Ahh… Classic Mustangs.
Their growl.
Their style.
Their undeniable swagger. When you see one of these bad boys on the road, you just know it.
You stop. You stare. You wish.
And you should.
Because this isn’t just a car. This is history.
Pure, American muscle car history. Unmistakable, undeniable, timeless. It’s what classic Mustangs have been serving up since the very first model rolled off the assembly line way back in 1964.
Now let’s get something straight…
Classic Mustangs aren’t going anywhere. This hallowed Mustang gene pool continues to be headlined by some of the most sought-after cars in existence. Not just by collectors and enthusiasts. By regular folks like you and me as well.
If anything, everyone is obsessed with classic Mustangs these days.
In this guide, we want to share why that’s the case.
If you’re searching for the best Classic Mustangs for sale and want to learn why they’re still so hot in the collector market, this is the post for you.
Inside You’ll Find:
- Why Classic Mustangs Continue to Dominate
- The Most Popular Classic Mustang Models
- What Makes a Classic Mustang Valuable?
- Wise Buying Tips for Your Dream Mustang
Why Classic Mustangs Continue to Dominate
Did you know that the Ford Mustang was initially revealed to the world on April 17, 1964, at the New York World’s Fair? 1964.
Ford had no idea the Mustang was about to become the all-American vehicle that we all know and love today.
In fact, here’s what happened:
Ford only expected to produce and sell about 100,000 units of the Mustang every year. They had 22,000 orders on the first day alone. Over 418,000 Mustangs were sold in that first year.
And just over 18 months after its initial release, over one million Mustangs had been sold.
In a single day, week, month, or even year, not many vehicles can hit that kind of number. Ford created a phenomenon with the original Mustang.
It was the most successful automobile introduction since the 1927 Model A.
Affordable and built for the everyman, the original Mustang was able to sell at such an astronomical rate thanks to a production price of just $2,368, or $24,000 in today’s money.
In 1964, for the first time in the world, just about anyone could afford to be an American sports car driver and own a piece of the American dream.
Of course, that led to a whole generation of Mustang lovers.
And even now, over 50 years after the original Mustang was released, demand continues to rise as collectors, investors, and even just the occasional Mustang enthusiast continue to scour the market for their favorite classic Mustangs.
If you’re interested in looking to purchase classic Mustangs, there is no shortage of them out there. They come in all forms from a fully restored original to modern recreations that pay homage to the original 1964 model in every way.
But not all classic Mustangs are created equal…
The Most Popular Classic Mustang Models
If you’re in the market for a classic Mustang, you may be wondering which ones have collectors going crazy?
We’ve got some breakdowns for you right here.
- 1964½ & 1965 Mustang
- 1967-1968 Mustang Fastback
- 1967 Shelby GT500
- 1969 Boss 429
- 1968 Mustang GT Fastback
These are the models that have collectors losing their ever-loving minds. But there is a lot more to it than the numbers alone.
Classic Mustangs, like any other collector cars, have specific attributes that determine value. Rarity, condition, and documentation are just some of the things collectors will weigh when determining what that next classic Mustang is worth.
Want to know what else? According to recent analysis, Generation Z now makes up nearly 10% of all collector car insurance quotes.
The next-gen enthusiasts are now in the market, bringing their own demand with them.
Millennials added to that? Younger collectors now make up roughly 30% of the classic car market. That’s an enormous jump in generational change.
Classic Mustangs aren’t going anywhere. The most desirable collector cars right now for serious collectors are the first-generation classic Mustangs. The 1965-1968 cars combine heritage, performance, and those indefinable styling cues that no one else in the market can top.
The best investment classic Mustangs are the rarest, in the best condition, with some documentation. Miss one of those three, and the risk level increases tenfold.
Smart Buying Tips for Your Dream Mustang
Are you ready to jump on one?
Buy one? Buy two? Buy three?
Before you send any money, it’s worth taking some time to research and gather some info. There are a few musts that any buyer should consider before plunking down their cash on a classic Mustang.
Do your homework first. Research the model year, body style, and engine configuration. Determine a budget. Different configurations will have very different values.
Verify authenticity. Ordering a Marti Report for a vehicle you are interested in will help determine the originality and rarity of the vehicle.
Inspect, inspect, inspect. If you can, take a look at the vehicle first hand. Make sure to check VIN numbers and search for potential signs of swapping or tinkering. There are fakes and clones out there, and they can be costly for buyers.
Factor in the intended use. Are these Mustangs going to be for weekend cruising? Serious collecting? Investment purposes? Buyers might have different considerations based on their goals.
Buy from trusted sources. Don’t buy from private sellers or auctions without doing your homework. The classic car space is full of some shady deals.
Trust us. The right Mustang is out there. Take your time.
Pulling It All Together
Classic Mustangs are some of the most popular vehicles on the planet.
From that now-legendary 1964 debut model to the muscle-bound Boss and Shelby models that we all know and love, Mustangs have long captured the American spirit.
- The first-generation Mustangs created a whole new vehicle category
- Rarity, condition, and documentation are the determining factors for collector value
- The market continues to welcome new collectors from younger generations
- Conducting proper research before buying prevents headaches and wasted money
And the cool thing about classic Mustangs is that their appeal isn’t just about the horsepower or the style. It’s also about owning a slice of history.
History that more than 60 years after its original debut is still turning heads like few others can.
Whether the plan is for cruising on the weekend, or serious collecting, or just straight-up appreciating one of the greatest American cars of all time…
A classic Mustang delivers.
The demand for them is only going to get bigger and bigger, too.
If you’re ready to take the plunge and buy one…
There is no time like the present.
