Take being in the right place at the right time, add a different design concept, and stir in little creative marketing, and you've got the hugh success that is Mustang. In the Spring of 1964 Ford introduced the new 1964-1/2 Ford Mustang. Technically an early 1965 Mustang and based on the Falcon platform, a hardtop coupe and convertible were initially offered, with the 2+2 fastback coming out in time for the official opening of the 1965 model year. But by introducing it in spring as a 1964-1/2 model, Ford avoided the noise of the new model year of all the other auto manufacturers and made introduction of the Mustang stand out.

Part of the appeal of the Mustang was the ability to have it built to your specifications. The Mustang could be equipped to be anything from a basic economy car to a high-powered sports machine. Engines ranged from the modest 170 cid/101 horsepower six to a solid-lifter high-performance 289 cid 271 horsepower V8. Along with a long list of options, for the first time, you could custom design your car to suit your desires.

The Mustang's styling was simply the right thing at the right time. The long extended hood and short rear deck appealed greatly to the young baby boomers and the only other vehicle available that came close to competing with the Mustang was the Corvair Monza Spyder. But because of the rear engine configuration, though, the Corvair was stuck with it's top-of-the-line 150 hp six. With the Mustang, for a few bucks more you could get a 195 hp 289 V8.