The elongated front hood accommodated powerful engines, while the shortened rear trunk created a sporty, compact profile that defined the entire class.

Actor Steve McQueen drove a dark green 1968 Mustang GT fastback through the hilly streets of San Francisco during this groundbreaking ten-minute scene.

Ford stylist John Najjar pitched the name as a tribute to the North American P-51 Mustang, though the marketing ultimately shifted to focus on the wild horse.

Sharing components like the chassis and drivetrain with the compact Falcon allowed Ford to launch the 1965 Mustang with a highly affordable base price of just $2,368.