With its vintage flair and accessible price point, it's no wonder the Ford Mustang is one of the most beloved and iconic motor vehicles in automotive history. The car is also a staple in pop culture, from being driven by Steve McQueen in the 1968 film "Bullitt" to landing a feature in Wilson Pickett's 1966 hit R&B single "Mustang Sally."

If you're interested in how this pony car came to be, you're in the right spot. This article will take you on a journey through the roots of the Mustang, including the creation of its logo and the story behind its name — and there are some other fun facts sprinkled in.

An Overview of the Ford Mustang

The Mustang is a series of coupe- and convertible-style cars. It was created by none other than Ford Motor Company, a multinational American automobile manufacturer.

Since entering the market in 1964, it remains one of Ford's most sought-after products. In just its first year of production, it blossomed into one of the best-selling automotives in the United States. Over 418,000 models were sold, despite Ford only predicting 150,000 sales in year one. It's also the company's longest-produced nameplate.

The Mustang also spurred the pony car trend. "Pony car" describes a compact, affordable, sporty coupe or convertible. "Pony" also referenced its distinguishable horse logo. The nickname surrounds all competitor cars created to rival the Mustang's performance and success.

While today's models look vastly different than their 1960s counterparts, the Ford Mustang remains a prized gem for its sleek, stylish appearance and impressive performance. Modern takes of the vehicle include state-of-the-art technology and ultra-powerful engines.

Why Is It Called "Mustang?"

The Mustang name is the stuff of legend. It's been said that it was named after the World War II P-51 Mustang fighter plane, but according to the Ford Performance newsroom, the name was only ever inspired by the wild horses of the American West. However, Ford Executive Stylist John Najjar — who co-designed the first Ford Mustang prototype in 1961 — is said to have proposed the name, and he did have a fascination with World War II aircraft. Other historians believe that Ford President Lee Iacocca felt inspired by the Southern Methodist University (SMU) Mustangs college football team and wanted to name the Mustang after the team. The truth is somewhat shrouded, or maybe it's some combination of all of these stories. Which story do you believe?

The History of the Mustang

From minor style adjustments to complete engine replacements, the Mustang has seen countless tweaks and modifications over the past several decades. While this timeline merely scratches the surface of the Mustang's full evolution, below are some of the car's noteworthy milestones, breakthroughs and achievements through the years.

1962-1963

The original 1962 concept of the Ford Mustang included a two-seat, mid-engine layout that embodied the quintessential pony car proportions:

• A short rear deck
• A long hood
• Sharply sculpted flanks

The Mustang I model generated lots of excitement, so much so that Ford worried there would be pushback about the four-seat Mustang II model already in development. Take a look at John Najjar's sketch for the 1963 Mustang II concept car!

1964

We know when the car's initial concept was brought to life. But when was the first Mustang made?

The Ford Mustang was first introduced at the 1964 New York World's Fair. Its launch price was $2,368, making it accessible to many drivers. The vehicle was introduced four months before the start of the 1965 production year and manufactured alongside the 1964 Mercury Comet and Ford Falcon. That's why automotive enthusiasts often refer to the earliest Mustangs as the "1964 ½" model.

Three major networks advertised the Mustang on primetime TV the night before its release. This nationwide marketing blitz resulted in 22,000 units being sold on just the first day. Dealership waitlists to snag the model were through the roof. Even Ford itself couldn't have forecasted the car's booming success.

The first Mustang unit was manufactured and sold from March 1964 until 1973. And let's not forget another Mustang milestone of its first year — the car's surprise debut in "Goldfinger," the iconic 1964 James Bond film.

1965

American automotive designer Carroll Shelby began modifying Ford Mustangs for racing, yielding the creation of the Shelby GT350. During this year, Norm Beechey won the Australian Touring Car Championship in a 1964 Mustang. This victory was the first win by a V8-powered car.

1966

By March of 1966, Ford had manufactured over one million Mustangs. The company cited the muscle car's appearance as a major purchasing factor.

1967

The 1967 Mustang became the symbol of the pony car design, converting from a semi-notchback to a sweeping fastback roofline. The Shelby GT500 also emerged in 1967, sporting a rugged 428 cubic-inch displacement and 355 horsepower.

1969

This year revealed 11 different powertrain combinations. Ford released several models, including the Boss 302, Boss 429 and Mach 1.

1971

Ford introduced the largest Mustangs ever, sporting nearly an extra foot and packing on 600 pounds.

1974

Ford launched its fully redesigned Mustang II in 1974. This unit was 490 pounds lighter and 19 inches shorter than the 1973 model. For the first time ever, the V8 engine was absent.

1973 was the final model year for the original Falcon-platform Mustang. It was also the last time a convertible version would be available for nearly a decade. By 1975, however, V8 power would find its way back to the Mustang as a small-block, 302 cubic-inch engine.

1979

Ford debuted the new "Fox" platform models with a sleeker design. Despite being taller and longer, these units were 200 pounds lighter than Mustang II.

1980

Ford decided to drop the 302 cubic-inch engine, swapping it out for a more eco-conscious, 119-horsepower unit.

1981

Ford removed the four-cylinder turbo from the Mustang engines, introducing new emissions controls to lower the output to 115 horsepower.

1982

After its 13-year hiatus, the Mustang GT returned to the scene. Features such as the 5-liter V8, 157 horsepower and optional T-Tops made their comeback.

1983

Ford brought back the convertible Mustang model — complete with a tempered glass rear window and power top — after a decade.

1984

Ford's Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) launched the Mustang SVO. This model boasted:

• A turbocharged 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine.
• A dual-wing rear spoiler.
• Larger brakes and tires.

1985

Ford revised the Mustang's 5-liter, high-output (HO) V8. This new engine could generate 210 horsepower in manual transmission.

1987

The Mustang underwent a design refresh, now featuring an aero-style body.

1994

1994 marked the Mustang's 30th anniversary. Ford opted for a drastic redesign to honor this occasion and the Mustang's heritage. The company changed a whopping 1,330 of the car's 1,850 parts.

The 1994 Mustang received new interior styling in addition to its new exterior. Its cabin included a dual-cockpit layout with sweeping curves and contours. These features resembled other Ford models of that era, like the Thunderbird.

1995

Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT) developed the 250 Cobra R models. These units featured a 5.8-liter V8 engine and could produce 300 horsepower.

1996

In 1996, Ford equipped the Cobras and GTs with a modular 4.6-liter V8 for the first time. This engine used overhead cams to open the intake and exhaust valves.

The Mustang Today

The Mustang remains an iconic vehicle nearly 60 years later and continues its legacy with the 2024 Ford Mustang. Powered by a 5-liter V8 engine that's able to churn out 480 horsepower, the new seventh-generation Mustang offers style and performance updates, including a Performance Electronic Parking Brake that's supposed to make drifting easier. The seventh-generation Mustang is expected to stick around until 2030 — we'll have to wait and see what Ford has up its sleeve after that!

Other Fun Facts About the Mustang

Plenty of other interesting tidbits surround the Ford Mustang. Here is some more info about this motor that may be worth indulging your brain with.

1. It Could Have Had a Different Name

Several names were thrown around before Ford finally landed on "Mustang." One contender was "Cougar," a name submitted by Ford automotive stylist Joseph Oros. Other potential names thrown into the mix included:

• Allegro. 
• Avanti.
• Bronco.
• Colt.
• Torino. 
• Puma.

2. There's an Anecdote Behind the Logo

Did you know the Mustang's horse emblem took multiple forms before the vehicle's release? That horse badge in the grille we all know and love underwent a complex creation process before it was finally perfected. While Ford had already settled on the car's name at this point, it was still finetuning its logo. The icon went from resembling a knight on a chessboard to changing the running pony's position.

The Mustang was initially drawn galloping from left to right, synonymous with how horses race on tracks. However, Ford President Lee Iacocca concluded it was a wild horse rather than a domesticated racer.

To this end, designer Gale Halderman decided to switch the positioning so the horse galloped from right to left. Automotive designer Philip Thomas Clark had first drawn it this way, and Halderman chose to stick to this original concept. Just weeks before the car's release, there were still some Mustang models with the horse facing right instead of left.

There were various theories as to why the horse ran to the left. Many believed it symbolized Ford's values of freedom, speed and style. The horse strongly correlates with the American West, representing the country's expansion and independence.

Others say it was simply because the artist was right-handed and it was easier to draw the horse in that manner. Some even claim it was accidentally created when converted from the original drawing. Whatever the true intentions behind the logo, it's an iconic symbol that showcases the car's free spirit and adventurous nature.

3. The First Unit Was Sold by Mistake

The first Mustang was intended as an exclusive sale for a dealership tour. However, the vehicle was inadvertently sold to Stanley Tucker, a customer in Newfoundland.

Once Ford caught wind of this incident, company officials contacted Tucker in an attempt to buy back the pony car. Tucker declined the request and drove the unit for another two years, accumulating 10,000 miles before he eventually traded it back to Ford. Today, the same car remains on display at the Henry Ford Museum in Michigan.

4. It Has Appeared in Over 500 Movies

Many filmmakers have put their characters behind the wheel of a Mustang to make them look cool, clever and tough. Viewers often associate these traits with the Ford brand's style and symbolism. The Mustang has appeared on screen in several hundred films, including:

• "Bullitt."
• "Goldfinger."
• "Gone in 60 Seconds."
• "2 Days in the Valley."
• "2 Fast 2 Furious."
• "Almost Famous."

5. It's One of Few Cars to Be Released in a New Model for Over 50 Consecutive Years

The Ford Mustang has been in continuous production for over 50 years without missing a model year. Ford released a new model each year to compete with brands like the Pontiac Firebird and the Chevrolet Camaro. 

6. It Was the First Car to Win the Tiffany Gold Medal Award

The 1965 Ford Mustang was the first vehicle to earn the Tiffany Gold Medal Award for excellence in American design. In fact, the car has a laundry list of prestigious accomplishments. The pony car won the Motor Trend Car of the Year award in 1974 and 1994. The Mustang also landed the Car and Driver 10 Best list during the following years:

• 1983
• 1987
• 1988
• 2005
• 2006
• 2012
• 2013
• 2015
• 2016
• 2017
• 2019

Fast forward to the 2021 Mustang Mach-E, this electric vehicle was one of Ford's most popular products. In addition to Ford selling over 27,000 of these SUVs, the Mach-E racked up a slew of awards:

• 2022 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award
• Car and Driver's 2021 EV of the Year
• North American Utility Vehicle of the Year

Additionally, the automobile was named a finalist for the 2022 World Car of the Year.

7. The Most Expensive Mustang Sold for Over $4 Million

A 1965 Ford Shelby GT350R sold for $4,070,000 at an auction in Florida, making it the world's most valuable Mustang. The same unit then sold for $3.85 million at a Mecum auction in 2020.

Why did people chase after this particular car? The vehicle was raced by Ken Miles — a world-famous sports car driver, engineer and Motorsports Hall of Fame inductee — at Green Valley Raceway in Texas in 1965. That was the first time a GT350R partook in a sanctioned race. Miles also snagged the victory, making it the Shelby Mustang's first win in a race.

Browse Ford Mustangs at Volo Museum Auto Sales

After exploring the evolution of this car, we can see why the Ford Mustang is an icon in the automotive industry. Whether you're in the market for a Mustang or simply want to peruse some antique models, Volo Museum Auto Sales is your one-stop shop. As one of the top classic car dealerships in Illinois, we make it easy to find, test and purchase the model you're looking for.

Visit our showrooms and take as much time as you need to get acquainted with our collection. No hassle or pressure. If you need assistance, our experts will happily help you choose a unit based on your desired features and budget. Our mechanics diligently inspect and prepare each vehicle to ensure the best possible condition. You can also grab tickets to our museum, where we house our extensive assortment of collector cars, trains and aircraft.

Check out our Ford Mustangs for sale, or visit our museum to explore our antique vehicle collection!