Explore Ford’s legendary journey from the Mustang’s inception to its latest model, comparing it with other iconic Ford vehicles that defined automotive history.
Imagine a world where Ferrari builds compact cars or Vauxhall designs supercars—it seems impossible. Yet, Ford has successfully ventured into both niches, creating icons that have become household names. The 60th anniversary of the Mustang provides an ideal opportunity to reflect on this legacy and evaluate how the latest Mustang, set to arrive in the UK, compares with the original and other legendary Ford models from Europe.
The Mustang, a brainchild of Lee Iacocca, ignited the pony-car trend, selling an impressive 418,000 units in its first year. The model we’re driving is an early Fastback, recognizable by its sleek rear end and distinct pre-’66 features like the gills beside the front grille and a horizontally ‘swept’ instrument cluster instead of the later round dials. Its 4.7-liter V8 engine, equipped with a two-barrel carburetor, delivers 200 horsepower. The sound is incredible, and the car feels powerful, responding eagerly to throttle inputs, despite the challenging three-speed manual transmission.
The Mustang’s charm lies in its nostalgic driving experience—picture yourself cruising with one hand on the wheel, enjoying the breeze, while the steering wheel’s thin rim spins effortlessly. The suspension has a soft, cushioned feel, and the rear wheel occasionally spins if you accelerate too early in a corner. It’s a drive that evokes memories of wide-open highways, sun-soaked summers, and spirited sprints from traffic lights—a car you can’t help but fall in love with.
The new Mustang remains true to its roots, much like the Porsche 911, another 1960s icon that has stayed consistent over the decades. Even after 60 years, the Mustang’s long hood and short tail are unmistakable, with a 5.0-liter V8 engine that’s only slightly larger than the original. The car’s power now comes from a 440bhp Coyote V8 with direct injection and variable valve timing, and the dashboard’s classic dials have been replaced with modern twin screens featuring 3D graphics, thanks to a recent software update.
Driving the new Dark Horse Mustang in California was a thrilling experience. Priced at £68,000 in the UK, it offers a bit more power, a unique chassis setup, and additional features compared to the entry-level £55,725 GT model. The UK version includes a Performance pack with 19-inch alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, an active exhaust, and a limited-slip differential.
Ford claims the Mustang has been the world’s best-selling sports car over the last decade, with UK imports starting in 2015 contributing to this success. Fifty years earlier, Ford sent one of the first Mustangs to 27-year-old Alan Mann, who tested it at Goodwood before winning the 1964 Tour de France—the Mustang’s first victory—and the British Saloon Car Championship the following year.
Ford’s Total Performance motorsport strategy was in full swing, and Mann had already impressed the company by running a Lotus Cortina that beat Ford Falcons at the 1963 Marlboro 12-hour race. The Lotus Cortina, a simple yet effective design with a 1558cc four-cylinder engine, twin-cam head, twin-choke Weber carburetors, and Cosworth pistons, delivered 105bhp and 108lb-ft of torque. Its uprated suspension, close-ratio gearbox, and lightweight body components made it a winning combination, with 3,301 units sold over three years.
Sitting low in the Lotus Cortina, with its minimalist black interior and thin wooden steering wheel, the driving experience is raw and engaging. The twin-cam engine comes alive with higher revs, and the precise gear shifts, sharp steering, and responsive brakes make it a joy to drive. Although the car’s suspension could use more room to shine, it remains beautifully balanced and agile, rewarding drivers who are willing to push it.
While the Mustang and Cortina were designed for the masses, Ford’s pinnacle of performance came with the GT40, a car that famously beat Ferrari at Le Mans from 1966 to 1969. The GT40 Mk3, one of only seven road-legal versions, stands out with its prominent headlights and extended tail for luggage space. Despite being more road-friendly, it retains the essence of the race car, with a 306bhp V8 engine that roars to life, and a driving position that prioritizes low weight and aerodynamics.
The GT40’s balance and handling are exceptional, defying its muscle-car soundtrack with precise steering and a pure turn-in feel. It’s a car that encourages spirited driving, even if it demands respect and caution from its driver.
In contrast, the Ford Fiesta, launched as Project Bobcat and championed by Henry Ford, was a product of its time. It was Ford’s smallest car and its largest investment, designed to meet the needs of a changing world. Despite its unassuming appearance and basic interior, the Fiesta’s lightweight, compact design and responsive handling made it a success, paving the way for sportier versions like the Supersport and XR2.
The Ford Capri, launched in 1969 as a European equivalent to the Mustang, combined the styling cues of its American cousin with the practicality needed for European roads. Designed by Philip T Clark, who also worked on the Mustang, the Capri became a favorite among drivers, with nearly 1.9 million units sold. The final special-edition Capri 280, known as the Brooklands, featured a 2.8-liter V6 engine and a driving experience that balanced comfort and performance.
The RS200, built for rallying in the 1980s, marked a return to Ford’s GT40-level exoticism. With a mid-mounted 1.8-liter twin-cam turbo engine, all-wheel drive, and a lightweight fiberglass body, the RS200 was a radical departure from its production-based competitors. Despite its intimidating reputation, the RS200 is surprisingly easy to drive quickly, with accurate steering, strong brakes, and a flat cornering stance. It’s a car that rewards confidence and skill, making it a legend in its own right.
Ford’s transition from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive was marked by the launch of the Sierra RS Cosworth in the 1980s, a car that combined aerodynamic efficiency with raw power. The RS Cosworth’s 2.0-liter Pinto engine, fitted with a Cosworth twin-cam head and turbocharger, delivered up to 224bhp in its RS500 form, making it a formidable competitor on the track and a beloved icon among enthusiasts.
The evolution of Ford’s performance cars continued with the Escort Cosworth, which introduced all-wheel drive and a modified Sierra chassis to the struggling Escort lineup. This set the stage for the Focus in 1998, a car that revolutionized Ford’s approach to handling and design. The Focus combined sharp styling with a driving experience that was both fun and accessible, setting a new standard for compact cars.
The Fiesta ST, launched in 2012, built on this legacy with its lively EcoBoost engine and playful handling. It quickly became the benchmark for hot hatches, offering a thrilling driving experience in a compact package. The ST200, launched in 2016 to celebrate the Fiesta’s 40th anniversary, amplified the ST’s performance with more power and a stiffer chassis, making it a true driver’s car.
As Ford’s One Ford strategy saw the global launch of the Fiesta ST and the sixth-generation Mustang, the contrast between these two models became more apparent. While the Fiesta represented the pinnacle of front-wheel-drive performance, the Mustang remained true to its rear-wheel-drive roots, offering a driving experience that is both powerful and indulgent.
The latest Mustang continues this tradition, blending the original’s spirit with modern technology and a European flair. Despite losing some power to meet EU regulations, the Mustang remains a joy to drive, with a characterful V8 engine, responsive handling, and a sense of connection that few cars can match.
In the end, the Mustang’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to stand apart from Ford’s European icons, creating and evolving a unique category that blends muscle car power with sports coupe finesse. It’s a testament to the Mustang’s legacy that, of all the cars in Ford’s lineup, it’s the one that seems destined to outlast them all.
