How Does It Drive?

Given the huge range of variables in terms of engines, transmissions, specs and tuning upgrades both in period and added later the Mustang driving experience is hard to pin down precisely. The condition of the car you’re considering will play a big part, too. At heart these are simple cars mechanically and in character, though, and the basic rule of thumb is that the later the car the softer, heavier and more ‘American’ it will feel given the Mustang inevitably gained weight and complexity as the years went on.

Pre-1967 cars will feel the most physical to drive, especially without power steering or – in some cases – servo assistance to the brakes. By European standards even these early cars will feel pretty big and vague in standard trim, though they can of course be much improved with correct set-up and, by the time you get to the V8, you have the basis for a proper muscle car experience.

Opinions vary but, while more powerful, by the time you get to the big-block cars you’re in a running battle between horsepower and weight, which isn’t to say the sheer grunt of a 427-engined car won’t be fun. Six-cylinder cars will be pretty leisurely and perhaps better suited to a convertible, ditto three-speed autos. As proven on race tracks the world over, meanwhile, a 289 with four on the floor and a proper set-up has the potential to keep pace with anything else from the period.  

What’s Good?

Then and now the Mustang is a feelgood car for both occupants and onlookers, and the kind of thing to put a smile on the face of anyone who sees it. The spirit of mid-‘60s optimism and easy-going American pop culture permeates its looks and manners, meaning a drive in a Mustang will always be something to celebrate.

Whichever body style you go for there’s space to share the experience with family and friends, so it’s a sociable classic as well. Mechanical simplicity is another point in its favour, Ford’s policy of using shared parts from across its huge range of regular cars meaning spares should be relatively easy to source (albeit from overseas, potentially) while the under stressed, no-nonsense design of most components means the Mustang is inherently tough.

With a suitably raucous V8 engine it’s also going to be a hoot every time you fire it up, that soundtrack all part of the experience. You may not be the fastest classic on the block, but you’ll likely be turning the most heads and cracking the biggest smiles.

What’s Bad?

Ford’s policy of constant model year upgrades, the huge choice of specifications, the options packages and the culture of customisation can appear intimidating for those taking their first steps into the muscle car realm. Indeed, the jargon and buzzwords Mustang aficionados bandy about can sound like a new language entirely and, with it, the fear of getting caught out feels very real. For all the knowledge and enthusiasm for the cars here in Europe now there’s also the fact you’ll likely be either buying or dealing with people on the other side of the Atlantic at some point in your ownership, which can add to the intimidation factor.

As for the car itself there’s the obvious fact you’ll have to be happy with left-hand drive, accept American fuel consumption figures are going to be expensive and also the fact that, by the time you get to the late ‘60s and early ‘70s versions, you’ve got something that will feel very big, heavy and potentially out of place on British roads.

Which Model To Chose?

Much of this will be down to personal taste and the kind of image you’re going for. Driving purists may dismiss the later cars as more show than go but, for others, a late, big-block Mach 1 or Boss in a suitably ‘70s colour may have kitsch, chest-wig appeal that transcends any dynamic flaws. And if you’re going to do it you may as well go big or go home.

For a Mustang to enjoy on British roads we’d probably be tempted by an earlier car, on the basis it’s a more manageable proposition. A big-block is all very well, too, but the revvier, oversquare 289 ‘Windsor’ V8 is lighter on the nose and probably the more entertaining car on our narrow, twisty roads.

Convertibles have their fans but a hardtop can be cheaper to buy while the Fastback is arguably the definitive Mustang shape and the one most people crave. An original Shelby GT350 would obviously be top of most people’s lists but these are now properly valuable and expensive cars so, for something to actually drive and enjoy, a regular pre-‘67 289 GT and a few sympathetic period upgrades like disc brakes and – perhaps – power steering would seem a pragmatic choice.

Specifications – Ford Mustang GT (1966)

4.7-litre V8, petrol

274PS (202kW) @ 6,000rpm

423Nm (312lb ft) @ 3,400rpm

Four-speed manual, rear-wheel drive

c. 1,400kg

c. 8.6 seconds

c. 120mph

1964-1966 (Entire production run 1964-1973)