SuperConvertible.com

The 69 and 70 Mustang convertible had an aggressive stance with the pointed hood, the two horizonal features on the front grill, and the wing on the back. Tied together it made for a great looking muscle car that competed with Camaros, Baracudas and Chevelles. The gas/emission troubles of the early 70's signaled an end of truly amazing muscle cars. By 1973 some of the finest features of the Mustang were sucked out in favor of blandness. The Mustang was extended by 2" and widened by 3" so the overall weight was approaching the weight of an elephant. A family of five could have a picnic on the massive hood of the Mustang for 1971 to 73.

So Ford made the car bigger in everyway except for the engine which by 1973 was puny, not pony. In 1973 the once proud 351 Cleveland produced 177 horsepower and that was the top of the line.(minus the Cobra Jet) Don't even think about a Boss engine for 1973. The new government regulations on emissions were taking their toll. This was a bad time to buy a new muscle car.

It's funny how it goes sometimes. There are amazing vehicles that get very little attention even though they deserve it. The 69 and 70 Mustang Convertible is one of those cars. When the Mustang came out in the middle of 1964 it was a hit. People loved it and Ford produced it in quantity. In 1965 Ford produced 73,112 Mustang convertibles and 72,119 in 1966. That is a lot of convertibles.

But take a look at the 1969 and 1970 models, 14,746 and 7673 respectively. To put some perspective on it, the 1970 Mustang convertible had 1/10th the production of the 65. A 1/10th! With the new styling, 2 pair of headlights, extending body and pointed grill this looked more like the other muscle cars of the day. So why doesn't this incredible car get more attention? I have no idea.

Whenever you talk about convertibles the discuss MUST talk about the venerable Ford Mustang. There are few American cars that have a legacy like the Ford Mustang convertible, maybe the Chevrolet Corvette. Starting in late 1964 with it's premier the Mustang had the convertible option. Decades later the Mustang convertible is still a great looking classic American sports car. Since this vehicle spans such a long time range and has seen several variations, it deserves more than one blog post.

Back in the mid 60's options on Mustangs were dirt cheap and extensive. You could get a 289 engine with 271 horsepower upgrade for a measley $276.00 bucks. Of course times were a little different you also had to pay $14.00 if you wanted to have rear seatbelts. Does that one just blow your mind? Overall the Mustang convertible would cost a little over $3000.00 depending on your options.
One of the most important things about the Mustang was what it created, the pony car craze. On the GM and Chrysler side of things they are more often referred to as muscle cars but the intent is the same. A fun, fast car that you would go cruising in. The classic styling and the large pony on the grill were immediately well received. It wouldn't be long, 2-1/2 years before GM produced their answer to the Mustang. Mustang I'd like to introduce you to Camaro, let the rivalry begin!