The Ford Mustang was first introduced in 1964 at the New York’s World Fair and has enjoyed a long and diverse history as Ford’s most enduring car. Each new generation of Mustang entails notable advancements before production, and Ford’s range of prototypes is a testament to the evolution of the Mustang. Some Mustang prototypes bear remarkable similarities to the finished product at Ford dealerships worldwide, while others are distinctly unique.
Ford Mustang Wagons were conceptualized in the mid-1960s, with at least one operational prototype based on a 1966 coupe being built. Another design study incorporated features that were to be introduced later in the decade. All of the known Mustang wagons were three-door vehicles, more akin to the highly-styled European “shooting brake” vehicle than a typical American station wagon.
The 1966 Mach 1 concept, the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 prototype, and the Mustang Milano concept were all well-received upon their respective debuts. The Mustang Milano concept was unveiled at the February 1970 Chicago Auto Show and previewed the flattened rear deck and longer nose that would later be introduced in the 1971 model. Apart from these two features, however, the Mustang Milano didn’t bear much resemblance to any other production Mustang. In fact, the Australian-market Falcon XB Coupe of the mid-1970s probably derived much of its profile from the Mustang Milano.
Ford showcased the Mustang Sportiva II concept, a targa-roofed vehicle, before the public introduction of the 1974 Mustang II. Similar to the 1963 Mustang II concept, which was built from a modified pre-production prototype of the 1965 model, the Sportiva II was also built from a pre-production 1974 model.
