Best Engine (big-block): 428 Cobra JetFuming over the fact that Ford's best performance engine was little more than a passenger car 390, Ford dealer Bob Tasca took matters into his own hands by creating a KR-8 Mustang with a 390 bolstered by performance pieces right off the Ford parts shelves. Ford took the hint and released the engine as the 428 Cobra Jet in '6811/42 Mustang GTs. From 1968 to 1970, the CJ was Ford's workhorse performance engine, loaded with torque and potential, as the '6811/42 Mustangs proved themselves by dominating the Super Stock class at the '68 NHRA Winternationals. Cobra Jet-powered street Mustangs won their share of red-light contests as well.
Bullitt (the movie)Although the chase scene in the '68 movie Bullitt, starring Steve McQueen, lasted only 12 minutes, most people remember the duel between the '68 Mustang fastback and a Dodge Charger over the hills of San Francisco; yet they can't recall the movie's plot. Fact is we don't know anyone who has watched much beyond the chase scene, at least without falling asleep. But the chase scene-loaded with jumps, smoking tires, and wonderful exhaust sounds-is deeply embedded into Mustang lore. The movie car, a Highland Green '68 fastback with Torq-Thrust wheels, even inspired a new Bullitt model in 2001.
Bullitt (the car)Capitalizing on the image of the '68 fastback in the movie Bullitt, Ford's Team Mustang produced a special edition Bullitt GT during the '01 model year. By combining styling cues from the 1960s with enhanced performance, the Bullitt GT quickly became a cult favorite among Mustang and all-around performance enthusiasts alike. Only 5,582 were produced in three colors-black, blue, and Highland Green (like the movie car). Team Mustang recognized the car's collectibility factor, so each Bullitt Mustang has a hologram ID sticker mounted on the driver-side strut tower.
1,000,000 Built On February 23, 1966, less than two years after the first '6411/42 Mustangs were built, the one-millionth Mustang rolled off the Dearborn assembly line. It was an accomplishment worthy of Lee Iacocca's presence at the end of the line-for photos, of course-and a great indication of the Mustang's impact on the American roads.
Best Graphics: '70 Boss 302With stripes that start at the front of the hood and end at the rear quarter-panels, the '70 Boss 302 graphics looked fast even while the car was sitting still. Created by designer Larry Shinoda during his short tenure at Ford, the package also included a blacked-out rear panel and trunk deck, black center hood stripe, and front spoiler. The stripes swept down the side of the car, with the "Boss 302" lettering at the top of the fenders. When equipped with the optional rear spoiler and sport slats over the rear window, the '70 Boss 302 was one of the wildest-looking production musclecars on the road.
Wildest (vintage): Boss 429From the outside, the '69-'70 Boss 429 Mustang looked more like a six-cylinder fastback with a hoodscoop and Magnum 500 wheels. But with the hood open, the hemi-headed Boss 429 powerplant filled the engine compartment to capacity. To make it fit, the shock towers were reworked to widen the engine compartment. Built to homologate the Boss 429 engine for NASCAR, the Boss 429's engine and other special components were installed at Kar Kraft, a contract shop that handled special projects for Ford. Detuned for street use, the Boss 429 never quite lived up to its performance reputation, one that was enhanced by just one jaw-dropping look under the hood.