K
Kit Sullivan
Guest
I remember vividly when the "All New 1971 Mustang" was introduced in late 1970. Ford made a big deal about it's "European Influence" and how sleek and sinewy it was compared to its competition. Ford strongly suggested that this was the beginning of a new generation of sophisticated Mustang.
When it debuted in the magazines, many reviewers were hard-pressed to find any emotionally-redeeming qualities about the "new" Mustang, beyond its obviously improved mechanicals.
The styling was very controversial, especially so the near-flat roof of the "sportroof" design. The chopped-off back end took a lot flack too.
Most complained it was too big, too much like a cheaper Torino than an authentic Mustang.
And they all lamented that it was inevitable that it grew out of its market...soon to be just a trim-difference on sn actual Torino platform.
At that time, the "1st generation" of Mustang was firmly considered to be 65-70.
Our cars were never given any great respect at the time, and suffered in popularity formany years because of this.
I did not care for mine as I should have, simply because I did not think it a classic and deserving of such care.
Only later did I redeveloo a fanatical fondness for it...after many years of hard use and stupid accidents.
Even when the dreaded "II" came out to laughter and tears of ridicule, our 71-73s still did not quite "get there" in the minds of enthhusiasts.
Personally, I feel the overall design of the car was spot-on in predicting future styling points...well ahead of its time.
It looked out of place and odd then...today it looks much more "contemporary" amongst current cars than 65-70 Mustangs do. That is why some peg them as late 70s or even early 80s models.
Whatever, they are my favorite now!
When it debuted in the magazines, many reviewers were hard-pressed to find any emotionally-redeeming qualities about the "new" Mustang, beyond its obviously improved mechanicals.
The styling was very controversial, especially so the near-flat roof of the "sportroof" design. The chopped-off back end took a lot flack too.
Most complained it was too big, too much like a cheaper Torino than an authentic Mustang.
And they all lamented that it was inevitable that it grew out of its market...soon to be just a trim-difference on sn actual Torino platform.
At that time, the "1st generation" of Mustang was firmly considered to be 65-70.
Our cars were never given any great respect at the time, and suffered in popularity formany years because of this.
I did not care for mine as I should have, simply because I did not think it a classic and deserving of such care.
Only later did I redeveloo a fanatical fondness for it...after many years of hard use and stupid accidents.
Even when the dreaded "II" came out to laughter and tears of ridicule, our 71-73s still did not quite "get there" in the minds of enthhusiasts.
Personally, I feel the overall design of the car was spot-on in predicting future styling points...well ahead of its time.
It looked out of place and odd then...today it looks much more "contemporary" amongst current cars than 65-70 Mustangs do. That is why some peg them as late 70s or even early 80s models.
Whatever, they are my favorite now!