Few vehicles have captured the heart of American drivers quite like the Ford Mustang. From its debut in 1964 to the high-performance Dark Horse of today, the Mustang has become a symbol of freedom, performance, and innovation.
At Chuck Anderson Ford, we’re proud to carry on that legacy right here in Excelsior Springs, Missouri — where Mustang fans from Kansas City, Liberty, Lawson, and Kearney continue to celebrate the roar of the pony car that started it all.
1910 W Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
816-648-6419
www.chuckandersonford.com
Built on Integrity. Backed by Family.
The Birth of a Legend — 1964½: The Original Mustang
The Ford Mustang made its world debut on April 17, 1964, at the New York World’s Fair. Priced at just $2,368, the original Mustang was sleek, affordable, and fun to drive — immediately igniting a new automotive segment: the “pony car.”
Within 18 months, Ford sold more than one million Mustangs, making it one of the most successful product launches in automotive history. With its long hood, short deck, and sporty design, the Mustang symbolized youth, independence, and the spirit of the open road.
Early models offered a variety of options, from the economical inline-six to the powerful 289-cubic-inch V8, ensuring there was a Mustang for everyone.
1965–1973: The Golden Age of Muscle
The late 1960s and early 1970s were the golden era for the Mustang — when raw power and racing heritage defined the brand.
Highlights from this era include:
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1965 Shelby GT350: Developed by Carroll Shelby, this performance model took the Mustang from sporty to legendary.
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1967–1969 Mach 1 & Boss Models: Introduced high-output V8 engines and aggressive styling.
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1971–1973 Mustangs: Larger, more powerful, and bolder, keeping pace with the muscle car wars.
By the early ’70s, the Mustang had evolved from a simple sports coupe into a true performance icon.
1974–1978: The Mustang II Era
In response to the 1970s oil crisis and rising fuel prices, Ford introduced the Mustang II — smaller, lighter, and more fuel-efficient.
While purists were skeptical, the Mustang II became a strong seller, offering practicality without losing style. It was even named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year in 1974, proving the Mustang could adapt to changing times.
1979–1993: The Fox Body Revolution
The Fox Body Mustang became one of the most beloved generations in Mustang history. Built on Ford’s Fox platform, it combined lightweight design, affordable performance, and limitless customization potential.
Popular models like the 5.0L V8 GT became street legends, dominating drag strips and car culture throughout the ’80s and early ’90s.
Even today, the Fox Body remains a favorite among collectors and tuners, often seen as the “people’s muscle car.”
1994–2004: The Modern Muscle Resurgence
The fourth-generation Mustang, launched in 1994, marked a major return to Mustang’s classic styling cues — with sweeping lines and more modern technology.
Notable versions included:
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SVT Cobra (1993–2004): Ford’s in-house performance division brought race-level handling and power.
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Bullitt Mustang (2001): A tribute to Steve McQueen’s iconic 1968 Mustang from the film Bullitt.
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Mach 1 and GT500: Revived as high-horsepower performance editions that reminded the world why the Mustang ruled the road.
2005–2014: Retro Design, Modern Performance
The fifth-generation Mustang brought back the look and feel of the late ’60s muscle cars, complete with a long hood, wide stance, and a bold presence.
This era introduced the world to:
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5.0L “Coyote” V8 engines — known for their mix of reliability and raw power.
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Shelby GT500 — a supercharged monster that pushed performance limits to over 600 horsepower.
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Mustang Boss 302 (2012) — a modern nod to the classic 1969 racer, built for the track.
This redesign reignited global enthusiasm for the Mustang brand and established Ford as a leader in retro-modern design.
2015–2023: Global Performance and Modern Innovation
In 2015, Ford introduced the sixth-generation Mustang, built for a new global audience. For the first time in its history, the Mustang was sold in over 140 countries, bringing American muscle to the world stage.
Major milestones included:
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Independent rear suspension for improved handling.
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EcoBoost® turbocharged engines offering performance with efficiency.
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Shelby GT350 and GT500 models pushing the Mustang past the 700-horsepower mark.
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Mustang Mach-E, Ford’s first all-electric performance SUV, carrying the Mustang name into the future.
The modern Mustang blended classic style with cutting-edge technology, making it one of the most advanced muscle cars ever built.
2024–2026: The Seventh Generation and the Dark Horse Rises
The seventh-generation Mustang, launched in 2024, continues the legend with bold styling, digital technology, and the most powerful lineup yet.
At the top of the pack is the 2025–2026 Mustang Dark Horse, a track-focused masterpiece boasting 500 horsepower from its 5.0L Coyote V8. It’s the first new performance Mustang sub-brand in over two decades — a true modern muscle car built for drivers who demand speed, precision, and control.
Ford has also committed to preserving the manual transmission, keeping the Mustang spirit alive for purists everywhere.
Why the Mustang Still Reigns Supreme
For 60 years, the Ford Mustang has embodied the American dream — freedom, individuality, and the thrill of the open road. It’s not just a car; it’s a symbol of adventure and performance.
From the original 1964½ coupe to today’s advanced Dark Horse, the Mustang continues to evolve without losing its soul. And it’s built for every kind of driver — from the collector who treasures history to the racer chasing horsepower.
At Chuck Anderson Ford, we’re proud to keep that tradition alive by offering the latest Mustangs and supporting a community that shares Ford’s passion for performance.
Experience the Legacy at Chuck Anderson Ford
Whether you’re searching for a new 2025–2026 Mustang, exploring the Dark Horse edition, or dreaming of the Mustang Mach-E, our team at Chuck Anderson Ford is here to help you find your perfect pony.
Visit us today for a test drive, explore financing options, or learn how Ford’s modern Mustangs carry forward six decades of unmatched heritage.
Chuck Anderson Ford
1910 W Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
816-648-6419
www.chuckandersonford.com
Built on Integrity. Backed by Family.