5 Most Fascinating First-Generation Mustang Concepts That Made Automotive History

The first-generation Ford Mustang debuted in 1964, becoming one of the most iconic cars in automotive history. It gave birth to an entirely new segment — the pony car — and inspired a number of legendary concept vehicles. Here are five brilliant first-generation Mustang concepts that left their mark on car culture.

1. Mustang I

Ford’s Mustang burst onto the scene in April 1964, instantly captivating the world and sparking a revolution in the automotive industry. The Mustang I became an overnight sales record-breaker, quickly earning the title of Ford’s best-selling model.

With its sleek, sporty design available as a coupe or convertible, and a wide range of engine options, the Mustang I embodied the spirit of the 1960s — freedom, style, and adventure.

The “father” of the Ford Mustang I was the legendary Lee Iacocca, then vice president and general manager of Ford. In 1962, Iacocca envisioned that Ford shouldn’t limit itself to mass-produced economy cars. It was time to create something truly exciting.

Under his leadership, Ford’s design team developed a concept car that would later evolve into a production model — a nimble, wedge-shaped roadster with a fully independent suspension and a V4 engine.

The name “Mustang” had a double meaning: it symbolized both the wild horse of the American plains and the iconic P-51 Mustang fighter plane. According to project members, designer John Najjar was the first to notice how the concept’s silhouette resembled a fighter jet — and the name stuck.

When the Mustang I was first shown at Watkins Glen Raceway in the fall of 1962, it immediately wowed the crowd. From that moment, it became a star attraction at auto shows, fueling public excitement for Ford’s new icon.

2. Mustang III “Shorty”

The first-generation Mustang proved remarkably enduring, remaining relevant for years after its debut. Much of that success came from Ford’s relentless experimentation.

Although the Mustang was known as a 2+2 coupe, in 1964 Ford decided to explore the idea of turning it into a true two-seat sports car. Designer Vince Gardner created a fiberglass body with a shortened wheelbase and a 4.9-liter Ford 302 V8 engine under the hood.

This new concept, officially named Mustang III but nicknamed “Shorty,” was developed further by the company DST, which turned it into a fastback with a removable roof panel.

Unfortunately, the two-seater concept never reached production. Ford ordered the car to be destroyed soon after it was completed — but Gardner secretly hid it. Thanks to his quick thinking, the one-of-a-kind Shorty survived and was rediscovered decades later.

In 2015, it sold at auction for over $500,000.

3. Mustang Mach 1

More than 60 years after the first Mustang appeared, Ford continues to produce the model — now in its seventh generation. Yet, the first generation remains the most beloved.

The original Mustang not only inspired many concept cars but also created a whole new class — the pony car. These were stylish, compact, performance-oriented cars that were more approachable than full-fledged sports cars.

But Ford wanted a Mustang that could compete with the Chevrolet Corvette. That challenge led to the creation of the Mach 1 concept in 1965.

The Mach 1 featured a wider, more aggressive body design, hood pins in NASCAR style, and a unique air intake mounted directly on the air cleaner rather than on the hood.

Several engines were available: a 5.8-liter Cleveland V8 with 250 hp, a 6.4-liter version with 320 hp, and the mighty 7.0-liter Cobra Jet V8 producing 335 hp.

Visually, the Mach 1 looked like it could break the sound barrier — with simulated rear air scoops and a sporty spoiler. It went on to set nearly 300 speed and endurance records, solidifying its place as a serious performance machine.

4. Mustang Mach 2A

Following the Mustang’s incredible success, Ford’s Advanced Concepts Department was tasked in 1966 with developing an affordable two-seat sports car that borrowed from the Mustang I’s technology and design.

The goal was to give sports car fans an alternative to the Chevrolet Corvette — at a similar price point. The result was the Mach 2, based on a mid-engine layout using a V8 derived from the 1967 Mustang convertible.

Engineering and construction were handled by Ford’s partner, Kar-Kraft. Two prototypes were built — a simple white model and a fully functional red version, which debuted at the Chicago Auto Show in March 1967.

The Mach 2A featured a fiberglass body and independent suspension, and both prototypes were fully tested and road-ready. Unfortunately, the program never received approval for production, and both cars were later destroyed.

5. Mustang Milano

A few years later, Ford unveiled the stunning Mustang Milano, once again based on the first generation. Introduced at the 1970 Chicago Auto Show, it was arguably the most striking and futuristic Mustang concept ever built.

The Milano previewed design cues for the upcoming 1971 Mustang and represented Ford’s boldest styling experiment to date.

It featured a squared-off front end with large vent openings that also housed the headlights, a sharply raked 67-degree windshield, and a nearly flat rear deck.

Its vivid purple paint turned heads, but the real innovation was in the tail lights — an experimental three-color lighting system that changed with the car’s motion: green while accelerating, yellow while cruising, and red when braking.

What happened to the Milano afterward remains a mystery. Like many concept cars of the era, it was likely destroyed — but its radical design lives on in Mustang history.