Engine: pushrod 16 valve V8, 5736cc
Fuel system: twin-barrel Holley with MSD ignition
Power output: 350bhp @ 4800rpm
Max speed: 130+mph
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 6.5 sec
Weight: 1165 Kg

The Ford Mustang was the first car to become a success through the efforts of marketing rather than looks or engineering. Not to say that it was a bad car – by the then standards in America, it was small and nimble! Difficult to believe whilst manoeuvring through Edinburgh, but remember America was, and still largely is empty with wide straight roads.

The brainchild of Henry Ford II and General Manager Lee Iacocca, the Mustang was intended as a ‘personal’ car. Although more than 680,000 were made in the first year after launch in April 1964, the options list was huge, the many thousands of permutations of the different available options allowed buyers to individualise their car.

In 1968 the Mustang started to evolve and improve. The options of disc brakes and a 7 litre engine started to turn the Mustang into what is now known as a ‘Muscle Car’. Through 3 or more evolutions, largely following automotive fashion, the Mustang continues today, but about all that has been carried into the modern ‘Stang from 1964 is the concept, and the badge.

Our model is a convertible from 1968, and has a 351 Windsor V8 engine (about 5.7 litres). Whilst this is most definitely not a ‘lazy’ V8, it is most at home burbling around town. A sports car it is not – be very wary of the brakes, and with less than secure roadholding in the wet, plus abysmal scuttle shake, this is not a car to try corners in..... With a car as heavy as this, power steering is a must, and totally transforms the driving experience. Get your shades ready…

Weekday points: 5; Weekend day points: 10.