MUSTANG CONCEPTS: Ideas That Brought the Mach-E to Reality
April 16, 2020
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by Eric Becker
The first Mustang – the 1962 Mustang I concept.
The Mustang could have become anything following its introduction in 1964. Ford experimented with all types of designs, from mid-engine studies to 4-door models – and even a Kammback (wagon). The Mustang’s positioning as a performance-oriented entry-level two-door never strayed far from the initial sketch. Until now.
The Mach-E, a 4-door electric crossover, isn’t exactly what you’d relate with the Mustang. But it sure as heck goes like one: The top-spec GT instantly provides 465hp and a sub-4.0 second sprint to 60 mph.
From 1963 to 1966, Ford experimented with a 4-door Mustang – and a Wagon.
See, it’s not a total outlier – it’s just the first in a line of radical concepts to receive the green light. In celebration of this, check out some of these wacky, wonderful offshoots of the Mustang that never made production.
1962 Mustang I
The first Mustang was entirely different from what rolled off the assembly line and out of dominate dealer lots. In 1962, Ford experimented with a mid-engine two-seater called the Mustang – named for the WWII fighter plane. The Mustang used an aluminum-skin body mounted atop a tube frame and weighed just 1200 pounds. Motivated by a 90hp V4 engine paired to a 4-speed transaxle, the Mustang I prototype was driven to glory and shown to the public by Dan Gurney at the 1962 U.S. Grand Prix.
The 1967 Mustang Mach 2 concept.
1963-66 4-door and Wagon
A year before the 1964 unveiling, Ford experimented with a 4-door variant mirroring the coupe’s design. For 1966, with a more spacious family car in mind, designers created a two-door wagon.
1967 Mach 2 Concept
Debuting at the 1967 Chicago Auto Show, the Mach 2 was initially slated to be a replacement for the Shelby Cobra. Ford design boss Gene Bordinat and Ford’s Special Vehicles Group took existing Mustang parts and rearranged them. A Hi-Po 289ci V8 was mounted midship and the rear seats nixed. Envisioned to sit above the Mustang in the model’s hierarchy, the Mach 2 sadly never made production.
The 1970 Mustang Milano
1970 Mustang Milano
Low slung and built for the Italian Autostrada, the Mustang Milano was inspired by the jet-setting European Grand Touring cars of the time. At only 43 inches tall, the Ultra-Violet Milano displayed evocative styling fitted with everything, included a raked 67-degree windshield, power rear hatch and – best of all – NACA ducts. Design elements from the stunning concept can even be seen in the profile of the Australian market’s Ford XB Falcon Coupe.
The Mustang II Wagon
Mustang II Wagon
A true product of the lack-of-performance “Malaise Era” in American car manufacturing, the 1976 Pinto-based Mustang II Wagon sported all the tropes of the period. Faux wood paneling lined the sides, and the roof line was raised and extended. While the thought of the Mustang turning into a more family-oriented model lived on in Ford’s design studies, luckily this wagon never left the conceptual phase.
Design study for the SN95 dubbed “Rambo.”
1992 Mustang Mach III Concept
Unveiled in 1992, the Mustang Mach III ushered in a new era of Mustang. The “bar of soap” styling was a radical departure from the angular lines of the famed Fox Body. By 1994, nearly all the Mach III’s design elements were carried over, and the design team had finalized the styling with three different proposals. Each bearing the name of a famed action star. The prototypes were called Bruce Jenner, Rambo and Schwarzenegger – with the latter going on to become the SN95 Mustang 1994-98.
This 2004 Mustang GT Convertible concept sold for $175,000 at the 2009 Palm Beach Auction to benefit JDRF
2004 Mustang GT/Convertible Concepts
Revealed at the 2003 North American Auto Show, this version signaled a new design direction for the soon-to-be-unveiled S197 Mustang. Traveling the globe, the two concepts harkened back to the Mustang’s classic sheet metal and added a modern touch. Both concepts were powered by a supercharged version of Ford’s modular 4.6-liter V8. The two prototypes were sold back-to-back at the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction in 2009, bringing in a combined $350,000 for charity, with all proceeds going to JDRF.
SOLD! The 2004 Mustang GT concept coupe hammered for $175,000 at the 2009 Palm Beach Auction for charity.
Barrett-Jackson has had a key role in Mustang history as well, aside from auctioning off the 2004 prototypes (and other spectacular models). Craig Jackson, the company’s chairman and CEO, sought out and painstakingly restored the iconic Shelby prototypes known as Little Red and Green Hornet. Both cars featured astounding innovations well beyond their time. Little Red was the first Shelby Mustang to sport twin Paxton superchargers, while Green Hornet was the first to use Conelec electronic multi-port fuel injection and feature an independent rear suspension.
Leveraging the Mustang name is surely a gamble, but with a great design and stunning performance numbers, the 4-door family-hauling electric Mustang Mach-E is sure to put a smile on all those who take the reins and stomp on the go pedal.