Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang is the original pony car, launched in April 1964 (the famous '1964½' model year) as a sporty-looking rear-wheel-drive compact based on Falcon mechanicals. The Mustang created the pony-car segment essentially single-handedly, with the first generation reaching one million sales within 18 months — one of the fastest new-car launches in automotive history.

Across seven generations the Mustang has remained continuously in production with only one significant downsizing detour (the second-generation Mustang II, 1974-1978, built on Pinto underpinnings during the oil crisis). Body styles have included fastback, notchback coupe, convertible and a brief Mustang II hatchback. High-performance variants have been a continuous fixture: Boss, Mach 1, GT350, GT500, Bullitt and Cobra Jet drag-racing specials. The Mustang is unique among American muscle cars in remaining in continuous production through both the oil crisis and the 2009 financial crisis. Production runs at Ford's Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan.