The Ford Mustang is the best of the ’60s, according to Hagerty readers
The 1960s was an interesting time in automotive history. Innovation was relatively lax, but the variety of cars available to consumers at the time has likely never been higher. A well-to-do buyer could easily drive off a dealer lot with a long-roof station wagon for lumbering cross country with the family, or a wild solid-lifter big-block Corvette destined for the stoplight grand prix, where it would likely collect a few dollars from unsuspecting young guns rowing four-speeds.
Could it be possible to narrow that wide range down to one car that represents the decade? On the Hagerty Forums, we asked you to do exactly that.
The conversation was surprisingly one sided—as one sided as any Question of the Week we’ve asked. The Ford Mustang and its ability to redefine the market were a clear winner, with nearly one quarter of all responses voting for the pony car—both happily and reluctantly.
The Mustang’s introduction at the 1964 New York World’s Fair was supposed to be just another new car launch. Ford had no idea the Mustang would become a vehicle that created a new class of car and put other manufacturers on the back foot in attempts to catch up. To call the new car a re-skinned Falcon is a bit curt, but the reality is the Mustang did share more than a few parts with the then-four-year-old Falcon.
That established chassis likely helped Ford, as orders for Mustang immediately began piling up on dealer desks across the country. With options ranging from the 170-cubic-inch inline-six to a whopping 428-cubic-inch V-8, the first-generation Mustang is near unrivaled for its ability to appeal to both buyers in search of a vehicle that is economical with some flair and those looking for all-out performance.
The comments were resounding for the Mustang, with more than a few notes along the lines of “I am not a Ford guy, but it has to be the Mustang.” Those who strayed from the popular path brought up great options, as well, with honorable mentions going to the Chevrolet Corvette, Chevy Impala, Volkswagen Beetle, and VW Microbus.
Do you agree with the group’s decision? Continue the discussion in the comments below, or add your input to this week’s Question of the Week, which asks, which brand has the best badges? The top responses will be highlighted here next week.
