Thursday 9th August 2018

10 millionth Ford Mustang built

There's no slowing of sales for the world's most famous pony car

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The party hats and mini sausage rolls must be in hot demand in Michigan this week, with Ford’s Flat Rock plant celebrating production of the 10 millionth Mustang. Now 54 years old and in its sixth-generation, the world-famous pony car is as important a halo car for Ford as it’s ever been, helping to boost the desirability of the Blue Oval’s entire range and emphasise the firm’s intent on producing driver focussed cars.

Rewind to 1964, though, when the first Mustang was shown in concept form, and it wasn’t the global offering we see today but a car for the American people. It used a 2.8-litre straight-six with, erm, 101hp, cost from just $2,368 and, most importantly, looked the dog’s bollocks. An icon was born pretty much out of the starting blocks.

2018 Ford Mustang GT: Driven

It’s passed through various guises, some of which were genuine giant slayers (like the Shelby GT350), while others were, to be frank, pants (see the second-generation Mustang). But since the turn of the millennium modern ‘stangs have gradually returned the brand to its best. Evidence of which comes with sales of the latest Mk6 car.

Launched in 2015, it was the first to be offered in right-hand drive, so effectively opened the door to 25 previously unofficially untapped global markets, including the UK. Ford flogged 125,809 Mustangs last year impressive for a car that’s still a rather niche offering even if 81,866 of these sales came in the USA.

Nevertheless, Europeans bought 13,241 Mustangs in 2017, most of which were with the 5.0 V8 engine rather than cheaper 2.3 EcoBoost. The total number was a 1,963 drop on 2016 but still represented the second highest ‘stang sales on this side of The Pond yet. By comparison, the previous-generation car peaked at 904 cars in Europe in 2008.

One thing’s clear then: this pony's enduring popularity shows no sign of diminishing. Happy 10 millionth Mustang, and here’s to 10 million more! What’s your favourite Mustang? Let us know in the comments below.

[E65Ross]

Article states:

Nevertheless, Europeans bought 13,241 Mustangs in 2017, most of which were with the 5.0 V8 engine rather than cheaper 2.3 EcoBoost. The total number was a 1,963 drop on 2016......

Then goes on to say:

One thing’s clear then: this pony has no signs of slowing down.

Eh?

[ayman82]

Article also states:

'in its six-generation'

Shouldn't this be 'in its sixth-generation?

[dzernski]

Forever thankful for the mustang. Without it Chevy wouldn't have made the camaro.

[forester2945]

Nevertheless, Europeans bought 13,241 Mustangs in 2017, most of which were with the 5.0 V8 engine rather than cheaper 2.3 EcoBoost. The total number was a 1,963 drop on 2016......

Then goes on to say:

One thing’s clear then: this pony has no signs of slowing down.


From 122k in 2015 to 105k in 2016 to 81k in 2017 I'd say thats every sign of slowing down!

[Master Bean]

The 2.8 was a straight 6, not a V8.

[Gecko1978]

just goes to show the world still wants some blue collar muscle in a world or hybrid EV and 60+ mpg fun is stil important

[Wolvesboy]

Whatever the article states, the present Mustang is a great looking car and a bold move by Ford. New prices are rising though and that is why I think sales are slowing. Ford have realised they can charge more whilst it is still relatively new.
I would love an orange or yellow GT on the drive and cannot wait (hopefully) for the used prices to come down. Wont be a while yet I fear.

[redroadster]

Its got character which hardly exists in modern cars now ,the v8 exhaust note is one of best around with a straight through pipe sounds epic prob only metc v8 amg comes close and cheap at half the price for what it is love them .

[spikyone]

Am I alone in thinking that this sort of thing is utterly pointless to celebrate? It's the polar opposite of Shakespeare's "a rose by any other name" - they've taken some daffodils, tulips, and gladioli, called them all a rose, and tried to pretend they've sold 10 million roses. Aside from some nuts and bolts, there probably isn't a single component on the latest Mustang that would fit on the first car. The new one has more in common with a Mondeo than a Mk1 Mustang.

[Gecko1978]

had a sit in one the other day owner told me of the 6000 mile service interval on the 5.0 V8 is this right seems very short.

[djc206]

Gecko1978 said:

had a sit in one the other day owner told me of the 6000 mile service interval on the 5.0 V8 is this right seems very short.

10,000 or 1 year as far as I’m aware

[wack]

Just over £600 for the 3 year service package on the 5.0 GT so I'd hardly call that a rip off , especially when you compare it to other manufacturers 400bhp offerings

Masaerati Quattroporte V6 Petrol

12,500 Mile Service £497.70
25,000 Mile Service £921.49
37,500 Mile Service £845.39
50,000 Mile Service £1,056.49



Front Pads £586.50
Front Discs £688.14
Rear pads £337.20
Rear Discs £356.34

BMW M cars £999 for 3 services 36,000 miles, Mercedes seems to be about the same.