5 Rare First-Generation Mustangs That Even Hardcore Ford Fans Often Forget

The first-generation Ford Mustang is one of the most recognizable American cars ever built. Introduced in April 1964, it quickly became a sales phenomenon and created the pony car segment that still exists today. During its nine-year production run, Ford released dozens of special editions, some of which became household names while others quietly disappeared into automotive history.

Although models like the Boss 429, Shelby GT500, and Mach 1 continue to command attention, several lesser-known variants are just as fascinating—and considerably rarer.

Here are five forgotten first-generation Mustangs that deserve another look.

1. 1969 Shelby de Mexico GT350

Most enthusiasts know the story of the original Shelby GT350, but far fewer are familiar with the cars built south of the border.

Through a partnership between Carroll Shelby and Mexican Ford parts importer Eduardo Velázquez, Shelby de Mexico produced a series of locally built GT350 models using Mexican-market Mustangs. Since fastback bodies weren't assembled at Ford's Mexican plant, these cars started life as hardtops before receiving custom fiberglass fastback conversions.

Power came from a modified 302-cubic-inch V8 producing just over 300 horsepower, slightly more than the U.S.-market GT350 offered the same year.

Only 306 examples were built, and fewer than 100 are believed to survive today.

2. 1968 Ford Mustang High Country Special

Regional editions were once a common way for Ford dealers to attract buyers, and few were more distinctive than the High Country Special, available exclusively through Colorado dealerships.

Earlier versions introduced in 1966 and 1967 were mostly appearance packages, but the 1968 model received far more extensive upgrades.

It featured a Shelby-inspired fiberglass rear decklid with an integrated spoiler, sequential taillights, Lucas fog lights, functional side scoops with High Country graphics, unique side stripes, and a grille without the traditional Mustang emblem.

Offered only as a hardtop coupe, the High Country Special could be ordered with nearly any factory engine and transmission combination.

Production totaled just 251 cars, making it one of the rarest factory-backed Mustang special editions.

3. 1970 Mustang Mach 1 Twister Special

Built exclusively for Ford's Kansas City sales district, the Twister Special gave buyers a unique version of the already popular Mach 1.

Every example wore bright Grabber Orange paint accented by exclusive side stripes and distinctive "Twister" graphics inspired by the colorful cartoon-style branding popular on Mopar muscle cars of the era.

Buyers could choose between a 351 Cleveland V8 producing 300 horsepower or the legendary 428 Cobra Jet, rated at 335 horsepower. Some Cobra Jet cars were further upgraded with the Drag Pak package, transforming them into even more serious performance machines.

Only 96 Twister Specials were built during the 1970 model year.

4. 1967 Ford Mustang Lone Star Limited

Texas received its own exclusive Mustang in 1967, officially known as the Lone Star Limited, although enthusiasts often refer to it as the Bluebonnet Mustang.

Designed to boost hardtop sales, every example featured exclusive blue exterior paint, a matching blue interior, unique badging, and a long list of premium equipment.

The package included wide-oval tires, chrome trim, a functional hood, rocker moldings, air conditioning, upgraded wheel covers, and additional appearance enhancements that made the car stand out from a standard Mustang coupe.

Just 50 examples were produced, making it one of the rarest regional Mustangs ever offered.

5. 1971 Shelby Europa

Although Carroll Shelby's involvement with Shelby Mustangs had largely ended by 1971, the Shelby name continued to live on in Europe.

Working with Belgian racing driver and Shelby distributor Claude Dubois, Ford created the Shelby Europa, a limited-production model converted from 1971 Mustang Mach 1s before being shipped overseas.

Available as both fastbacks and convertibles, the Europa models carried distinctive Shelby graphics and badging.

The GT350 version was powered by the 351 Cleveland V8, while the GT500 retained the legendary 428 Cobra Jet engine that American buyers could no longer order.

For decades, enthusiasts believed that 14 Shelby Europas had been produced. More recent documentation, however, indicates that only nine were ever completed, making them among the rarest Shelby-branded Mustangs ever built.

Hidden Gems of Mustang History

The first-generation Mustang produced countless memorable variants, but some of the most interesting were built in extremely limited numbers or sold only in specific regions. Today, these forgotten editions offer collectors a chance to own a unique piece of Mustang history that even seasoned enthusiasts may never have seen in person.