Mustang II Network - 1974 Mustang - Young Car With a Tradition and a Future

74 Mustang - Young Car With a Tradition and a Future

EVOLUTION OF THE MUSTANG

For example, the 1971 Mustang (most recent major change) was 12 inches longer, six inches wider and 500 pounds heavier than the 1965 model. Its base retail price was $2,888, an increase of 22 per cent from the original $2,368.
A look at pertinent Mustang growth and price development over the years shows:

MUSTANG COMPARISON SPECS AND PRICES
	1965	1973	1974
Wheelbase	108.0 in.	109.0 in.	96.2 in.
Overall Length	181.6	193.8	175.0
Overall Width	68.2	74.1	70.2
Overall Height	50.7	51.5	49.2
Curb Weight	2,567	3,193 (notchback)	2,700 (notchback)
Price	$2,368	$2,679	To be determined

       As importantly, the retail price of the average Mustang, including options, increased by over $1,000 from 1965 to 1971 - to $3,872 from the original $2,839.
        The product/price evolution left a gap at the lower end of the sporty small car market, which import and compact models began to exploit.
       Meanwhile, major market shifts were occuring in the U.S. auto industry, as detailed previously.
       Clearly, the company was faced with a decision.

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