Classic Mustang Insurance

A Look at One of the World’s Most Iconic Cars Over the Years

1986 Mustang GT

The 1986 Ford Mustang GT is a third-generation Mustang, and like the other fine iterations within this generation, it features a Fox body. While the vehicle wasn’t the first of the Fox Body Mustangs, it was perhaps the most notable thanks to its powerhouse V8 engine, expert handling, and iconic style.

Ford’s series of Fox Body Mustangs underwent a number of changes through the years. Some of the most notable body changes began in 1985, and the 1986 Mustang GT continued sporting these alterations. The car’s front boasted pushed-in quad headlights, a pointed bumper, and subtle grills.

Additionally, the 1986 Ford GT Mustang’s rear was characterized by long dual exhaust outlets, vented rear window louvers, and a decklid wing. This classic Ford’s exterior was made all the more eye-catching thanks to its flared fenders. The car came in three different configurations: the 1986 Mustang GT convertible, notchback, and hatchback.

While the 1986 Mustang GT’s exterior is impressive, the car’s thrilling engine is its main selling point. The car’s powertrain was a 5.0-liter OHV V8 with a factory rating of 200 horsepower and 285 pound-feet of torque. The car sent power to its rear wheels via either a 5-speed Borg-Warner T-5 manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission, empowering the Mustang to go from zero to 60 in only 6.3 seconds. The Mustang could also complete a quarter mile in 14.7 seconds.

Those who are especially knowledgeable in the history of Mustangs may recall that the 1985 actually featured 10 more horses than the 1986 Mustang GT. While a drop in 10 hp may sound like a downgrade, the new engine boasted an advanced multi-port direct fuel injection system. This allowed the car to have an extra 20 pound-feet of torque at 3000 revolutions per minute. In addition to its new multi-port direction fuel injection, the drivetrain featured a 10.5-inch clutch, a half-inch increase from the previous model year.

Power and speed are certainly essentials for pony car performance, but precise and advanced handling is also critical. Fortunately, the 1986 came with some impressive hardware features. The car’s suspension was made up of a coil-sprung front independent suspension and a rear semi-floating solid-axle coil-sprung suspension. The front featured a 26.5 mm anti-roll bar, and the rear came with gas-pressurized hydraulic shocks and a 23.0 mm anti-roll bar. Additionally, the car included a limited-slip differential, rack-and-pinion hydraulically-assisted steering, power-assisted hydraulic 10.1-inch vented disc brakes, and 9.1 x 1.8-inch rear drum brakes.

1987 Mustang

The 1987 Mustang underwent major exterior changes from the 1986, some of which derived from the Mustang SVO, a limited production version of the Mustang that Ford made from 1984 to 1986. Ford breathed new style into the 1987 Mustang, which included aerodynamic headlights, air scoops in front of every wheel, new tail light covers, and a smoother nose. The 1987 Ford Mustang’s exterior also featured wrap-around signal lamps and triangular inboard parking lights, further distinguishing the car’s styling from previous iterations.

On top of these major changes to the standard 1987 Mustang, the 1987 Mustang GT and LX came with their own distinct design updates. The GT showcased a dummy scoop in front of each wheel as well as new sculpted rocker panel skirts. Its front didn’t feature a grille and it included new “Mustang GT” lettering along its rocker extensions and rear bumper. The LX, on the other hand, came with a simple slot on its grille along with a horizontal bar. This bar featured a subtle but stylish Ford logo. Other styling updates on the LX included its rear spoiler and body-color bumper.

In addition to these exciting new changes to its exterior, the pony car’s interior received a major facelift. Ford made the cabin far more spacious by equipping it with a streamlined dashboard. The interior also featured an upright instrument pod that included a rear-window defroster, hazard flasher, and side-mount rocker switches.

Additionally, the 1987 took notable features from the Ford Taurus, such as its wide console with rotary knobs for climate control. Other notable updates include its armrests, door panels, and steering wheel. Finally, Ford equipped the cabin with updated seats with new bolsters.

Unlike the 1986 GT, the 1987 Mustang came with two engine options: the 2.3-liter four-cylinder and an enhanced 5.0-liter V8. The four-cylinder engine featured a factory rating of 88 hp as well as an upgraded multi-point electronic fuel injection system.

Of course, even with these improvements, the four-cylinder pales in comparison to the improved 5.0-liter V8. The engine boasted 25 additional horses from the 1986, bringing it up to a factory rating of 225 horsepower. Ford also updated the car’s electronic engine control module and speed density system. The car’s updated drivetrain used barometric and manifold pressure to calculate the airflow as it went into the engine, further enhancing the engine’s performance. Ford also upgraded the engine with better cylinder heads with higher compression.

Those in the market for one of these impressive models can find it in the following configurations: a 1987 Mustang convertible, a 1987 Mustang hatchback, and a 1987 Mustang coupe.

1992 Ford Mustang

The standard 1992 Ford Mustang didn’t experience major external changes from previous model years. Car sales were down in the early 1990s due to an economic recession, and the Mustang’s sales were far from impressive. While Ford usually sold well over 100,000 Mustang units in a single year, the manufacturer only sold 79,280 units in 1992. Fortunately, this still outpaced the competition thanks to the slowing car industry.

The main difference between the 1992 Ford Mustang and previous years was updates to the LX version. The 1992 Ford LX featured a somewhat updated body, with color-keyed bodyside moldings wrapping around the vehicle. While the GT version didn’t see updates in 1992, it reached an impressive milestone: The 1992 Mustang GT was the first Mustang to have a base model price of over $20,000. 

Though the GT didn’t undergo changes that year, Ford tweaked its design in the previous model year. Updates included 16-inch 5-spoke cast aluminum wheels and a new solid grille with a center Ford emblem. The manufacturer also further improved the car’s aerodynamic design, with an updated front as well as side and rear skirt panels.

1992 was also the first and only year in which Ford offered the Mustang summer edition, also called the 1992 ½ Ford Mustang or the 1992 Vibrant Red Mustang LX 5.0 Limited Edition Convertible. As the alternative name suggests, the summer edition only included convertibles. 

What distinguished the 1992 Mustang Summer Edition from other Mustangs was its style and drivetrain. The car had style similarities to the 7-Up Mustang that Ford sold in 1990, including its white leather interior and black stitching. The cabin’s black carpets, headliner, and dashboard stunningly contrasted with its white leather. In addition to its interior, the 1992 Summer Edition featured a white convertible top derived from the 7-Up Mustang. This top looked all the more stunning juxtaposed with the car’s eye-catching special red finish. 

Additionally, the summer ‘stang boasted a decklid spoiler that was distinct from other 1992 Mustangs, and it featured stylish body-colored side mirrors, windshield trim, door trim, window trim, and rear quarter panel moldings. 

This special edition Mustang was powered by a 302 H.O V8 with a factory rating of 225 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Car lovers had the option to pair this engine either with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic. The 1992 Mustang 5.0 sat atop 16-inch Opal Pearlescent white wheels, complementing the vehicle’s stunning convertible top and leather interior.

2005 Mustang

The 2005 Ford Mustang was the first entry in the model’s fifth generation, which spanned from 2005 all the way to 2014. The car sported striking design details reminiscent of the classic Mustang, including its long hood, short deck, and circular headlights. This timeless design evokes nostalgia while also emphasizing its raw power. The car’s breathtaking, sleek body reflects its durability and sporty performance.

Though it drew from the past, the car provided motorists with modern luxuries, such as its front airbags and a premium audio system with a 6-disc CD changer as well as AM/FM stereo. The cabin also came with leather seating and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. It also featured a variety of new finishes, including Legend Lime, Mineral Grey, Performance White, Redfire, Satin Silver, Screaming Yellow, Torch Red, and more.

The standard performance package featured a cast-iron block 4.0-liter Cologne SOHC V6 with a factory rating of 210 hp at 5,300 revolutions per minute and 240 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This engine could either be mated to a Tremec T-5 5-speed manual transmission or a 5R55S 5-speed automatic. Both options had a final drive ratio of 3.31:1. When paired with the automatic transmission, the 2005 could go from zero to 60 in only 7.3 seconds.

The car also came with impressive handling features. It had a MacPherson strut front suspension as well as a live axle rear suspension. The front suspension boasted reverse lower control arms while the rear came with a three-link system with a Panhard Rod. The car also featured bigger brake discs than past iterations, allowing for better stopping power. Further, the vehicle came with a sway bar. The 2005 Mustang sat atop 16-inch painted aluminum wheels and came with dual power mirrors, power door locks, and power windows.

Those opting for the 2005 Mustang GT had the privilege of driving with a powerful all-aluminum 4.6-liter 3-valve SOHC Modular V8 with 300 hp at 5,750 rpm and 320 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm. The drivetrain also featured variable camshaft timing and a Tremec TR-3650 transmission.

The 2005 GT Mustang also came equipped with an improved suspension. It boasted a limited-slip differential, 12.4-inch front brake discs, a four-channel anti-lock braking system with traction control, a two-piece drive shaft, and 17-inch wheels. Other notable features include its stainless steel dual exhaust pipes and grille-mounted fog lights. 

2006 Mustang Shelby GT-H

The 2006 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-H was a labor of love produced in collaboration by Ford, Shelby Automobiles, and the Hertz Corporation. The vehicle was largely inspired by the classic Shelby GT350H, and the car was available to rent from Hertz. In fact, the car was only available in black with gold racing stripes, resembling the Hertz logo and official colors.

Some of the car’s notable external features included its Shelby hood with functional pins, front and rear fascias, and a brushed aluminum grille with a running horse image. Shelby later used the same fascias for subsequent Mustang GT and GT/CS models.

This special edition of the 2006 Mustang Shelby was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 that’s mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The stunning and powerful vehicle also included the Ford Racing Performance Group’s Power Pack (F1). This pack came with a Muffler Kit, a 90 mm cold air kit, an X-pipe, a cat-back performance exhaust, and a custom performance calibration. These additions enhanced the car’s performance, allowing it to have a power output of 319 hp and 330 pound-feet of torque.

On top of the 2006 Mustang Shelby GT500’s incredible speed performance, the car came with an exceptional handling package, complete with enhanced dampers, sway bars, a Ford Racing 3.55:1 ratio rear axle assembly, a strut tower brace, and lowering springs.

 That same year, Ford debuted the GT California Special package, inspired by the 1968 California Special Mustang. Like the 2006 Mustang Shelby, the GT California Special came with original style features, including non-functional side scoops, distinct front fascia and rear valance, and vinyl striping with GT emblems on its sides.

The car was powered by the same engine as the 2006 Mustang Shelby GT-H: the 4.6-liter V8. It could also be mated to a TR3650 manual or 5R55S automatic transmission. The car boasted an impressive Pony package, which included fog lamps, an automatic braking system, GT shocks, steering gear, a sway bar, a special gas cap badge, and a GT rear wing spoiler. This iconic entry in Mustang history also boasted 9” silver racing stripes, chrome exhaust tips, and sat on 17-inch painted aluminum wheels.

Finally, the California Special came with an upgraded interior package with a Shaker 500 audio system, power driver’s seat, chrome trim accents, and MyColor dashboard lights.

One essential note is that both the 2006 GT California Special and the 2006 Mustang Shelby GT-H are exceedingly rare. Ford only produced 600 units of the 2006 GT California Special, and they only manufactured 500 2006 GT-H units.

2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

The 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 marked the beginning of the second-generation Ford SVT Shelby Mustangs. Ford based the new Shelby iteration on the S-197 II platform. They overhauled the Mustang’s design and equipped it with a new rear spoiler with a Gurney flap, front and rear fascias, and a hood with working vents.

A 5.4-liter Modular 4-valve V8 powered this car, producing 540 horses and 510 pound-feet of torque. The V8 routed power through a Tremec TR-6060 6-speed manual transmission. This combination allowed the GT500 to sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in just 4.19 seconds, showcasing its blistering acceleration. The 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 could also reach a top speed of 180 mph.

Ford improved the 2010 Mustang Shelby GT500’s powertrain through upgrades on its twin-disc clutch. They increased the clutch’s diameter by 35 mm and enabled the clutch to use six straps to impact its intermediate disc. Plus, Ford SVT constructed this upgraded clutch with more robust materials than previous models. Ultimately, this addition improved the car’s handling and reduced noise, vibration, and harshness.

Ford’s SVT team further enhanced the Mustang’s already impressive drive train by installing an open-element air induction system. This cold air intake utilized a cone-shaped air filter that’s reminiscent of the GT500KR, which Ford produced in 2008 and 2009. The air induction system made the vehicle more fuel-efficient. Ford also equipped the engine with a knock sensor, a thoughtful addition that would alert drivers if they were using lower-octane fuel, ensuring the engine’s longevity and optimal performance.

The 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 resides on modified 19” Goodyear tires with improved treads, enhancing grip and stability. Ford also shaped the wheels to reduce unsprung weight, and they re-tuned the GT500’s suspension.

In addition to all of its mechanical improvements, the GT500 boasted eye-catching finishes, including Alloy Metallic, Colorado Red, Grabber Blue, Ebony, Ingot Silver Metallic, Kona Blue Metallic, Sangria Red Metallic, Silver Metallic, Vista Blue Metallic, and more. Additionally, drivers could customize their interiors by extending the Mustang’s iconic stripes along the cabin seats. Drivers could also choose between a 2-door convertible and a 2-door coupe.

Ford only produced 2,000 units of this iconic Mustang, and many are still available in used car markets. There are also plenty of similar models available, such as the 2011 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake, 2012 Shelby GT350, 2013 Shelby GT350, and more.

2014 Ford Mustang

Last but certainly not least is the 2014 Ford Mustang. This model was the final entry in the Ford Mustang’s fifth generation, and the manufacturer didn’t change much from the previous year. In 2013, Ford updated the Mustang with a bigger grille and an all-new front fascia. These additions made the Mustang look all the more formidable. Further, Ford installed new HiD headlamps as well as two LED accent strips. Although the model year didn’t see many updates, Ford added two new colors to its stylish arsenal: Ruby Red and Oxford White.

2014 saw a variety of different Mustang versions and trims, including the 2014 Ford Mustang V6, 2014 Ford Mustang GT Track Package, 2014 Ford Mustang GT Premium, and the Pony Package. Further, motorists could upgrade their ride exteriors with two impressive appearance packages: the FP6 and FP8.

The FP6 appearance package was available for the 2014 Ford Mustang V6 and was characterized by its black-painted wheels, black rear spoiler, black mirror caps, and 18-inch wheels. The FP8, on the other hand, was only available for the 2014 Ford Mustang GT. It came with a black decklid spoiler, 19-inch aluminum wheels, black inserts, and quarter window louvers.

The Pony Package equipped drivers with LED lighting that was mounted on its side mirrors. These LED lights project an image of a galloping horse on the ground, flaunting the Mustang’s impressive speed and performance. The package also came with LED tail lamp clusters at its rear, low valence fog lamps, and 18-inch wheels.

The 2014 Ford Mustang V6 was powered by a 3.7-liter DOHC EFI V6 engine. The fine engine could produce 305 hp at 6,500 rpm and 280 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm. The 2014 Ford Mustang GT Track Package featured a 5.0-liter Coyote V8 with 420 hp at 6,500 rpm and 390 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm. Plus, it featured a 3.73:1 Torsen helical cut limited-slip differential.

The 2014 Ford Mustang GT Track Package also came with impressive handling, including a Brembo brake upgrade with 14’ vented front rotors, tuned suspension, and 19” wheels. The Track Package was only available for GT coupes that utilized manual transmissions, so drivers had the option of either a 5-speed or 6-speed manual transmission. Other notable details in the package included its Boss 302 engine oil cooler, Boss 302 aluminum radiator, and RECARO Sport seats.

The GT also came with an eye-catching exterior that drew from elements of the Shelby GT500, including its front fascia. The car boasted blacked-out tail lights and LED fog lights that were mounted in its grille. Finally, the car came with heat extractors along its hood, improving the engine’s cooling and performance.