What’s the best year for a classic Mustang?

If you’re a true-blue gearhead with high-octane dreams, there’s nothing quite like that intoxicating rumble of a vintage ’Stang.

Ford’s longest-produced car nameplate is a living legend – a herd of four-wheeled stallions that have been burning rubber since 1964. But the burning question remains among enthusiasts: which vintage Mustang is the best?

Well, buckle up because here at Pilgrim V8, we’re diving deep into the golden era of Mustang muscle to find out which pony car is the crème de la crème of the Mustang stable.

Looking for a classic Mustang UK yourself? Keep an eye on our UK stock for the car of your dreams.

The pony through the generations

The 1960s were culturally a defining period in America’s history, with the soundtrack of muscle cars reflecting the roars for greater individual freedom. A defining moment came in 1964 when Ford unveiled one of the most iconic cars ever made at the New York World’s Fair.

For this blog, we’re focusing on the 1960s – the heyday of classic Mustangs, before emission restraints and fuel regulations of the 1970s and 1980s tamed (some of) their wild spirit. That’s not to say the following decades didn’t pack some serious Detroit steel – but we’ll save that for future blogs!

Car enthusiasts have continued their love affair with the pony cars over the past six decades – and the classics are a very desirable investment. Here at Pilgrim V8, we regularly get asked which model is the best for classic Ford Mustangs. Here’s our hot take…

What’s in a name?

Is a Mustang a muscle car? It’s a common debate in semantics, as commentary on America muscle cars and Mustangs largely come hand-in-hand, especially when the lines got more blurred from the 1970s onwards. However, on the surface of it, Mustangs aren’t really muscle cars. They’re pony cars.

1965 Mustang

For unfiltered Mustang heritage, purists are often drawn to the 1965 model year. The first-gen Mustangs are the real deal – the all-American pony cars, the ones that started it all. These were the very first Ford Mustangs to hit the production line, and although mass-produced, it’s incredibly rare to find one that is still completely original and in working order. In the past, we’ve been lucky enough to sell one! With a sleek design, lightweight body and a range of snarling V8 options, it sent drivers straight to pony car paradise.

Looking for 1965 Mustangs for sale in the UK? Explore our current range here:

1966 Mustang

This was the biggest year yet for the Mustang. Lauded for its incredible drive quality and head-turning good looks, the ’66 Mustang is many drivers’ favourite.

In this model year, Ford offered over 70 different options on their Mustangs, as well as special dealership-specific option packs. Engine-wise, above the 200ci inline six, you could get the 289ci V8 engine. This came in two-barrel, four-barrel and HiPo variants, with the 289ci HiPo V8 rated at a respectable 271hp. It was equipped with solid lifters, a different low resistance exhaust manifold and a higher compression ratio. The ‘standard’ interior consisted of what was called the Pony Interior and had embossed ponies running across the back of the seats.

Looking to get in the driver’s seat of a classic 1966 Mustang? Explore our current UK range:

1967 Mustang

If you crave a Mustang with a little extra muscle, this is your sweet spot. Bigger, meaner and ready to dominate, the 1967 models brought more power, a wider stance and improved suspension. They needed to become larger to fit some big block power under the hood: the new 390ci V8 was capable of 0–60mph in 7.5 seconds. The top speed of the ’67 Mustang fastback was a blistering 115mph.

Special variants such as the King Cobra gave pony fans the power under the hood they were looking for. What’s more, the GT350, built by Carroll Shelby himself, was a race-bred monster that cemented the Mustang’s place in automotive history.

Want to buy a 1967 Mustang in the UK? Explore our current range:

1968 Mustang

1968 was another iconic year for the Mustang range, with the introduction of their landmark engines and success on the racetrack. Plus, if you like fastbacks, then it’s hard to look past the ’68 model made famous by Steve McQueen in Bullitt!

Ford responded to industry competition with more powertrain choices for the hardtop, fastback and convertible, with four engines in seven options, four transmissions and nine rear axle ratios. First came their 427cid detuned race engine in early ’68, before unleashing their landmark NHRA drag-race winner, the 410hp 428cid ‘Cobra Jet’ V8, on limited GTs and the Shelby GT500KR in late 1968. Big-block Mustangs were now pure American muscle. Mid-year, the popular 289cid Windsor V8 engine was superseded by the new, more powerful 302cid V8 and 390cid.

Variants included the Ford Mustang GT, Shelby GT350, Shelby GT500, new GT500-KR and California Special.

1968 Mustangs for sale in the UK? Say no more…

1969 Mustang

If looks could kill, the ’69 Mustang would have a huge rap sheet. Enthusiasts flocked to see the aggressive lines, fastback roofline and performance packages that made it a track weapon. The Boss 302 was a Trans-Am titan, while the Boss 429 packed a NASCAR-worthy powerplant under the hood – and is arguably the most revered Mustang of them all. It was rare, it was powerful and it was a no-compromise track weapon that still commands respect today.

The Mustang Mach 1 (introduced in late 1968 for the following model year) stormed onto the scene with a 351 cubic inch V-8 and a three-speed manual and head-turning ‘shaker hood’, which consisted of a functional air scoop that directed air into the engine intake. Various upgrades were available, including an uprated 351, 390 and a 428 cubic inch Cobra Jet V-8 with a four-speed manual.

Got your eye on a 1969 Mustang for sale? Explore our current range here:

What was the best Mustang model?

Well, we’ll let you be the judge of that!

It really comes down to personal taste and what you want from your classic Mustang. Many collectors are interested in their history, aesthetics, popularity when new, rich heritage and the many limited-edition models. Meanwhile, buyers of modern Mustangs often look for the spirit and essence of the original.

Whatever you choose, just remember: life’s too short to drive boring cars. Keep it loud, keep it fast, and let that pony run free!

Buy a classic Mustang in the UK

For UK-based petrolheads, finding the perfect vintage Mustang takes a bit of patience and a keen eye, and it pays to do your homework. If you find a well-maintained pony, saddle up before someone else does!

Speaking of… If reading this article has made you fall even more in love with Ford Mustangs, you’ll be pleased to hear that Mustangs are a constant here at Pilgrim V8 (the new home of Muscle Car UK). If you don’t see the exact model or spec you’re after, be sure to let us know what you’re looking for.