1972 Ford Mustang

Ford introduced the 1972 Mustang on September 24th of 1971 and calendar year sales in the United States would reach 120,589 vehicles (total output was 125,405 Mustangs). The majority of the Mustangs were the Hardtop Coupe with 57,350 examples produced. The Mach 1 also proved popular with 27,675 of those built. The base engine was a 250 cubic-inch six-cylinder offering nearly 100 horsepower. A 302- and 351- V8 were available in several configurations. The 351 HO Cleveland V8 with a Holley four-barrel produced 266 BHP.

The 1972 Mustang was available in two Sportsroof (also known as the fastback), a convertible, and two hardtops. Styling changes over the previous year's model included a color-keyed bumper in the front and a re-designed deck latch panel nameplate. (The color-keyed bumper came standard on the Mach 1 but was an option on the other models. Standard equipment for the other models included a chrome front bumper). Another change, albeit rather unfortunate, was the loss of the 429-cubic V8. The 351-CID Cleveland four-barrel V8 was the highest-rated engine in the line-up.

Standard equipment included concealed wipers, lower back panel applique with bright moldings, color-keyed dual racing mirrors, rocker panel and wheel lip moldings, DirectAire ventilation, heater and defroster, recessed exterior door handles, wheel covers, high-back bucket seats, and bonded door trim panels. Other equipment came standard depending on the body style. The SportsRoof and hardtop had carpeting, mini-consoles, courtesy lights, and E78-14 black belted tires. The base engine found in these body styles included the 250-CID six-cylinder unit.

The Convertible body style came equipped with a five-ply power-operated top, tinted windshield and glass backlight, knitted vinyl seat trim, molded door handles, black instrument panel appliques, and color-keyed top boot.

The 2-door Grande version had the unique Grande script nameplates, bodyside tape stripes, wheel covers, and floor mat in the trunk. Inside, there was Lambeth cloth and vinyl interior trim, and bright pedal moldings. They were also given rear ashtrays, a panel-mounted electric clock, wood-toned appliques, and a deluxe camera grain instrument panel.

The Mustang Mach 1 was given a competition suspension, NASA-type hood scoops, a front spoiler-type bumper, back panel applique, and a black grille with integral Sportslamps. The lower portion of the body was painted Argent Silver or black. They also had front and rear valance panels, Mach 1 decals, wheel trim rings and hubcaps, E70-14 bias-belted whitewall tires, and a 302 two-barrel V8.

The First Generation Mustang
A Mustang I two-seater concept was created in 1962, evolving into the Mustang II four-seater concept car in 1963 and used by Ford to pretest the public reaction. Production officially began on March 9th of 1964 in Dearborn, Michigan, the first example sold to the public was on April 15th of 1964, and was introduced on April 17th, 1964 at the New York World's Fair. The two-door hardtop and convertible body style were followed by a '2+2' fastback in September 1964.

The Mustang grew bigger during the 1967 through 1973 model years, with updates that allowed a big block engine to be offered for the first time. The front and rear styling became more pronounced, and around this time, a Mercury variant dubbed the Cougar was introduced. Although similar in design, it had its own unique styling cues, a 'prowling cat' logo, and hidden quad headlamps.

The first generation Mustang gained an energy-absorbing steering column and wheel for 1967, a dual-circuit hydraulic braking system, soft interior knobs, and four-way emergency flashers. A year later, it gained revised side scoops, gasoline caps, and steering wheel. Side marker lights were added that year, and models constructed after January 1st, 1968, were given shoulder safety belts for both front seats on coupes. This was the same year that Ford added a new 302 cubic-inch V8 engine, designed to comply with Federal emission regulations, to the options list.

The 1969 Mustangs wore new styling highlighted by a larger body that was wider and longer with a more aggressive stance. The front styling was revised with quad headlamps which were replaced a year later in favor of a wider grille and 'standard' headlamps. Trim packages added in 1969 included the Mach 1, the Boss 302, and Boss 429 with the last two designed to homologate the engines for motorsport competition. 1969 was also the final year for the GT option, although it made a brief return in 1982 for the third-generation Mustang. The new Grande package for 1969 added a softer, more luxurious ride, plus an additional fifty-five pounds of sound-deadening material, and simulated wood trim.

As the performance era of the 1960s came to a close, due to increasing safety regulations, emissions controls, and high insurance premiums, the Mustang took the path towards luxury, shedding some of its performance motifs in the process, as it continued to grow in size. The 1971 Mustang was nearly three inches wider than the previous year, and its front and rear track were also increased by nearly three inches. The SportsRoof body style had a nearly flat rear roofline due to the size revisions, which made the interior cramped with less visibility for the driver.

The Second Generation of the Mustang, produced from 1974 through 1978, would favor fuel efficiency which meant a decrease in size and was initially based on the Ford Maverick, but instead was based on the Ford Pinto subcompact. Ford introduced the 'Mustang II' on September 21st of 1973, just two months before the first oil crisis. Due to its small size and fuel-sipping nature, it ultimately proved very popular, with first-year sales reaching 385,993 examples.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2013