The Mustang nameplate was iconic from the moment these cars hit the streets in 1964. Originally, the manufacturer only predicted to sell 100,000 units, but after two years, it already celebrated its one-millionth sale. The Mustang was an unexpected success, thanks to its simple yet familiar components. Since then, it has gone on to cement itself as one of the best muscle cars ever produced.
The original price was $2,368, making it accessible to most American families. The Mustang broke every record and, with each model, Ford has strived to improve the aesthetics as much as the mechanics. As Mustang's national commercial jingle says, "Only Mustang Makes it Happen!" Here are 10 of the coolest Mustang special editions and trims ever, from the 1960s until modern times.
10 The 1968 Ford Mustang California Special
When this special edition model was created, only 4118 units were made. The production ran only from mid-February 1968 to early August 1968. The state of California was responsible for 20 percent of Mustang’s sales, so the car dealers had the nerve to ask for their own special edition.
It worked, and “California Made It Happen!” The car’s features included: twist-type DZUS hood pins, side scoops, pop-open gas cap, rear spoiler decklid with end caps, and taillight panel with 1965 Thunderbird taillights.
9 The 1968 Mach 1
The Mach 1 emerged from the battle between Ford and GM, which in those years launched the Chevrolet Camaro. The Mustang was designed to accommodate a larger engine, the standard was a 351 cu in (5.8L) Windsor (351W) 2V motor. The name was supposed to evoke tire-screeching performance.
The original model was never a convertible or a hardtop, but fastback body style. The car’s 1968 features include matte black hood treatment with hood pop-open gas cap, revised wheels with Goodyear Polyglas tires, deluxe interior, and rear window louvers.
8 The 1972 Ford Mustang Sprint
Ford made 9,383 Sprints between March and June, out of a total of 125,405 Mustangs manufactured in 1972. This special edition Mustang was marketed with the slogan: “Put a little Sprint in your life.”
The model had specific colors and hues, meant to remind buyers of the American flag, while the Canadian version, buyers got a maple leaf decal in lieu of the U.S.A. shield. The car’s features included: a 302- or 351-cubic-inch V-8, dual racing mirrors, hub caps with trim rings, and E70 white sidewall tires. Made in commemoration of the 1972 Olympic Games, the car is now a classic.
7 The 1984 Ford Mustang GT350 Anniversary Edition
With this Mustang, Ford celebrated 20 years of production. The model was built in 35 days with an Oxford White exterior with red trim and a red interior. Ford produced 5,261 units as the model's sales didn't quite shine.
Its specifications were similar to other 1980s Mustangs, although the GT350 was a special edition. The car’s features include either a V8 or a 2.3L four-cylinder engine, Marchal Fog Lamps, and five-speed Borg Warner T5 transmission.
6 The 2001 Mustang SVT Cobra
The 2001 and 1999 models were the successors of the 1994 Cobras. In the 2000s cars, Ford used the New Edge design language. The body panels were redesigned to align better and to save production time. New York Times writer Michelle Krebs wrote: “The Focus will not be mistaken for anything else on the road.”
The car’s features included: Cobra-specific seats with a combination of leather bolsters and Alcantara inserts, an upgraded Mach audio system, and the Tremec TR-3650 transmission.
5 The 2008 Shelby GT500KR
The model was an instant success and it was even called “the king of the road.” The car was assembled in the Shelby’s factory of Las Vegas, all convertible units. The manufacturers produced 2,300 units and it was aimed at collectors.
The car’s features include: a 90-degree DOHC supercharged V-8 engine, unique GT500KR 18" x 9.5" machined aluminum wheels, and a 540 hp at 6,250 RPM horsepower. The selling price? $ 79,995. The critics didn’t receive the news well.
4 The 2012 Boss 302 Laguna Seca
It doesn’t get more special than this gorgeous Mustang. The Laguna Seca was produced in only 767 units. The 2012 is the second generation of the Boss Mustang and it is an overall 5th generation. The car is inspired by the California race circuit and it is a further upgrade on the already developed Boss 302.
The car’ features include: Recaro sport seats, a Torsen limited-slip rear differential (both optional on the standard Boss 302), and it rides on 19x9-inch front light-weight alloy wheels. One of these models went on sale in 2019 for an initial bid of $ 30,400 -the original price being $47,615.
3 The 2015 Shelby GT350R
This Mustang was meant to look and feel like a racing car. The car has 5.2 V8 6MT (526 hp) engine and it reaches a top speed of 155mph. The gearbox has a 6-speed manual and it is lighter than its predecessor, the GT 350. Ford focused on aerodynamics and on it has 19-inch carbon-rims. The GT 350 R was meant to be essential.
The R package for this Mustang includes the Track package with Ford’s MagneRide shocks, selectable drive modes, a shock-tower brace, and engine oil cooler. Plus aluminum rear bumper beam and carbon-ceramic front brake rotors. Minus the tire-inflation kit.
2 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429
As soon as Ford rolled the Boss 429 in 1969, it officially became the greatest year for muscle cars in the history of automotive. The car was built in order to compete with the Mopar 429 engines in NASCAR (thank you, Chrysler!), and was one of the coolest Mustangs ever.
To reach the 429-ci displacement, Ford used their own engine, a big block 385 which they modified to produce a claimed 375 horsepower. Although, realistically, the numbers these beasts were putting out were closer to 500 ponies. We just wish they made more of them.
1 The Ford Mustang Bullitt
The special edition Mustang celebrates 50 years from the release of the movie Bullitt from 1968. Produced by Philip D'Antoni and starring Steve McQueen, although the real star of the movie was the Mustang Fastback -which was sold for a record price of $3.4 million in January 2020.
The model features A V8 da 459 CV engine, a 6-speed manual gearbox, and 19-inch Torq Thrust style aluminum wheels. As Carl Widmann, Chief Engineer at Mustang, said: “When one creates a Bullitt, there are some specs it must consider. It has to have the right style and, above all, it has to be a mean girl.”
Mustangs are meant to set the trend and break the records. In some way, every model is a limited edition. In its colors, interiors, mechanics, and aerodynamics.
And it is always the top of the class. It never fails.