The 1960’s introduced many icons to the world from the British Invasion of the Beatles to the new American icon, the Ford Mustang. There are very few American muscle cars that have stood the test of time like the Mustang with its legacy of power and style. Since its debut in 1964, the Mustang has become more than just a car, but rather a symbol of freedom, power, and style. Over the years, Ford has produced countless iterations of this iconic muscle car, each leaving its own mark on automotive history and of course everyone has their favorites. We have compiled a list of some of the top Mustang models and years as well as highlighting the features that made them stand out throughout their incredible run.

1965 Ford Mustang

It all began with the 1965 Mustang, which was officially introduced in April 1964. The classic 1965 Mustang was the first full production year, and it set the standard for the "pony car" class. Styling wise, it was a hit with its long hood, and short rear deck, making it a sporty yet affordable design. The 1965 Mustang was available in coupe, convertible, and fastback body styles, and offered a range of engine options, including the now-legendary 289 cubic inch V8.

1967 Ford Mustang

It was only two years before the first major redesign of American muscle car. The 1967 Mustang took the original design and added more power, with a wider, more aggressive stance and an option for the powerful 390 cubic inch V8 engine. The legendary Shelby GT500, a high-performance variant was also introduced with this model and has become one of the most sought-after Mustangs in history. The 1967 Mustang is still a highly sought after vehicle for collectors today.

1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429

In 1969, Ford introduced the Mustang Boss 429 that was built for power. This model was an extreme performance machine with an engine that was conservatively rated at 375 horsepower. Its aggressive design, complete with a functional hood scoop, wide stance, and minimalist badging, made it an icon American muscle car. As with the Shelby GT500, the Boss 429 is one of the most coveted Mustangs, with prices reflecting its rarity and performance pedigree.

1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1

The 1970 Mustang Mach 1 was the peak model of the first-generation Mustang’s performance capabilities. Its shaker hood scoop, sleek fastback design, and a range of powerful engines, including the 428 Cobra Jet, the Mach 1 was a muscle car enthusiast’s dream. This model also featured a more refined interior compared to earlier Mustangs, making it a powerful and comfortable cruiser.

1987 Ford Mustang GT

The 1980’s brought with it emission regulations and changes to the automotive industry. In 1987, Ford downsized the model and introduced the “Fox Body" Mustang. The new Mustang regained its performance edge with the 1987 GT model, which featured a lightweight design and a revamped 5.0-liter V8 engine that produced 225 horsepower—a significant number for the time. The 1987 Mustang GT was a car for the modern era, blending the raw performance of earlier Mustangs with contemporary styling. The Fox Body Mustangs of this era are still celebrated for their tuning potential and their role in keeping the Mustang relevant during a challenging period for American performance cars.

2005 Ford Mustang GT

The 2005 Mustang GT marked the beginning of the "retro-futurism" design trend in the automotive world. Ford went back to its roots with this model, paying homage to the classic 1960s Mustangs while incorporating modern technology and performance. The 2005 GT came equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 300 horsepower, combined with a retro-styled interior and exterior that won the hearts of Mustang purists and new buyers alike. This model helped re-establish the Mustang as a leader in the muscle car world during the 21st century.

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

The 2012 Boss 302 was a revival of the legendary 1969 Boss 302, and it did not disappoint. Ford engineered this model with a singular focus: performance. Under the hood was a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 444 horsepower, matched with a track-ready suspension system. The 2012 Boss 302 was designed to be a street-legal race car, and it lived up to that promise with lap times that rivaled much more expensive European sports cars. This model is revered for its perfect blend of modern technology and raw, old-school muscle.

2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

The 2020 Shelby GT500 Mustang was built for absolute power and performance. It is the single most powerful Mustang ever produced. Under the hood, it is powered by a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine that puts out 760 horsepower. This Mustang is stacked with high performance enhancements from track-focused suspension to huge brakes that make it a formidable competitor on the racetrack. This Mustang is sure to go down as a classic in the years to come.