1970 Ford Mustang 'Parnelli Jones Tribute' Fastback (RHD)

Description

The legendary Mustang was launched in mid-1964, using the compact Falcon’s platform but - with a sexy new body and a vast array of engine and transmission options – this was the right car at the right time.  Ford hit on a winning formula with the first generation Mustang and it was soon selling like hot cakes, making this one of the most successful model launches in American automotive history.  One of the keys to its success was the lack of competition – probably the closest competitor of the day was Chevrolet’s rear-engined Corvair.  In fact Mustang gave birth to a whole new market segment known as “pony cars” and enjoyed a virtual monopoly between 1964 and 1966.  From an affordable automatic six-cylinder hardtop to a fastback V8 loaded with the Hi-Po 289-cid V8 ready for the track, the Mustang appealed to vast spectrum of buyers, including both men and women – a critical part of the original design brief.  Facing stiff competition from a new generation of rivals from Chevrolet and Plymouth in 1967, Ford stuck to its winning formula and the new Mustang was more evolutionary than revolutionary.  In 1969 the styling underwent the most comprehensive overhaul yet, reflecting the trend towards larger cars across the board.  By now the Mustang model range was vast, with basic six and various V8s (from 302-cid to 428-cid) complemented by the performance-oriented Boss 302 and 429 models, not forgetting Carroll Shelby’s GT350 and GT500 versions.  Once again sold as a two-door hardtop coupe, convertible or fastback, the latter was restyled under Larry Shinoda’s direction and given the “Sportsroof” badge.  In 1970, the Mustang’s styling saw the return to single headlight treatment, with the lights mounted inside a wider grille and complemented by simulated air intakes.  The rear end styling also came in for some revision, while the other major news in 1970 was the introduction of the 351-cid Cleveland V8, available in two-barrel (rated at 250 horsepower) or four-barrel (300 horsepower) versions.  For many pundits the 1970 cars represent the final year of performance Mustangs, with a gradual decline thereafter thanks to emissions and the Fuel Crisis.  A quick glance through the options list saw plenty to make speed freaks smile while the Mustang proved its mettle on the racetrack, with Bud Moore’s thundering Boss 302s capturing the 1970 Trans-Am title.