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Reader: 3 generations of Ford Mustang in SA

Wheels24 reader Leon Nel says he has been driving Mustangs since 1976 and he also shares a brief history on three generations of Mustang in SA. 

My first one was a 1966 Fastback, then a 1965 Convertible and in 1982 I bought a 1967 GT.

I still have the '67 model and in 2010 I bought a 1996 Convertible. The Mustangs still draw as much attention as they did in the 1960s.

Once a Mustang fan...always a Mustang fan! I also own a 1929 Model A Ford Roadster.

SHOW-STOPPER: Leon Nel with his 1929 Ford Model A Roadster. Image: Leon Nel

Three generations of Mustangs

Nel says: The new 2016 Ford Mustang landed at Ford dealership floors across South Africa earlier in February. This American icon also made its appearance in Witbank, in Gauteng. In a way, this new Mustang is making history, because it is the first right-hand drive version to roll off the American production lines in 50 years.

READ: 'First Ford Mustangs in SA': Reader's amazing story

In addition, it's also the first Mustang to come standard with independent suspension on the rear axle. All other Mustangs (2004 and later) equipped with right-hand drive, were the results of a conversion company in South Africa that increased the price quite substantially. A few years back new laws prohibited the import and usage of left-hand drive vehicles in SA.

The very first Mustang was introduced to the public on April 17, 1964, and on the very same day 22000 orders came streaming in. It is speculated that the 1965 Mustang was Ford’s most successful introduction since the Model A Ford made its appearance in 1927.

The Mustang name was borrowed from the P51-Mustang fighter plane from World War II. The true meaning of this car’s name is ‘wild horse’; hence the galloping horse-logo that awakens something in all motoring enthusiasts.

Leon Nel poses with Joey van der Burgh with three generations of Mustangs at a Ford dealer showroom floor.

The current Mustang was introduced to the USA in 2015, and is the sixth generation since 1964. This car is also the only vehicle that has been produced for 51 uninterrupted years.

As a big fan and owner of two Mustangs, I visited my local dealer on February 4 and took a few pictures of three generations of Mustang on one showroom floor.

The first generation on the photograph is a red 1967 GT and a green, fourth generation 1996 GT Convertible. The new car, right, poses with its forbearers and is equipped with the latest technologies. All three vehicles boast V8 engines that develops 160kW, 155kW, and 325kW, respectively.

Leon Nel's 1996 Ford Mustang Convertible used as a matric ball car for his family. Image: Leon Nel

The red Mustang has been in possession by its owner since 1982 and has been around for 49 years.

Ironically, the original Mustangs sell for more money than a brand new 2016 model. A 1965 Mustang Convertible is currently for sale on the internet for R1.2million. Sounds like a good investment!

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