Ford is celebrating the production of its 10 millionth Mustang – America’s best-selling sports car of the last 50 years and the world’s best-selling sports car three years straight.
The 10 millionth Ford Mustang is a high-tech, 343kw 2019 Wimbledon White GT V8 six-speed manual convertible equipped with the latest driver assist technology and built at Ford’s Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan. The first serialized Mustang (VIN 001) produced in 1964 was the same colour and model with a three-speed manual transmission and 122kw V8.
“Mustang is the heart and soul of this company and a favourite around the world,” said Jim Farley, president of global markets, Ford Motor Company. “I get the same thrill seeing a Mustang roll down a street in Detroit, London or Beijing that I felt when I bought my first car – a 1966 Mustang coupe that I drove across the country as a teenager. Mustang is a smile-maker in any language.”
Ford is celebrating the milestone with employee celebrations at its Dearborn headquarters and its Flat Rock Assembly Plant, including flyovers from three WWII-era P-51 Mustang fighter planes and Mustangs produced for more than five decades parading from Dearborn to Flat Rock, where the Mustang currently is manufactured.
During its 54-year production history, Mustang also was built in San Jose, Calif., Metuchen, N.J., and the original Mustang production facility in Dearborn, Mich.
The latest Ford Mustang offers more technology, exhilarating performance and more personalization than ever.
The Ford Mustang is now in its sixth generation, remains one of the best-selling sports cars in South Africa, and is available with a choice of two powerplants – a 2.3-litre turbo Ecoboost and the 5.0-litre V8 – priced from R728 500 and R872 100 respectively. While the facelifted version is already available in the USA, it is only expected to reach South Africa late next year.
Important Mustang Launches (by model year)
2019 Limited-edition Mustang Bullitt with 480 horsepower
2018 Updated style, new 5.0-liter V8 engine with 460 horsepower and Performance Pack II
2015 All-new sixth generation Mustang, first with independent rear suspension and Shelby GT350 / GT350R with flat-plane crank 5.2-liter V8
2012 First Boss 302 since 1971 returns with 444 horsepower V8
2011 All-new 412-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 Mustang GT debuts
2008 Iconic Bullitt Mustang returns
2007 California Special edition returns
2004 Dearborn Assembly Plant ends 40 years of Mustang production moves to Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Mich.
2003 Mustang Mach 1 model returns with Ram-Air “Shaker” hood scoop
2001 Debut of Mustang Bullitt limited-edition salute to movie car
2000 SVT Mustang Cobra "R" race version returns
1993 Limited production SVT Mustang Cobra debuts
1984 Mustang SVO debuts
1982 Mustang GT returns after 12-year absence
1979 Euro-styled “Fox” platform Mustang debuts
1976 Cobra II joins the lineup
1974 Mustang II debuts amid gas crisis; no V8 engine offered until 1975
1970 Ram-Air “Shaker” hood offered
1969 High-performance Boss 302 and Boss 429 introduced
1968 Mustang 390 GT stars with Steve McQueen in “Bullitt”; 428 Cobra Jet engine debuts
1965 Shelby GT350 introduced; Mustang 2+2 with full fastback roof debuts
Also worth a look: the Ford Transit Custom and the Ford Escort Mk1 RS Returns as 800kg Track Weapon.
FAQ
Q: What does the Ford Mustang GT cost in South Africa?
The Ford Mustang GT with the 5.0-litre V8 engine starts at R872,100 in South Africa, while the 2.3-litre EcoBoost variant kicks off at R728,500.
Q: How powerful is the Ford Mustang GT V8 engine?
The Ford Mustang GT's 5.0-litre V8 engine produces 343kW of power, making it a proper muscle car that'll pin you back in your seat.
Q: Is the Ford Mustang GT worth buying in South Africa?
The Ford Mustang GT offers genuine American muscle car experience with modern reliability and technology, making it worth every rand of that R872,100 price tag if you want something different from the usual German sports cars.
Q: What's the difference between the Mustang EcoBoost and GT?
The EcoBoost uses a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine for R728,500, while the GT packs a naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 producing 343kW for R872,100, giving you that proper V8 rumble.
Q: How reliable is the Ford Mustang GT compared to other sports cars?
The sixth-generation Mustang GT is significantly more reliable than previous generations, with Ford's improved build quality making it a practical daily driver that won't leave you stranded like some exotic alternatives.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, absolutely buy the Ford Mustang GT if you want the best American muscle car experience under R900,000 in South Africa. At R872,100, the GT delivers 343kW of naturally aspirated V8 fury that'll embarrass cars costing twice as much, while the R728,500 EcoBoost offers excellent performance for those watching their budget. The Mustang GT remains the most affordable way to get genuine muscle car thrills with modern safety tech and surprising daily usability, making it a brilliant choice for anyone tired of boring German coupes.
