The 1973 Ford Mustang would be the end of an era in Mustang history. What
had started off as a compact, sporty car had grown over the years to meet
the demand for larger cars. The smaller, lighter 1974 Mustang II would
be the right car at the right time, with its introduction coming just a
few weeks before the oil crisis of 1973 hit.
After 1973, there would be no convertible for about ten years, that model
having been a staple of the Mustang line since the very beginning. Large
displacement V-8 engines, and some of the creature comforts like the availability
of power windows would also disappear. This change would not last forever,
though. The convertible would return, as would the big V-8s, power windows,
and a lot more. By the late 2000s, styling would even turn around and go
back to 1967 for its inspiration. Sequential turn signals would become
standard on the 2010 Mustang, the first Ford to have them since the 1973
Mercury Cougar.
The Mustang has always been able to keep up with the times, it seems. But
1973 will forever be noted in history as the final year of the truly collectible
classic Mustangs. The Ford Mustang has always been a sensation, and they
still are today. Who knows, perhaps there are some future collectibles
waiting to be purchased at your local Ford dealer right now.
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