It is incredible that the Ford Mustang is 56 years old and sold in over 10 million examples. Over the years, there were countless models, versions, and trim packages, but Ford has introduced hundreds of prototypes and concept cars that sadly never saw any real use.
Some of them, like the 1962 Mustang I or the 2002 Mustang GT Concept, are well-known and famous, but for most Mustang enthusiasts, that is about it.
However, the history of Mustang prototypes is far more interesting than most people know, and today, we will present to you ten coolest forgotten Mustang prototypes and concept cars. You will understand how different automotive history might have been if Ford decided to put them in production when you see them.
10 Ford Mustang Sedan
The original Mustang was built on the Falcon platform, and since the Falcon came in both a four-door and wagon configuration, it was natural that Ford's engineers tried the same approach on the Mustang.
For a brief period, the Mustang Sedan was considered, but the idea was eventually dropped. Even though the Sedan looked cool, it would have cannibalized the Falcon'' sales and robbed the Mustang of its sporty image, so the Sedan had to be killed.
9 Ford Mustang Two-Seater
This one is particularly interesting since it was a kind of backdoor project pulled off by Ford employees without the knowledge from the bosses. Since the Mustang was a sporty coupe, wouldn't it be better with just two seats?
Built on shortened chassis and with a lot of bodywork performed to make the shape look like ¾ of a 1965 Fastback, this prototype was lost for decades until it resurfaced recently.
8 Ford Mustang AWD
Over the years, there were few prototypes with all-wheel-drive, but the first one was built in England. British Ford engineers took an ordinary 1965 Mustang with 289 V8 and fitted Ferguson all-wheel-drive system.
The car was surprisingly capable and stable in any road conditions, but it was also significantly heavier, and conversion was quite expensive.
7 Bertone Mustang
The 1965 Bertone Mustang was big news when it was released and was featured in the best magazines of the period. There was a rumor that Ford planned a limited run of highly exclusive Mustangs with Bertone's bodywork.
However, that idea never materialized because, on the height of its fame, the Bertone Mustang disappeared. Some say that it was stolen, others say that it was destroyed or thrown into the ocean. Even today, we don't know the truth behind this fantastic piece of Mustang history.
6 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Rear Engine
We all praise Chevrolet for the mid-engine layout of the Corvette C8, but the truth is that Ford did it almost 50 years ago! The 1969 Boss 429 Mid Engine Prototype was constructed for testing purposes and featured a 429 V8 behind the rear axle driver.
However, after extensive testing, engineers found out that there are minimal improvements in performance and destroyed the prototype.
5 Ford Mustang Wagon
Converting Mustangs to station wagons was a common custom job in the '60s performed by numerous custom shops, and Ford itself had toyed with the idea. First, in 1966 with the prototype of the 1969 Mustang Wagon and then in the mid-'70s with Mustang II with woodgrain panels!
The success of the Mercury Bobcat inspired Mustang engineers to make a prototype, but fortunately, the project never made it to production.
4 Ford Mustang Roush Twin Turbo
In the late '80s, Ford heard that the Chevrolet is planning a top-of-the-line Corvette C4 ZR1. Naturally, the Blue Oval boys wanted to make things harder for Chevy fans and asked Jack Roush to make a super Mustang, which could beat the Corvette. Roush came up with the twin-turbo Foxbody Mustang, which was insanely quick.
However, the car was too powerful, and it twisted the frame and showed that Ford would need to invest an enormous amount of money for structural reinforcements of the Mustang's chassis to make things work. Two cars were made: one burned down, and the other is in the museum.
3 Ford Mustang Mach III
The 1992 Mustang Mach III was a concept car designed as a forerunner of the SN95 generation, debuted in 1994. It was a roadster with a famous name, supercharged V8, and 450 hp, astronomical power back in the early '90s.
However, when the fourth-generation Mustang was officially introduced, everybody forgot this cool convertible with a top speed of 180 mph.
2 Ford Mustang Super Stallion
In 1998, Ford played with the idea of an alcohol-burning V8 engine and built a Mustang Super Stallion. From the outside, it was ordinary looking Mustang GT. Still, underneath the metal, it was full Ford Performance prepared beast with unique heads, pistons, ECU, and Garrett supercharger on top of the V8 engine.
The result was 545 hp and brutal performance. Interestingly, the Super Stallion could run on regular gasoline as well as on alcohol.
1 Ford Mustang GTR
The 2005 Mustang GTR was fast forgotten, but its legacy lives on in numerous modern Mustangs. First, it was a prototype of a track-ready Mustang with fantastic design and cool race tech. Second, it featured a then-new 5.0-liter Cammer crate V8 with 440 hp, which was later available to the general public.
Third, it showcased many Ford Performance parts and components that can still be bought today and are an integral part of building a modern Mustang for a track day.