Muscle Car Mania: Vol. 1 – Ford Mustang

Ford Mustang – America’s Pony Car

Our Muscle Car Mania series highlights some of the most iconic muscle cars in history. First up: the Ford* Mustang.*

The Ford Mustang has been one of the most celebrated symbols of Americana for nearly six decades. Appearances in hit movies like “Gone in 60 Seconds,” “Bullitt” and “Goldfinger,” partnerships with racing legends like Carroll Shelby and numerous special editions have all helped set it apart as one of the ultimate enthusiast vehicles. Overall, it’s been one of Ford’s most successful models.

Next In Line

A few short years after its initial launch, the Mustang was fitted with its first big-block 390 in 1967, escalating it to muscle-car status. Several generations of Mustangs rolled out with their own unique features and styles in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, including the iconic Boss* 302 and Boss 429, featuring the 302 Windsor* engine, and the heart-pounding 429 race-inspired 375 hp V8, which replaced the 390, 427 and 428 big blocks. Ford also started introducing several special edition Mustang models, including the Bullitt,* the California Special* and the Shelby GT* that dominated auto racing in the late ‘60s.

Rising gasoline prices in the early ‘70s shifted Ford’s focus toward fuel economy rather than performance. The Mustang II generation took a sharp turn from the heavy muscle car style and instead made lighter models with reduced horsepower to keep in line with government fuel regulations.

The 1970s presented many challenges to the muscle-car market. EPA regulations limiting the use of lead in gasoline, the restriction of tailpipe emissions, an oil embargo and the introduction of import vehicles changed the landscape for a decade. It wasn’t until the mid ‘80s when the Mustang was finally fitted with an upgraded 5.0L that produced a respectable 210 hp. This was also when Ford used a roller cam to allow for the use of traditional passenger-car motor oil rather than the high-zinc oil required by its predecessors.

Mustangs Up To Date

The Mustang continued evolving throughout the years to adapt to changing markets and styles. Throughout the late ‘90s and 2000s the Mustang saw its 210 hp 5.0L retired for a 215 hp 4.6L, which received mild upgrades until it was replaced by the now legendary Coyote* 5.0L, which pumped out a whopping 412 hp. The Coyote is still offered today with an improved 460 hp, but smaller-displacement, turbocharged EcoBoost* offerings are gaining popularity.

More Muscle Needs More Protection

Many early Mustangs produced less than 300 hp. By contrast, 2020 Mustang engines can pump out up to 760 hp with a supercharged 5.2L. The massive amount of power in today’s Mustang engines requires sophisticated lubrication.

Whether you have a classic Mustang or a modern powerhouse, AMSOIL has the specialized products you need to keep it in prime condition.