Specifications are on the back listing that the first generation Mustang had a body based on the Falcon platform. The text reads, Ford Mustang's lunch in 1964 now is part of auto industry lore. It was the most successful vehicle launch in automotive history. "Mustang Mani" gripped the nation like nothing before or since. This "American sports car," with its long hood, short rear deck, good performance and handling, reliability, and affordable price, struck a chord among buyers that obliterated even the most optimistic sales forecasts - more than a million sold in less than two years. With such a hit on their hands, Ford quickly realized that a higher-performance version was necessary - one that would satisfy hard-core performance enthusiasts and also make a competitive race car. So Ford's collaboration with Carroll Shelby was established, which resulted in the original GT350 - today one of the most sought-after collector cars. By 1967, "pony car wars" among Detroit's Big 3 were in full swing, and Mustang received its first big block - the 390 cid, 320 hp V8. Also, Shelby introduced the GT500 with a 428 V8 that produced 355 hp. Then, in 1968, the 302 small block made its appearance, as did the now-legendary 428 Cobra Jet, developed for drag racing by Ford dealer Bob Tasca in Providence, R.I., and later adapted for series production.

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