Part 3:

In the series on Ford's incredible Mustang. Towards the end of the 80's, Ford's upper management, teamed with Mazda, was thinking of making the Mustang a front wheel drive vehicle based on a 4 cylinder import. When word got out, enthusiasts initiated an enormous letter writing campaign that convinced Ford that the Mustang should remain an American built car that offered a V-8 engine. So the Mustang stayed true to its roots and the car that Ford developed in a joint venture with Mazda went on to become the Probe. 1994 saw a new body style appear on the Mustang for the first time since the 1979 model was introduced. The fresh new appearance sparked sales and once again the Mustang brought people into showrooms. A new performance package was available called the Cobra Mustang. Actually introduced as a 1993 model by Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT), it was the later 2003-04 Cobras that are remembered as being the highest performing of this model. As the 2004 model came to an end, Ford introduced the 2005 Mustang at the North American Auto Show in Detroit.

The incredibly beautiful 2005 Mustang, designed with a throwback feel of the late 60's fastbacks, was an absolute home run for Ford. The automotive press loved it and sales rose as people were caught up in a nostalgic mood. This car looked like a Mustang should and most everyone would be able to identify it without looking at the name. A base V-6 version or a GT with a 300 horsepower V-8 were offered, and a limited edition Shelby GT-500 came along in 2007. For 2010, the Mustang's front and rear were redesigned and for 2011 a new Boss 302 will be available with an all-new 5.0L engine making over 400 horsepower. Ford's little pony car has come a long way since 1965, and there are numerous car clubs, shows and events devoted specifically to the Mustang. Few car companies can boast having a car that has a 46 year non-interrupted production run, spurred numerous copycats from competitors and has millions of loyal followers. Just like the Model T or the F-series truck, the Mustang defines Ford Motor Company.