In 1967, Ford's Mustang saw its first major redesign. For the first time since its launch, the car faced some serious competition. This resulted in Ford evaluating the Mustang's strengths and weaknesses. In addition to the Pontiac's Firebird, Mercury's Cougar, and Plymouth's Barracuda, Chevrolet had plans to roll out their new Chevy Camaro muscle car. This resulted in Ford duking it out with its competition by creating a more muscular and powerful Ford Mustang. 1967 Ford Mustang Production Stats Standard Convertible: 38,751 units Luxury Convertible: 4,848 units Convertible w/Bench Seats: 1,209 units Standard Coupe: 325,853 units Luxury Coupe: 22,228 units Coupe w/Bench Seats: 21,397 units Standard Fastback: 53,651 units Luxury Fastback: 17,391 units
Total Production: 472,121 units
Retail Prices: $2,898 Standard Convertible $2,461 Standard Coupe $2,692 Standard Fastback Ford Feels the Competition
Feeling pressure from their competition, Ford needed to make the Mustang more powerful so it could keep up with its competitors. The answer came in the form of a larger car. Although the wheelbase remained the same at 108 inches, the length of the vehicle was increased by two inches resulting in 183.6 inches from front to back. The car also featured a front-suspension track that was widened by 2.5 inches. The increased body size allowed Ford to put their first big-block engine in a Mustang. This optional 390-cubic-inch 6.4L V-8 motor was capable of producing an impressive 320 hp. As such, Ford was clearly able to keep up with the big dogs on the road. In fact, according to reports, the 390 cid equipped Mustang could achieve 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds with a top speed of 115 mph. 1967 Model-Year Highlights
Two Inches Longer and a 2.5-inch Increase in Front Track Painted Side Scoops to Match Color of Car Concave Rear with Larger Tail Lights New 390-cubic-inch 6.4L V-8 Engine Convertible Top with Two Glass Panes Last Model Year with 289 Hi-Po Engine
New Features Other notable changes to the 1967 Ford Mustang included side scoops that were painted to match the color of the car. In the past, the Mustang's side scoops were chrome plated in design. The new scoops more closely resembled real intakes than in previous model years.
The front end of the 1967 Ford Mustang was also different than in the past. Gone were the three gills that appeared next to the headlights on the 1965 and 1966 Mustang. The grille was also different, featuring vertical and horizontal bars that worked their way out from the galloping horse in all four directions. In addition, the opening to the grille was larger than in the past. This redesigned front end made for a muscular looking Mustang. Concave Rear Replaces Convex The rear of the 1967 Mustang was also noticeably different than in previous Mustang model years. For the first time the Mustang's rear tail lights were larger and concave in design. In the past the Mustang's rear had been convex and basic. As for the 2+2 Mustang fastback model, its roofline now ran all the way to the rear trunk lid. A special ribbed rear panel with chrome bezels could be ordered by fastback owners seeking a customized look. In all, the rear of the Mustang looked bulkier and more performance oriented. Additional options for the 1967 Mustang included a GT package that featured driving lamps, side stripes, and a dual exhaust. You could also order a hood with dual recesses as optional equipment.
As for the Convertible Mustang, it featured two glass panes which made up the rear window. Gone was the plastic convertible window of the past. What Makes it a 1967
Of note, 1967 was the last year F-O-R-D block lettering appeared across the front edge of classic Mustangs. This feature would not return until 1974. It would also be the last Mustang to feature the 289 Hi-Po Engine . These tidbits of information might come in handy when working to distinguish a 1967 Ford Mustang from a 1968. Upon first glance, the two model years closely resemble each other.
In all, the 1967 Ford Mustang was considered by most an improvement over previous model years. It was more powerful, it featured an improved suspension system, and it had an aggressive appearance.
In fact, the "Eleanor" Mustang featured in the Nicolas Cage remake of Gone in 60 Seconds was modeled after a 1967 Shelby GT500 Mustang. The 1967 GT500 featured a special 428 cubic inch V-8 engine which, with Shelby's engine mods, resulted in around 355 hp.
Ford offered a choice of five engine configurations in 1967:
Engine Code U: 200 cubic inch I-6 engine @ 120hp Engine Code C: 289 cubic inch V-8 engine @ 200hp Engine Code A: 289 cubic inch V-8 engine @ 225hp Engine Code K: 289 cubic inch V-8 engine @ 271hp Engine Code S: 390 cubic inch V-8 engine @ 320 hp
Vehicle Identification Number Decoder Example VIN #7FO1C100001
7=Last digit of Model Year (1967) F=Assembly Plant (F-Dearborn, R-San Jose, T-Metuchen) 01=Body Code For Coupe (02-fastback, 03-convertible) C=Engine Code 100001=Consecutive unit number Exterior Colors Available
Acapulco Blue, Anniversary Gold, Arcadian Blue, Aspen Gold, Blue Bonnet, Bright Red, Brittany Blue, Burnt Amber, Candy Apple Red, Clearwater Aqua, Columbine Blue, Dark Moss Green, Diamond Blue, Diamond Green, Dusk Rose, Frost Turquoise, Lavender, Lime Gold, Nightmist Blue, Pebble Beige, Playboy Pink, Raven Black, Sauterne Gold, Silver Frost, Springtime Yellow, Timberline Green, Vintage Burgundy, Wimbledon White
_________________
|