Episode Guest: Charles Coats, serial First Generation Mustang owner

The trifecta of classic Mustangs—the coupe, convertible, and fastback—captures the essence of 1960s American automotive culture. The coupe, with its sleek and timeless design, offered a balance of style and practicality. The convertible embodied freedom and the open road, perfect for those who wanted to feel the wind in their hair while cruising. The fastback, known for its sporty and aerodynamic silhouette, appealed to performance enthusiasts with its powerful presence and racing pedigree. Each model played a crucial role in establishing the Mustang as an iconic and beloved American muscle car.

The first generation Mustangs, produced from 1964.5 to 1967, marked the birth of one of America's most iconic cars. The Mustang was introduced by Ford on April 17, 1964, at the New York World's Fair. Initially dubbed the "1964.5" model, it was technically a 1965 model year vehicle. The Mustang's launch was a groundbreaking moment in automotive history, creating the "pony car" class of American muscle cars—affordable, compact, and sporty cars with long hoods and short rear decks.

The 1965 Mustang came in three body styles: coupe, convertible, and fastback, each offering a variety of engine options, from the economical inline-six to the powerful V8s. The car's design, affordability, and performance made it an instant hit, selling over 400,000 units in its first year and surpassing a million within two years.

In 1966, the Mustang continued to evolve with minor aesthetic updates, including a new grille, side ornamentation, wheel covers, and gas cap. The car also became more customizable, with new interior and exterior options.

By 1967, the Mustang received its first significant redesign to accommodate larger V8 engines and provide a more aggressive stance. The 1967 models featured a more robust front and rear end, revised interior, and improved suspension, making it a favorite among performance enthusiasts.

Throughout its early years, the Mustang's combination of style, performance, and affordability cemented its status as a symbol of American automotive ingenuity and a cultural icon.

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Keep it safe, keep it rollin’ and keep it on the road. Until next time!

~Doug Sandler

With his 67 fastback never too far from sight, Olivier Zibret, freelance flame artist is all about drawing inspiration from the GT350 Cobra Logo. Let's talk all things classic Mustang and some things hot hot hot, welcome to Ford Mustang The Early Years podcast.

Ford Mustang, The Early Years Podcast -- Guest Interview Application

How long have you owned your Mustang?:

Almost 6 years

If you own a Mustang or classic car, have you named your car? If so, what is his/her name?:

Lily

If you've made improvements to your classic car or restored it, what work have you done?:

Before the engine blew up, only an electronic ignition but currently rebuilding the engine with a paxton supercharger and in the process of having a custom gas cap emblem.

What plans do you have for improvements/restoration/modification of your classic car?:

My plans for my mustang is to continue to customize it around the cobra logo Peter Brock did design and taking inspiration from the 65/66 racing Shelby GT350 but keeping in mind the 67 design. So more cobra logos, maybe a custom side fender cobra logo, to make GT350 competition seat replicas, Shelby drop, replace my tach with a vintage cobra one, custom cobra shift knob. In the future, my plan would be to improve my suspension system and get back my 3.00 rear gear ratio.

Olivier IG account

67.mustang.fastback.cobra

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Vanilla Sky (movie)

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Sponsored by: National Parts Depot

www.npdlink.com

With 4 warehouses nationwide, you’ll get your parts fast!

Keep it safe, keep it rollin’ and keep it on the road. Until next time!

~Doug Sandler