Mustang Automobile Quarterly

Giorgetto Giugiaro’s solution was to aesthetically lighten and streamline the Mustang’s chunky form. At the front, he redesigned the body to sit lower on the chassis, and gave it a lower, sloping nose. Also necessary, were three “power bulges” in the hood, with two sporting small vents. The cowl was also lowered by an inch. The front mask of the Mustang acquired quad headlights hidden behind retractable covers that extended the pattern of the grille across the front of the car. The Mustang symbol, centred on the fascia, was about the only recognizable piece from the original car. At the glasshouse, the sail panels of the Mustang fastback were replaced by a wraparound rear window. Roof pillars were whisper-thin allowing for more glass. The roof was stainless steel; another trick to visually lighten the car. The Mustang became an international hit, winning the Best of Show award at the 1965 New York International Automobile show.