Editing Ford Mustang (section)

=== Upgrades ===
Several changes were made at the traditional opening of the new model year (beginning August 1964), including the addition of back-up lights on some models, the introduction of [[Alternator (auto)|alternators]] to replace [[Electrical generator#Vehicle-mounted generators|generators]], an upgrade of the six-cylinder engine from {{cvt|170|to|200|cid|L|1}} with an increase from {{cvt|101|to|120|hp|kW|0}}, and an upgrade of the V8 engine from {{cvt|260|to|289|cid|L|1}} with an increase from {{cvt|164|to|210|hp|kW|0}}. The rush into production included some unusual quirks, such as the horn ring bearing the 'Ford Falcon' logo covered by a trim ring with a 'Ford Mustang' logo. These characteristics made enough difference to warrant designation of the 121,538 early versions as "1964½" Mustangs, a distinction that has endured with purists.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/04/16/457244.html |title=The Great Mustang Debate: 1964 or 1965 |website=Theautochannel.com |date=April 16, 2009 |access-date=April 6, 2016 |archive-date=July 29, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100729052132/http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/04/16/457244.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Sportsroof (15384190250) (cropped).jpg|thumb|A 1969 SportsRoof]]

Ford's designers began drawing up larger versions even as the original was achieving sales success, and while "Iacocca later complained about the Mustang's growth, he did oversee the 1967 redesign."<ref name=mike/> From 1967 until 1973, the Mustang got bigger but not necessarily more powerful.<ref>{{cite book |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=kYU5zb1ZaoMC&pg=PA16 |title=Mustangs |first=Michael |last=Portman |isbn=978-1-4339-4754-4 |year=2011 |publisher=Gareth Stevens |page=16 |access-date=April 6, 2016 |archive-date=August 1, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200801155835/https://books.google.com/books?id=kYU5zb1ZaoMC&pg=PA16 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Mustang was [[Facelift (automotive)|facelifted]], giving the Mustang a more massive look overall and allowing a big block engine to be offered for the first time. Front and rear end styling was more pronounced, and the "twin cove" instrument panel offered a thicker crash pad and larger gauges. Hardtop, fastback, and convertible body styles continued as before. Around this time, the Mustang was paired with a Mercury variant, called the [[Mercury Cougar|Cougar]], which used its own styling cues, such as a "prowling cat" logo and hidden quad headlamps. New safety regulations by the U.S. [[National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]] (NHTSA) for 1967 included an energy-absorbing steering column and wheel, 4-way emergency flashers, and a dual-circuit hydraulic braking system, and softer interior knobs. The 1968 models received revised side scoops, steering wheel, and gasoline caps. Side marker lights were also added that year, and cars built after January 1, 1968, included shoulder belts for both front seats on coupes. The 1968 models also introduced a new {{cvt|302|CID|L|1}} V8 engine, designed with Federal emissions regulations in mind.

The 1969 restyle "added more heft to the body as width and length again increased. Weight went up markedly too."<ref name=mike>[[#Mueller|Mueller]], p. 59</ref> Due to the larger body and revised front end styling, the 1969 models (but less so in 1970) had a notable aggressive stance. The 1969 models featured "quad headlamps" which disappeared to make way for a wider grille and a return to standard headlamps in the 1970 models. This switch back to standard headlamps was an attempt to tame the aggressive styling of the 1969 model, which some felt was too extreme and hurt sales, but 1969 production exceeded the 1970 total.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://fast_wheels.tripod.com/production.htm |title=Mustang – Production Numbers |website=Fast_wheels.tripod.com |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130426081626/http://fast_wheels.tripod.com/production.htm |archive-date=April 26, 2013 |access-date=April 6, 2016}}</ref>