57 years later, is there are more iconic, universally enjoyed car model than the Ford Mustang? Available in South Africa since 2015, the current generation Pony car continues to defy both the sales odds, and its critics alike by simply remaining effortlessly cool.
Previously reserved for TV screens, cinema experiences and music videos, the announcement by Ford Motor company that its sixth generation Ford Mustang would for the first time be factory engineered to accommodate a right-hand drive configuration lit the fire of enthusiasm for an entirely new audience of fans.
First introduced in 1964 as the sports car for the working-class American, the coupe named after a World War II fighter plane would go on to sell up to 400 000 units within its first year of production, apparently securing more than 22 000 deposits on the first day it appeared on showrooms across the US.
Retailing in 1964 for just $2 300, the Mustang would make its first of many movie appearances in the James Bond movie, Goldfinger. It would be the appearance of a Highland Green derivate in the 1968 movie Bullitt, however, that would secure this famous Ford its icon status. To date, the Mustang has enjoyed more movie and television appearances than any other motor car.
Launched in South Africa in 2015, the sixth-generation Pony car has enjoyed unrivalled success within its segment, to this day commanding impressive monthly sales numbers. To date, more than 3 600 units have been sold across Mzanzi.
Introduced with the choice of a 2.3-litre, four-cylinder Ecoboost motor or full-ball 5.0-litre V8 unit, the two-door Mustang was available as either a coupé or convertible. Despite drawing instant criticism from established motoring media for its lacklustre dynamics and so-so interior build quality, South Africans flocked to their closest Ford dealership for a test drive. Indeed, how do you quantify the level of cool or, indeed, curb appeal that a model like the modern Mustang enjoys? Even when the budget didn’t stretch to the range topping V8 derivative, new owners of the “lesser” four-cylinder models were more than happy to brush-off both derogatory banter and inevitable traffic light hot hatch duels in favour of the undeniable sense of occasion that follows any Mustang package.
Facelifted in 2019 to include updated exterior styling and a new digital instrument cluster, the big news for the sixth-generation car would be the introduction of a 10-speed automatic transmission as debuted in the Ranger double-cab line-up. Indeed, the only derivative to still feature a manual gearbox after this update would be the effortlessly cool reimagined Bullitt special edition. Limited in South Africa to just 100 units, the Bullitt was once again finished in Highland Green and featured any number of odes to the original car, including a cue ball gear shift knob. Those pesky steel hubcaps that kept flying off in each corner of a famous car chase replaced by 19-inch alloy wheels in the new version….
With such a rich history of special editions throughout this model’s lifespan, it’s no wonder Ford is keen to keep the dream of the sixth-generation car alive until a touted all-new Mustang arrives around 2024. While famous associated tuning houses like Shelby, Roush and RTR continue to be on-hand to make any number of performance upgrades to this model, history seems to suggest that the best way to enjoy a Mustang is slow and steady.
While 2021 saw the launch of a reimagined Mach 1 derivative, the latest limited-edition version of the current Mustang package sees the rebirth of the California Special, or GT/CS as it’s otherwise known. The story goes that by the late 1960s, some 20% of all Mustang sales were focused on the state of California. Knowing this, the dealership network in this Sunshine State managed to convince Michigan head-office to package a factory-built derivative to be marketed specifically to this region. Complete with fog lamps housed within the grille, hood pins, side scoops, a boot spoiler and white side stripes, starting in 1968 some 4 118 California Special derivates would eventually leave the Dearborn production line.
Paying homage to this model, the 100 already sold local units of the modern California Special may not feature hood pins or – unfortunately – side stripes yet do include the brand’s GT Performance wing and front splitter, darkened 19-inch alloy wheels, numerous GT/CS badges and for the first time on this generation Mustang, factory-fitted side scoops positioned ahead of the rear wheel arches. The car is fitted with the brand’s highly endangered 5.0-litre V8 motor offering 331 kW and 529 N.m of torque. Crucially, the inclusion of quad tailpipes also means a soundtrack to stop any motoring enthusiast in their tracks – or otherwise light-up a housing estate’s WhatsApp group complaint line…
A motoring journalist with more than 20 years’ experience, Ian McLaren will be compiling a series are articles documenting his learning curve when it comes to all things auction. Find him on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok at @IanMcLaren76.
These articles aim to offer insights only and in no way encourage reckless or hit-and-miss purchasing decisions.