Jul 26, 2003 09:05 AM
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(Updated Jul 26, 2003 11:10 AM)
Ford has a long long long history. This year is their centennial - yes 100 years of legendary automobile manufacturing. When Henry Ford and 11 of his associates started Ford Motor Company in 1903 little did they realize they were going to revolutionize the automobile industry. Starting with Model T - their first bestselling vehicle in 1908 - Ford made a tradition of producing world class vehicles that are sold throughout the world today. And among all their vehicles, the Ford Mustang captured the imagination and the hearts of many Americans as the sleekest, meanest yet sexiest car on the road. After a humble beginning in 1964 when Ford rolled out it's first version of the Mustang which was modeled after the Ford Falcon, this sharply designed, sleek yet affordable car took over from Model T as one of America's most popular cars to drive.
The Ford Mustang originally came with a V-6 120 hp engine. It was made from off-the-shelf Ford Falcon parts but the beauty of the car when it was released initially was that most owners of this car could have it built to their specification. The popularity of this car as a consequence grew rapidly. In 1967 the Mustang's most popular pre-millenium version was released. It was an elegantly styled car, and along with the style came some immense power. The 1967 version came with 13 engine options - and at the top of the line was a 397 hp V-8 screamer. This was also the year that the Shelby Mustang's popular 1967 convertible was released - which was to become one of the most popular cars in tinsel town - glam hungry Hollywood couldnt get enough of these hot wheels and you'll find many a movie (all the way up to the 80's) featuring the '67 Mustang. But the glory days were short lived. Once the 70's rolled around, the buzz surrounding the car started going down - and thanks to some unimaginative boxy 80's body styling, the car's popularity went on a downward spiral. By the 80's it had become just another car on the road. The only thing that set it apart from its contemporaries in Ford was the introduction of the GT format on a 5.0 liter engine with a V-8 cylinder configuration. With the turbocharged engine it became a popular amateur race car. In 1995 the Mustang dramatically re-designed it's body styling using computer-aided design and dropped it's boxier 80's look for a more contemporary sleek 90's look - kind of reminiscent of it's 60's predecessor. And it reclaimed it's place in Ford's history as a sexy sleek car.
Well personally I have loved driving the Mustang. This car is a beast! It's one of my favorite rental options. Especially the convertible. It is ideal for the warm Florida weather and by god it's a chick magnet. The Mustang is for those of you who like the feel of a muscle car. It's not one of the smoothest cars on the road. But the road handling is amazing. The base model coupe which is the lowest end Mustang being sold today comes in a V-6 190 HP option. Standard options include:
Air conditioning
Leather wrapped tilt steering
Cruise Control
Day/night mirrors
Dual power mirrors
Rear window dehumidifier
Standard stock CD player with 6 way speakers (the convertible comes with a 6 way Bose speaker system)
power adjustable drivers seat.
A higher end model is the V-8 GT coupe/convertible with a heart pounding 260 horses - that you'll feel when you step on the gas on the freeway. With that turbocharged engine, the roar that you get when you rev it up just gives you that instant adrenaline rush.
And then at the top of the line are the specialty models. First you have the Cobra - the ultimate racing machine. With a supercharged V-8 390 hp engine this car can blow you away. Then you have the newly introduced Mach 1 which has a 305 horsepower engine on a V-8. This one has some revolutionary body styling and comes with a bunch of luxury options. Needless to say there is a pretty huge difference in the price range between the two ends of the ladder. While the base model coupe can run you anywhere between 16-17K USD(abt 9 lakh INR), you'll need to drop a cool 38K USD (about 20 lakh INR) for the Cobra. Even though the cars look similar, the Cobra packs a meaner punch.
The Mustang has always fascinated me. It has been my rental vehicle of choice and will probably end up being the next car I buy. It is one of the most popular cars in the US and like the Hells Angels of Harley Davidson fame(or infamy) the Mustangs have their own racing club. And now coming up in 2005 is the newest Mustang design , a 21st century rehash of the timeless classic 1967 Mustang. And I'm waiting for it roll out - with bated breath - to witness history repeat itself.
