Ford Mustang: 1967-1973

From 1964 to 1966 the Mustang fired up the ponycar fad and blasted sales records for a new car introduction. Except for a weak challenge from the first-generation Barracuda, the Mustang had the sporty sedan genre all to itself, but in 1967 that would change as General Motors introduced its Camaro and Firebird models to take it on. Ford knew it would have to come up with a new car to meet the challenge, but without breaking the bank.

Raging Horse
The 1967 Mustang was significantly upgraded, being slightly longer, wider and heavier than the 1964-1966 models. To make up for the extra heft, Ford added to the option list a big-block 390-inch V-8 with 320 raging horses. This heavy engine added straight-line speed (0-60 in 7.5 seconds), but took a toll in handling. The previous six-cylinder and 289-inch V-8s were still offered as well.


The body was completely restyled, but still unmistakably a Mustang. The long hood/short deck styling was retained, along with the gaping grill and side scoops. Once again there were three body styles. The hardtop remained the best seller, but the fastback passed the convertible to take second place. The new model was handsome and handled better due to a wider track, but the Mustang now had fearsome competitors.

Serious Comp
The 1967 Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Firebird were new designs based on Chevy II parts. They were slightly heavier than the Mustang, but had more powerful engines. The 327 and 350 engines were proven performance mills, and the 375-hp Chevy 396 was hotter than Ford's 390. And the Camaro 302 Z-28 engine was to prove superior to the Ford 289 in Trans-Am racing.


The Firebird was basically the same car as the Camaro, but with a technically advanced overhead cam six as standard, with 326 and 400-inch engines that were an even match for the Mustang motors. Plymouth revamped the Barracuda with slick new bodywork, but the old 273-inch V-8 was on the weak side. Even Mercury was itching to take a shot at the pony with its new Mustang-based Cougar. Shelby American continued building the GT350 versions of the Mustang and added the GT500, which was powered by a massive 428-inch Ford V-8.