The Ford Mustang is an iconic American car series that has been in continuous production since 1964, making it the longest-running Ford car nameplate to date. Not only is it currently in its sixth generation, but it is also the fifth-best selling Ford car nameplate. The project for the Mustang began in the early 1960s when Ford executives recognized the success of compact, sporty European cars and wanted to create a similar vehicle for the American market. They assigned a small team, led by executive stylist John Najjar, to develop a prototype for a new car that would be called the "Ford Mustang." Najjar, who was a fan of the P-51 Mustang fighter plane, co-designed the first prototype of the Mustang, known as the "Ford Mustang I," with fellow Ford stylist Philip T. Clark. The Mustang I made its debut at the United States Grand Prix in Watkins Glen, New York, where it was tested by contemporary Formula One race driver Dan Gurney.

The Mustang was developed as a highly styled line of sporty coupes and convertibles derived from existing model lines, initially distinguished by "long hood, short deck" proportions. When it was first introduced in 1965, the Mustang became the most successful vehicle launch since the 1927 Model A, selling over 400,000 units in its first year. In fact, the one-millionth Mustang was sold within two years of its launch. And in August 2018, Ford celebrated another milestone by producing the 10-millionth Mustang, which was a 2019 Wimbledon White convertible with a V8 engine, just like the first 1965 Mustang.

"The Mustang was designed to be sporty, like a European car, but also comfortable, like a Cadillac." - John Najjar, executive stylist and co-designer of the first prototype of the Mustang, known as the "Ford Mustang I."

Despite its initial success, the Mustang has faced tough times throughout its production history. In the 1970s, high gas prices and stricter emissions standards led to a decrease in demand for muscle cars like the Mustang. The car underwent several redesigns in an attempt to appeal to changing consumer preferences, but it struggled to regain its former popularity. However, in the mid-2000s, the Mustang experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to the release of a retro-inspired design that harkened back to the car's glory days.

The success of the Mustang has not gone unnoticed, as it has inspired multiple competitors from other American manufacturers, including the Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac Firebird, AMC Javelin, and Dodge Challenger. It has also had a global impact, influencing the design of coupes worldwide and leading to the marketing of vehicles like the Toyota Celica and Ford Capri in the United States. In addition, the Mercury Cougar was launched in 1967 as a unique-bodied, higher-trim alternative to the Mustang. During the 1970s, it was marketed as a personal luxury car and included more features.