Best American cars of all time - Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is one of the most recognisable American cars ever made, and it's not hard to see why
The Ford Mustang is probably the most recognisable American car ever made and is credited with the creation of the 'pony car' class which has defined US car culture ever since. A coupe-style car with a long bonnet and cut-off rear, the first-generation Mustang was one of Ford's most successful models ever and it's the original first-generation version that started production in 1965 that's the most iconic of all.
The Mustang range started out with a relatively small straight-six engine, but it's the larger V8 that most will associate with the car. The unit produced between 200bhp and 375bhp, with the Boss 302 model getting the most powerful motor. Hard-top and convertible body styles were offered, but it's probably the sleek Fastback version that's best remembered, having featured heavily in the classic film Bullitt.
Although the original Mustang continues to be revered across the world, Ford’s sixth generation of Mustang, first revealed in 2013, was the first to be right-hand-drive and sold in the UK – in both coupe and convertible form.
It might surprise some to hear that Ford later made a Mustang with a four-cylinder EcoBoost engine under the bonnet, but it did, and was sold in the UK until recently, offering a more affordable route to Mustang ownership. Buyers who are after the classic muscle car experience will be pleased to know the ‘Stang is also available with a storming 5.0-litre V8. For those looking for a Mustang with a little extra oomph, the new track-focussed Mustang Dark Horse is one of the last remaining cars on the market to come with a naturally-aspirated V8 and a manual gearbox – and it has some serious firepower under the hood.
