Fox bodies, with the 302, in dark green. Make mine an automatic, too, because I’ve become lazy in recent years.
4-eyed Fox Merc Capri RS Capri bubble- back
There are so many to choose from…have to go with a 1968 GT fastback, along with a 1996-98 Cobra coupe (in metallic green) and a GT convertible from the current generation.
Configured right, I could find a way to love just about any year. That turquoise Grande in the lead photo montage would be interesting as a daily driver / cruiser. It speaks to my inner brougham and you RARELY see one unmolested.
My favorite? The one that didn’t make production, the concept car with the V4. I think a whole genre of American cars might have had a different history if THAT was the Mustang released to the public.
The 1966 convertible tops the list for me, followed by the original Boss 302, 1989 LX 5.0 hatchback, 1993 Cobra, the 1999 Cobra, and the 2005-2009 GT.
My favorite “classic” Mustangs have always been the ’69-’70 fastbacks and convertibles. Throw in some Magnum 500s and rear window louvers on the fastback and you have perfection…..
That is until you get to the one car of recent vintage that so struck me the first time I saw one that I still remember exactly where and when it happened – the 2005 model. Retro done right.
You gotta love ’em all, but you never forget your first love <3
64.5 – 66
I love the 1994 Mustang. It’s probably the best looking Mustang since the Mustang II. 🙂
The ’69 Fastback Forever!
The original Bullitt would be my favorite, but I really want an entire stable of them. Luckily I do not care much for the really high dollar ones, all of the Shelby Mustangs seem overdone, I don’t want a Cobra Jet or even a newer GT500. In order of preference:
67/68 Fastback just like Steve McQueens except not green, probably black.
1970 Boss Mustang
1993 LX 5.0 hatch with 5-sp
2003 Mach 1
2008 Bullitt
2012 Boss 302
2015 GT
Even with the debut 1979 Fox Mustang as my first new car (written up here in CC) I really have to say that I’ve yet to see any subsequent model that tops the original.
1970 Boss 302 in Grabber Orange; with the aircleaner temporarily removed. Stand on it in first and second gears; the shriek will raise the hair on the back of your neck. I was at 11 mile and Grosbeck and that combination made the right turn onto 11 mile…took a few years to figure out it was the lack of an aircleaner that made it so memorable.
Learned to drive a standard in a ’66 Fastback. My first car was an ’80 fox body. My third car was a ’67 Fastback. I miss the ’67 most but I really loved that ’80 too. Never drove a 1-2-3 or an MII but I always kinda liked the 1-2-3s. Yeah they look huge but there is something about them that I dig. And I for one have nothing against the MII. I think for the time it was shrewd move on Ford’s part. But if I could have any Mustang it would definitely be a 1970 Boss 302 in Acapulco blue. Second on my list of “wish I hads” – ’86 SVO, what a beautiful car.