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Drawing of the Ford Mustang

Ford Mustang

The pony-car namesake that sold over 400,000 in its first year.1

Researched October 22, 2026 from 38 sources

Also called

  • StangShortened Mustang name used for the sixth-generation car.2
  • Fox bodyThe third generation takes its familiar name from Ford's Fox platform.3
  • TerminatorName applied to the supercharged 2003–2004 Cobra, rated at 390 hp.4

At a glance

05001,000
88–815 hpPower
07.515
4.2–10.5 s0–60 mph
0175350
171–325 km/hTop speed
05001,000
212–931 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,109–1,892 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.3691112141516

Engine
2.3–7.0 L I4/I6/V6/V8; turbo fours and supercharged V8s on select versions3512
Layout
Front engine, rear-wheel drive1
Gearbox
3–6-speed manuals; 3–10-speed automatics; GTD: 8-speed dual-clutch612
Built at
S650: Flat Rock Assembly Plant, US; Multimatic, Canada12
Units built
10 million reached in August 20181

The story

Lee Iacocca wanted a sporty, Falcon-based car for young buyers. Gale Halderman, Joe Oros and Dave Ash helped shape the original Mustang; its 1964 debut opened the pony-car era.567

1970: Boss 302 takes Trans-Am19701974: Mustang II shrinks the formula19741979: The Fox-platform era begins19791994: SN95 reworks the Fox architecture19942005: Retro shape, 300-hp GT20052015: Independent rear suspension for all20152024: Dark Horse brings a 500-hp Coyote20242026: GTD Competition: 6:40.835 at Nürburgring2026 Ford Falcon: 1960–Ford FalconFord Mustang (first generation): 1965–1973Ford Mustang II: 1974–1978Ford Mustang (third generation) (Fox): 1979–1993FoxFord Mustang (fifth generation) (S197): 2005–2014S197Ford Mustang (sixth generation) (S550): 2015–2023S550Ford Mustang (seventh generation) (S650): 2024–present 1960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones13569101112
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1960–Ford Falcon
1965–1973Ford Mustang (first generation)
1974–1978Ford Mustang II
1979–1993Ford Mustang (third generation) (Fox)
2005–2014Ford Mustang (fifth generation) (S197)
2015–2023Ford Mustang (sixth generation) (S550)
2024–presentFord Mustang (seventh generation) (S650)
1970Boss 302 takes Trans-Am
1974Mustang II shrinks the formula
1979The Fox-platform era begins
1994SN95 reworks the Fox architecture
2005Retro shape, 300-hp GT
2015Independent rear suspension for all
2024Dark Horse brings a 500-hp Coyote
2026GTD Competition: 6:40.835 at Nürburgring
  1. 1970

    Boss 302 takes Trans-Am

    Parnelli Jones and George Follmer drive Bud Moore's Boss 302s to the Trans-Am manufacturers' title for Ford.8

  2. 1974

    Mustang II shrinks the formula

    The Pinto-based Mustang II is almost 19 inches shorter and 222 kg lighter than the 1973 car, earning Motor Trend's 1974 Car of the Year award.9

  3. 1979

    The Fox-platform era begins

    The third generation adopts the Fairmont-shared Fox platform, offering notchback and hatchback bodies.35

  4. 1994

    SN95 reworks the Fox architecture

    The fourth generation brings classic Mustang styling cues to a revised Fox platform, with four-wheel disc brakes now standard.4

  5. 2005

    Retro shape, 300-hp GT

    The fifth generation leaves Fox behind but retains a live rear axle to control costs; the GT's 4.6-liter V8 delivers 300 hp.510

  6. 2015

    Independent rear suspension for all

    S550 makes independent rear suspension standard across the range and adds factory right-hand drive for its global expansion.511

  7. 2024

    Dark Horse brings a 500-hp Coyote

    S650's Dark Horse uses a modified 5.0-liter V8 with forged connecting rods from the Shelby GT500, delivering 500 hp.12

  8. 2026

    GTD Competition: 6:40.835 at Nürburgring

    GTD Competition runs 6:40.835 in the prototype/pre-production class, separate from the earlier GTD's production-eligible lap.13

Every generation

  • Ford Falcon
    Ford Falcon
  • Ford Mustang (first generation)
    Ford Mustang (first generation)1965–1973
  • Ford Mustang II
    Ford Mustang II1974–1978
  • Ford Mustang (third generation)
    Fox1979–1993
  • Ford Mustang (fifth generation)
    S1972005–2014
  • Ford Mustang (sixth generation)
    S5502015–2023
  • Ford Mustang (seventh generation)
    S6502024–present

Power over the years

From 271 hp to 815 hp in 60 years.

02505007501,000 197019801990200020102020 hp 1965 · 271 hp · HiPo 289 K-code1969 · 375 hp · Boss 4291975 · 140 hp · Mustang II 302 V8, net rating1985 · 205 hp · SVO, midyear upgrade1993 · 235 hp · Cobra R2005 · 300 hp · GT 4.6 V82015 · 526 hp · Shelby GT3502020 · 760 hp · Shelby GT5002024 · 500 hp · Dark Horse2025 · 815 hp · GTD2026 · 795 hp · Dark Horse SC 815 hp GTD 271 hp HiPo 289 K-code
3569101217
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1965271HiPo 289 K-code
1969375Boss 429
1975140Mustang II 302 V8, net rating
1985205SVO, midyear upgrade
1993235Cobra R
2005300GT 4.6 V8
2015526Shelby GT350
2020760Shelby GT500
2024500Dark Horse
2025815GTD
2026795Dark Horse SC

Versions

8 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    GT

    2024–

    480 hp
  • GT Equipment Package

    Performance

    GT Equipment Package

    1965–1966

  • Performance

    LX 5.0

  • SVO

    Performance

    SVO

    1984–1986

  • Boss 302 Laguna Seca

    Performance

    Boss 302 Laguna Seca

    2012

    444 hp
  • Shelby GT500

    Performance

    Shelby GT500

    2020

    760 hp
  • Shelby GT350

    Performance

    Shelby GT350

    1965

    306 hp

    562 built

  • Limited

    GTD Competition

How to spot one

Look for

  • The original Mustang's defining silhouette pairs an extended hood with a short rear deck.6
  • On 1964.5–1966 cars, a panel with three scallops separates each headlight bucket from the grille.23
  • Mustang II Ghia models have a padded vinyl roof; from 1975, smaller rear quarter windows add a formal look.1
  • Seventh-generation cars combine a low, wide brow with three-bar LED headlights.18

Year by year

  1. 1964.5–1966

    Hood molding separates many 1965 cars from 1964.5s, but early exceptions exist. The 1965 hexagonal grille becomes horizontal slots for 1966.23

  2. 1967–1968

    The 1967 quarter-panel scoop has vents; the 1968 loses them and gains side marker lights.123

  3. 1987

    The mainstream Fox lineup adopts flush headlights; the GT wears lower side skirts and louvered taillights.5

  4. 1996 / 1999

    Rear lights turn from horizontal strips to vertical sections in 1996. For 1999, New Edge adds sharp creases and larger wheel arches.4

  5. 2010 / 2018 / 2024

    2010 adds sequential taillights; 2018 revises the S550 nose and rear. For 2024, the taillights and trunklid form a deeply concave V.2516

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Ford Mustang
    Mustang
    Photo of a Mercury Cougar
    Mercury Cougar

    Mercury Cougar

    On the early Cougar, look for concealed quad headlights and a cat emblem.1

  • Photo of a Ford Mustang
    Mustang
    Photo of a Ford Mustang Mach-E
    Ford Mustang Mach-E

    Ford Mustang Mach-E

    The electric Mach-E has four doors and crossover bodywork.5

Against its rivals

  • Chevrolet Camaro SS (2016)

    Mustang vs Chevrolet Camaro SS (2016)

    0–97 km/h lower is better

    Mustang4.4 s
    Chevrolet Camaro SS (2016)3.9 s
    24
  • Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X

    Mustang vs Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X

    Nordschleife lap lower is better

    Mustang400.8 s
    Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X409.3 s
    13

Prices

Value today $17.0K–$71.0K343536

Price when newAuction saleValue todayPrices on a log scale
$1K$10K$100K$1M$10M 197019801990200020102020 Value today: $17,000–$71,000 1965 · $2,368 · US base hardtop1965 · $2,614 · US base convertible1993 · $18,505 · US base, SVT Cobra hatchback1993 · $25,692 · US base, Cobra R hatchback1994 · $20,765 · US base, SVT Cobra coupe1994 · $26,845 · US base, Indy 500 Pace Car Replica2006 · $19,115 · US base, V6 Standard coupe2012 · $48,100 · US base, Boss 302 Laguna Seca2015 · $33,295 · US base, GT2024 · $44,090 · US base, GT 1965 · US$2,368 · US base hardtop, 1965 model year 2009 · $216,700 · 1967 Eleanor film fastback, Barrett-Jackson2013 · $46,750 · 1993 Cobra R, 600 miles showing, RM Sotheby's2013 · $1,000,000 · 1967 Eleanor film fastback, Mecum2013 · $1,300,000 · 1967 GT500 Super Snake, Mecum2015 · $31,900 · 1965 289 convertible, RM Sotheby's2020 · $3,400,000 · 1968 GT, original Bullitt film car, Mecum2025 · $17,000 · 1966 coupe 3-speed, approximately 150k miles, Bring a Trailer2025 · $17,750 · 2001 GT convertible, 2k miles, Bring a Trailer2025 · $71,000 · 1969 Boss 302 4-speed, 31k shown, TMU, Bring a Trailer2026 · $48,670 · 1965 289 fastback, 87k miles shown, Bring a Trailer2026 · $62,565 · 2004 SVT Cobra Mystichrome convertible, 1,200 miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $35,000 · 1978 Mustang II King Cobra 4-speed, 44k miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $42,918 · 2019 Bullitt, 2,200 miles, Bring a Trailer $3.4M Mecum, 2020
61016171920212224283132333435363738
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1965Launch price$2,368US base hardtop, 1965 model year
1965Price when new$2,368US base hardtop
1965Price when new$2,614US base convertible
1993Price when new$18,505US base, SVT Cobra hatchback
1993Price when new$25,692US base, Cobra R hatchback
1994Price when new$20,765US base, SVT Cobra coupe
1994Price when new$26,845US base, Indy 500 Pace Car Replica
2006Price when new$19,115US base, V6 Standard coupe
2012Price when new$48,100US base, Boss 302 Laguna Seca
2015Price when new$33,295US base, GT
2024Price when new$44,090US base, GT
2009Auction sale$216,7001967 Eleanor film fastback, Barrett-Jackson
2013Auction sale$46,7501993 Cobra R, 600 miles showing, RM Sotheby's
2013Auction sale$1,000,0001967 Eleanor film fastback, Mecum
2013Auction sale$1,300,0001967 GT500 Super Snake, Mecum
2015Auction sale$31,9001965 289 convertible, RM Sotheby's
2020Auction sale$3,400,0001968 GT, original Bullitt film car, Mecum
2025Auction sale$17,0001966 coupe 3-speed, approximately 150k miles, Bring a Trailer
2025Auction sale$17,7502001 GT convertible, 2k miles, Bring a Trailer
2025Auction sale$71,0001969 Boss 302 4-speed, 31k shown, TMU, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$48,6701965 289 fastback, 87k miles shown, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$62,5652004 SVT Cobra Mystichrome convertible, 1,200 miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$35,0001978 Mustang II King Cobra 4-speed, 44k miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$42,9182019 Bullitt, 2,200 miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Value today$17,000–$71,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 8 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 12 stories from its legend
    • “Two Nürburgring times, two different classes”
    • “Bud Moore's Boss 302s took the 1970 title”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 7 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 38 sources
  1. Ford Mustang - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Used Ford Mustang (S550, 2015 - 2023) review – Ford’s V8 muscle car for £20k | evo evo.co.uk
  3. Ford Mustang (third generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. Ford Mustang (fourth generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. The Ford Mustang: History, Generations, Models, Specifications motortrend.com
  6. Ford Mustang (first generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  7. Ford Mustang buyer’s guide: what to pay and what to look for | Classic & Sports Car classicandsportscar.com
  8. Mustang in the SCCA Trans-Am Series 1966-1972 motortrend.com
  9. Ford Mustang (second generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  10. Ford Mustang (fifth generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  11. Ford Mustang (sixth generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  12. Ford Mustang (seventh generation) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  13. New Ford Mustang GTD Crushes the Corvette ZR1X's Nürburgring Time caranddriver.com
  14. Tested: 1964-1/2 Ford Mustang Rocks the Automotive World caranddriver.com
  15. Drift Pony Cars on Sunset Peninsula in Forza Motorsport forza.net
  16. Show Stopper: 2024 Ford Mustang GT Tested caranddriver.com
  17. 1993 Ford Mustang Cobra R | California 2013 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  18. All-New Ford Mustang Redefines Driving Freedom with Immersive Digital Cockpit, Advanced Engines and Bold Style fromtheroad.ford.com
  19. Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca: 2011 Best Driver's Car Contender - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  20. Shelby Mustang - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  21. 1,200-Mile 2004 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Mystichrome Convertible for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $62,565 on September 8, 2026 (Lot #262,192) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  22. Ford Mustang SVT Cobra - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  23. At A Glance: How To Spot Differences In '64.5-'68 Mustang streetmusclemag.com
  24. Tested: 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS vs. 2015 Ford Mustang GT caranddriver.com
  25. Mustang at 60: All the Action from Charlotte Motor Speedway fromtheroad.ford.com
  26. Corvette and Mustang Each Claim Strong Racing Heritage | IMSA imsa.com
  27. Ford Mustang GT3 Claims First Global Win at 63rd Rolex 24 | IMSA imsa.com
  28. Original Bullitt Is Most Valuable Mustang Ever After $3.4M Sale caranddriver.com
  29. Ford Mustang: The Legend Lives - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  30. MotorCities - Remembering Gale Halderman, the Man Behind the Ford Mustang | 2020 | Story of the Week motorcities.org
  31. 1965 Ford Mustang | Auburn Spring 2015 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  32. Eleanor (automobile) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  33. 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback 289 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $48,670 on June 28, 2026 (Lot #249,852) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. One-Owner 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe 3-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $17,000 on September 28, 2025 (Lot #212,175) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. 2k-Mile 2001 Ford Mustang GT Convertible for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $17,750 on July 20, 2025 (Lot #201,170) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $71,000 on June 30, 2025 (Lot #198,476) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. 44k-Mile 1978 Ford Mustang II King Cobra 4-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $35,000 on July 16, 2026 (Lot #252,670) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. 2,200-Mile 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $42,918 on March 24, 2026 (Lot #234,818) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • evo.co.uk
  • motortrend.com
  • classicandsportscar.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • forza.net
  • rmsothebys.com
  • fromtheroad.ford.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • streetmusclemag.com
  • imsa.com
  • motorcities.org

Photo credits

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