1979 to 1993 Mustang the “Sixth Generation” Although there were many small changes during that time the general look stayed the same for the longest period in Mustang History so far. The 1979 Mustang marked the first year of what has come to be known as the “Fox Body” Mustang. The Fox “body” really is the name of the platform it was built on. The Fox platform was used for several different Ford cars including the Thunderbird and Fairmont as early as 1978. The Fox name was used at Ford internally and has reference to a competing model in Europe, the Audi Fox.
1994 to 1998 Mustang the “Seventh Generation” Nick named the SN95, its more sleek appearance signaled a breath of fresh air for Mustang Enthusiasts. The major body style change showed Ford’s renewed commitment to the Mustang. Even though the Mustang was still selling well Ford was preparing for the rumored re-design of the Camaro.
1999 to 2004 Mustang the “Eight Generation” The “New Edge” design made its premier in 1999 the body lines now more crisp but still using the same basic platform as the SN95.
2005 to 2011 Mustang the “Ninth Generation” The “Revolution” added a whole new era the Mustang Story. Modeled to look much like iconic Mustangs of the late 60’s the 2005 Mustang set off a whole new interest in owning and customizing this living legend.
The Details
1964 1/2 Mustang (Early 65)
On April 17, 1964 the introduction of the Mustang forever changed the face of car manufacturing in the United States. Even the cars sold in early 1964 have a 5 as the first digit of the VIN number. Production of the early 1965 Mustang actually began on March 9th, 1964 in Dearborn Michigan. The end of production of the early 1965 Mustang stopped in August of 1964. The Mustangs that were made from March 9, 1964 to August 17, 1964 have date codes in the door jam that are C through H. Checking the date in the door jam is certainly the easiest and most reliable way to tell the true time that the car was made. If it not possible to look in the door jam the easiest way to tell at a glance is the leading edge of the hood. The early 1965 Mustang had a beveled edge in the curve between the fender and the edge of the grill, in September of 64 this bevel was deleted. It is important to note that there was not a fastback Mustang in early 1965, it wasn’t introduced until September of 1964.
Vehicle Identification Number Early 1965
First Digit: Is the model year of the Mustang 5=1965
Second Digit: Shows what assembly plant it was built in
Plant
Dearborn, MI=F
San Jose, CA=R
Metuchen, NJ=T