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But as you’ll see on the next page, the reviews were mixed from those paid to look beneath the shiny surface of a car. Learn how Lee Iacocca brought his “better idea” to life in 1965 Ford Mustang Prototypes. 1967, 1968 Ford Mustang details the fresh “performance” look and go-power that made a million-seller even better. By 1967, the original ponycar was no longer the only one and had to fight for sales. It was the right car at the right time, but the Mustang had to await the early 1960s, when a savvy Ford exec realized the Mustang’s potential.

A car this sporty just had to have a V-8. The base option was a 260-cubic incher ($75) offering 164 horsepower with two-barrel carburetor and a bore and stroke of 3.80 3 2.87 inches. The top option was a four-barrel “Hi-Performance” (HP) 289 with 271 horsepower, yours for $443. Next came a 289 with a 4.00-inch bore and either 195 horsepower with two-barrel carb ($108) or 210 with four-barrel ($162). There were four to choose from.

Shelby muscled up the engine to 306 horsepower via a “hi-rise” manifold, larger carburetor, free-flow exhaust, and other changes. Additional component upgrades included Koni adjustable shocks, a bigger front sway bar, rear torque arms (added to lessen axle hop in hard takeoffs), Shelby-cast 6 x 15 alloy wheels, 7.75 x 15 Goodyear Blue Dot performance tires, larger brakes with sintered-metallic friction surfaces, and fast-ratio steering on relocated upper-suspension control arms.

The convertibles were later sold, the hardtops given away in dealer-sponsored contests. Mustang caused more excitement than any Ford in a generation. It all added up to a not-so-small fortune, but the money was well spent. It surely provided a welcome mood lift for a nation still coming to terms with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy the previous fall. Saddle up for the complete story of America’s best-loved sporty car.