1965
American racing legend Carroll Shelby begins modifying Mustangs for racing and creates the Shelby GT350, the first in a long line of high-performance variants.

1965
Norm Beechey wins the 1965 Australian Touring Car Championship in a 1964 Mustang, the first win by a V8-powered car and the first of five on the trot for Mustang.

1966
Mustang sales pass the 1 million mark in March.

1967
The 2+2 Mustang goes from a semi-fastback to a sweeping fastback roofline. The Shelby GT500 is introduced, powered by a hefty 7.0L V8 that produces 265kW.

1968
The 302ci (5.0L) V8 replaces the 289. On April 1, the 428ci Cobra Jet engine debuts as part of an option package aimed at enthusiasts.

1969
A “steed for every need” update yields 11 different powertrain combinations. New models include the 216kW Boss 302, the 280kW Boss 429, plus the Mustang Mach 1 with an optional 428ci (7.0L) Cobra Jet V8, and the Grande premium model with luxury trim, woodgrain panelling and additional sound deadening.

1970
A ram air “shaker” bonnet scoop is offered on any Mustang with a 351ci (5.8L) or larger V8.

1971
The biggest Mustang ever – 30cm longer and 310kg heavier than the original – is introduced, prompting criticisms that Ford had become “fat and lazy”. The Boss 351 debuts, with its Cleveland block and Cobra Jet heads.

1973
Mustang sales plummet as the fuel crisis takes its toll and customers downsize. The 1973 model year is the last for the original Falcon-platform Mustang, and the last convertible for a decade.

1975
V8 power returns to Mustang with a 302ci small-block. It’s the first Ford engine to be recognised by its 5.0L metric displacement. The four-cylinder Mustang gets a catalytic converter and taller fourth gear to meet tightening emissions standards.

1976
The Cobra II package joins the lineup, replete with non-functional bonnet scoop, racing stripes and front and rear spoilers.

1977
To appeal to convertible fans, a fastback model is added with T-Top removable glass panels.

1980
The 5.0L V8 is dropped and replaced by an economy-minded 4.2L derivative of the Windsor V8 with just 89kW – the least ever for Mustang. In contrast, the 2.3L four gets a turbo and 98kW, but mechanical and reliability issues force Ford to drop it the following year.

1982
As petrol prices subside, the Mustang GT returns after a 12-year absence. Also back is the 5.0L V8, rated at 130kW. Optional T-Tops return.

1983
After 10 years, Mustang again has a convertible model, complete with power roof and tempered glass rear window.

1984
Ford’s Special Vehicle Operations creates the Mustang SVO which features a turbocharged and intercooled 2.3L four-cylinder, bigger tyres and brakes and a double-decker rear spoiler.

1984
In Australia, nascent Group A touring car regulations prompt Ford racing legend Dick Johnson to import new Zakspeed-built Mustangs for Bathurst. They won't actually race until 1985.

1985
Mustang gets a revised 5.0L high-output V8 with 157kW in manual transmission tune.

1987
Mustang undergoes a restyle and gains a new “Aero” body. SVO and V6 models are dropped.

1989
For Mustang’s 25th anniversary, all cars produced between April 17, 1989, and April 17, 1990, sport the familiar running horse on the dashboard with “25 Years” inscribed underneath.

1990
Mustang gains a driver’s-side airbag as standard equipment.

1992
Wire-style wheel covers and whitewall tyres quietly disappear from the US options list.

1993
Ford’s new Special Vehicle Team introduces the Mustang Cobra SVT limited edition with unique styling and performance upgrades. A “Cobra R” racing model adds Koni shocks, an engine oil and power steering fluid cooler, but has the radio, rear seats and air-conditioning removed. Ford requires all buyers to hold a racing licence to ensure the SVT is not seen as just a collector's car.

1995
The venerable 5.0L V8 spends its final model year in the Mustang. SVT produces 250 Cobra R models with a 224kW, 5.7L V8.

1996
Mustang GTs and SVT Mustang Cobras are equipped with Ford’s new modular 4.6L SOHC V8. It matches the 5.0L Windsor’s outputs but is criticised for lack of torque and responsiveness.

1999
A redesign gives Mustang the sharply creased lines of Ford’s New Edge global styling language, including pronounced wheelarches, a new bonnet, grille, fascias and lights.

2000
The third SVT Mustang Cobra R has Eibach suspension, Brembo brakes, side exhausts and a 287kW, 5.4L DOHC V8 mated to Mustang’s first six-speed manual transmission.

2001
The Mustang Bullitt GT makes its debut, inspired by the Mustang Steve McQueen drove in the 1968 movie. It has the same Highland dark green paint, side scoops, 17-inch Bullitt-style aluminium wheels and tuned suspension.

2001
Ford’s Tickford performance arm imports and converts 250 Mustang V8 coupes and convertibles to right hand drive for Australia. 

2002
Mustang’s two closest US rivals, the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird, end production. The Camaro would eventually return in 2010.

2003
Following the success of the Bullitt edition Mustang, Ford revives the Mach 1 nameplate with a retro-inspired model that features a 227kW Cobra motor with a functional ‘shaker’ bonnet scoop, Magnum-style wheels and 1960s era comfort weave seats.

2004
Ford produces its 300 millionth car – a 2004 Mustang GT convertible 40th anniversary edition. 2004 Mustangs are the last built at Ford’s Dearborn Assembly Plant, which had produced every Mustang model since inception.

2006
Ford begins a series of retro-inspired limited editions with a new Shelby Hertz model and a Bullitt in 2008.

2007
Ford and Shelby reunite to create the Shelby GT500 with a 373kW supercharged 5.4L V8. The partnership continues with a 2008 Shelby King of the Road (KR) that produces 403kW and has a carbonfibre bonnet.

2008
Facelifted Mustang is revealed the Los Angeles auto show with restyled front and rear bumpers, slimmer headlights and three-bar taillights with sequential turn signals.

2011
The entire Mustang lineup gets updated powertrains, including a 227kW 3.7L V6 and 307kW 5.0L Coyote V8 that also forms the basis of the supercharged V8 used in Australian FPV Falcons.

2012
Ford revives the Boss 302 nameplate with an upgraded, track-oriented Mustang that features retro-inspired C-stripes down its sides, more power from its 5.0L V8, adjustable suspension and a carbonfibre front splitter.

2013
The most powerful factory Mustang ever is revealed, the Shelby GT500 with a 494kW, 5.8L supercharged V8.

2014
Ten Millionth Mustang sold in the same year Mustang celebrates its 50th birthday.

2017
The MY2018 update sees the 3.7L V6 dropped from the international lineup, along with power and torque increases for 2.3L and 5.0L engines. Both get a new 10-speed automatic co-developed by Ford and GM, and the option of MagneRide adjustable suspension and Recaro leather sports seats.


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