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Fortunately, Ford restyled the Mustang in 1967. The Mustang, successful as it was, would have looked dated next to General Motors' entries in the pony car market, the Camaro and the Firebird. When the design for the 1967 Mustang was finalized in early 1965, Ford did not know exactly what GM's answer to the Mustang would be. The Corvair clearly was no match, and it was obvious that GM would introduce something new, especially in light of the Mustang's incredible success.
Ford decided then to keep the styling similar to that of the successful original, while refining and improving the car. No one could mistake the 1967 for anything but a Mustang. It still looked like the original and retained the original's proportions, but it became a bit fuller and rounder. The grille opening was enlarged, and this gave the 1967 a meaner look. The 2+2 body, now a full fastback, looked sleeker than ever. All Mustangs got simulated scoops on the rear quarter panels, adding to the Mustang's performance image. The rear end treatment, still using three taillights per side, was very different. The taillight panel was concave, simulating the spoilered look found on Ford's GT40 endurance racers. The wider track enabled Ford to improve the Mustang's ride and handling characteristics a welcome improvement while the enlarged engine compartment was now able to accommodate the big-block 390 ci V-8. |
The change to a big block was a good thing because both GM pony cars were designed from the beginning to accommodate big block engines. The Camaro was available with several versions of the 396 ci V-8, the top version rated at 375 hp, while the Firebird could be had with a 325 hp 400 ci V-8.
The muscle car war was heating up,and although the 289 was a good engine, it was no match for the big-blocks. Standard engine was the 200 ci six cylinder with the three-speed manual. The only other transmission available with the six was a three-speed automatic. Three 289 V-8s were available: a two-barrel 200 hp, four-barrel 225 hp and appearing for the last time, the 271 hp High Performance 289 (but only with the GT Equipment Group). All these, except the 271 hp 289, came with a three-speed manual; a four-speed manual and automatic were options. Major option groups included the Interior Decor Group that did not include pony seat inserts and, of course, the GT Equipment Group, available only on V-8 Mustangs. It included grille-mounted fog lamps, power front disc brakes, dual exhausts with chrome quad outlets (excluded with the 200 hp 289), rocker panel stripes with GT or GTA (for automatic) emblem, F70X14 whitewall tires and GT pop-open gas cap, as well as a handling package with stiffer springs and shocks, and a larger front sway bar. |
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