Ford Mustang 1964 1/2 to 2011 History and Guide 2
1979 to 1993 Mustang the “Sixth Generation” Although there were many small changes during that time, the overall appearance remained the same for the longest period in Mustang history thus far. The 1979 Mustang marked the first year of what is known as the “Fox Body” Mustang. Fox’s “body” is actually the name of the platform on which it was built. The Fox platform was used for several different Ford cars, including Thunderbird and Fairmont, as early as 1978. The Fox name was used at Ford internally and refers to a competing model in Europe, the Audi Fox.
1994 to 1998 Mustang the “Seventh Generation” Nick named SN95, its sleeker appearance marked a breath of fresh air for Mustang enthusiasts. The major change in body style showed Ford’s renewed commitment to the Mustang. Even though the Mustang was still selling well, Ford was gearing up for the rumored Camaro redesign.
Mustang from 1999 to 2004, the “eighth generation” The “New Edge” design made its debut in 1999, the body lines are now sharper but still using the same basic platform as the SN95.
2005 to 2011 Mustang the “Ninth Generation” The “Revolution” added an entirely new era to Mustang History. Modeled to closely resemble iconic late ’60s Mustangs, the 2005 Mustang sparked an entirely new interest in owning and customizing this living legend.
The details
1964 1/2 Mustang (early 65s)
On April 17, 1964, the introduction of the Mustang forever changed the face of automobile manufacturing in the United States. Even cars sold in early 1964 have a 5 as the first digit of the VIN number. Production of the early 1965 Mustang actually began on March 9, 1964 in Dearborn, Michigan. The end of production of the early 1965 Mustang was halted in August 1964. Mustangs manufactured between March 9, 1964 and August 17, 1964 have date codes on the door lock ranging from C to H. Checking the date on the door lock is undoubtedly the easiest and most reliable way to know the actual time the car was built. If it is not possible to look into the door jam, the easiest way to tell at a glance is the leading edge of the hood. The early 1965 Mustang had a beveled edge on the curve between the fender and the edge of the grille, in September ’64 this bezel was removed. It is important to note that there was no Mustang fastback in early 1965, it was not introduced until September 1964.
Vehicle identification number early 1965
First digit: is the model year of the Mustang 5 = 1965
Second digit: shows which assembly plant it was built in
Plant
Dearborn, MI = F
San Jose, CA = R
Metuchen, NJ = T
