The debate over which is the best muscle car ignites fiery discussions among motorheads and the motoring world in general. But is there truly a single champion? Perhaps not. Every muscle car, past and present, boasts unique qualities that resonate with different admirers, making it the best in their opinion. While the "best" is subjective, another question seeks a definitive answer: what is the best-selling muscle car of all time? In 2018, Ford announced that they made the ten millionth Mustang since the Ford Mustang was produced in 1964. Even in the first year, Ford estimated to sell 100,000 units but outdid themselves, selling over 400,000 units in the first year of production. So yes, the Ford Mustang is the best-selling muscle car of all time, and with Ford promising not to retire the V8 any time soon, it will hold that title for a while. Throughout production the Mustang has become essential to Ford's identity and has become a brand on its own. Its evolution has seen some exciting variants, resulting from Ford allowing engineers to experiment and collaborate with independent companies, for example, Shelby American and RTR Vehicles, which have arguably produced some of the best Mustangs, especially in recent generations. Sure, the Mustang has faced stiff competition across generations and even today from cars such as the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro. But before we rev up the challengers, what makes it the best-selling muscle car of all time?
Since 1964, the Ford Mustang has consistently adapted to remain relevant in the ever-changing automotive landscape. Even when automotive manufacturers were tested by hard economic times, Ford made it a wellspring of innovation, with each generation significantly better than its predecessors. The Mustang also retained its focus on delivering a fun and engaging driving experience. The 21st century might have welcomed modernization and extensive use of technology in cars, but Ford didn't alter the Mustang's core muscle car characteristics, including in the recently unveiled Mustang S650.
The Mustang's rich history evokes strong emotional connections for many car enthusiasts, and when the day comes that they finally get an opportunity to buy one, they'll never look back. It's common to find a multiple Mustang garage comprised of different generation models, in most cases, a mix of newer and older generations. Some owners will buy one generation after another. Also making it appealing to enthusiasts is the Mustang's fun and engaging driving experience. Sure, it has the habit of getting out of hand when mishandled, but its performance in the hands of an excellent driver is exhilarating and responsive.
The Ford Mustang has one of the widest communities with events, clubs, and owner and enthusiast forms. These strong connections foster a sense of belonging among owners, enthusiasts, and admirers, contributing to its lasting appeal. And this doesn't apply just to the United States. Older generation Mustangs are worshipped sightings in foreign countries, and thanks to Ford's inclusivity, the Mustang is now sold in over 140 countries, spreading American freedom to owners and enthusiasts alike.
Each generation of the Ford Mustang boasts a range of models catering to diverse buyer preferences. For example, for the S650 Mustang, Ford continues to offer the turbocharged 2.3-liter 4-cylinder EcoBoost engine for buyers who want fuel economy enveloped in a car that looks every bit as cool as the Mustang GT which comes with an engine more than twice the size as the EcoBoost and probably twice as thirsty. Further flexibility comes through the manual and automatic transmission options, catering to both spirited enthusiasts who would undoubtedly choose the 6-speed manual every day and twice on Sundays and those desiring a smoother driving experience. This variety ensures the Mustang continues to resonate with a broad audience, making it more than just a muscle car but a continuous adaptation to buyers' desires.
The Ford Mustang's motorsports legacy stretches back to its birth year, ignited by its participation in the grueling 1964 Tour de France. This early foray set the stage for a long and storied history on the track. Being born into the world of competition, the Ford Mustang was destined for greatness. After the first generation, the Mustang's name echoed beyond highways, dominating tracks worldwide. From GT-class battles to NASCAR Cup victories and Formula Drift podium finishes later generations pushed their limits, earning trophies and shaping Ford's relentless pursuit of performance. This racing pedigree fuels the innovation found in the Ford Mustang GTD, a track-ready supercar showcasing Ford's cutting-edge advancements. But it's not just a car; it's a legacy forged in competition, where Mustangs evolved from contenders to champions, and now, with the GTD, innovation reaches new heights.
Affordability is relative, but even if you're not buying one, you can at least agree that the Ford Mustang is worth every penny demanded for it regardless of the generation or model year. For example, you'll have to part with around $47,000 for a 2024 Ford Mustang GT Premium Fastback, which is an excellent price for a car with a 450 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 and a six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching as standard. Higher specs, such as the Mustang Dark Horse Premium, are worth their weight in gold, and for performance enthusiasts, there certainly can be no other options for around the $65,000 range.
Millions sold and records broken, the Ford Mustang reigns supreme. Now, excluding the latest S650, we dive into the Mustang lineage, uncovering the generations that cemented its title as the best-selling muscle car. The first-generation Mustang remains the best-selling generation, with its production run spanning 2,981,251 examples produced and sold in the United States. It was an instant hit. Ford immediately put it into production, with sources indicating that 20,000 units were sold on the first day. And even though the 1969 refresh caused a decline in sales, customers still bought it. The third-gen Mustang, nicknamed the Fox Body Mustang as Ford built it on their Fox Platform, ranks second in total US sales at an estimated 2,608,812 units produced and sold between 1994 and 2004. Its odd shape aside, the Fox Body Mustang was quicker, better built, and surprisingly more aerodynamic, which is one of the reasons it outdid not only competing muscle cars but also imports in the same class, such as the E36 and E46 BMW M3. Three other Mustangs muscled their way into the million-seller club: the SN95 (1.56 million), the second-gen (1.1 million), and the S197 (1 million). Each contributed to the Mustang's legacy and fortified its title as the best-selling muscle car.
The introduction of the Ford Mustang created a new class of vehicles known as pony cars, which were affordable, compact, and sporty, highly styled coupes and convertibles. But before the Ford Mustang was the Ford Falcon and Mercury Hornet. There was also the Oldsmobile Rocket 88, regarded as the first full-sized muscle car, first made in 1949. But none of these muscle cars sold as well as the Mustang. It became Ford's best-selling car since 1928, capturing the hearts and imaginations of a generation with its accessible price tag, thrilling performance, and timeless design. Sure, the sales figures speak for themselves, but don't you think they also make a strong case for the Mustang as the best muscle car? After the Mustang came the Mercury Cougar, Pontiac GTO, and several other muscle cars that would later bow out of the game and were retired. It's only the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro that remained in production long enough to terrorize the Mustang, but even these had a production hiatus that saw them sit on the bench while the Mustang dominated the playing field.
Craving the raw power and timeless style of a muscle car? Exotic Car Trader offers a wide variety of muscle cars to choose from. All our listings are well curated, comprising the best selections from classic Camaros to Ford Mustangs and Dodge Challengers, which will soon become prized possessions due to Dodge's move to making EV Challengers. So, if this article has convinced you to get a Mustang, dive into our extensive Ford Mustang listings and find your perfect match. But if we haven't swayed your loyalties, take a gander at our Muscle car listings and let us know your pick.
So, is the Ford Mustang the best muscle car of all time? While that remains a debate fueled by passion and personal preference, the numbers speak volumes. With over 10 million Mustangs sold since its 1964 debut, it undeniably holds the crown as the best-selling muscle car. But sales figures are just one part of the story. The Mustang's success transcends mere numbers, woven into the very fabric of American automotive culture. Its constant evolution, captivating design, and diverse appeal solidified its place as a legend.
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