The Ford Mustang created a sensation when it was introduced in 1964, offering a combination of personal luxury, sporty performance, and fresh styling. It was the most successful new car introduction in the history of the automobile industry. Along with its impressive performance and lean size, the Mustang was available with a broad options list. This unknown market segment quickly triggered competition from every major car company, creating overnight the 'pony car' class.

Buyers had many options, from a Spartan six-cylinder coupe to a fully equipped V-8 convertible. Horsepower continued to grow during the late Sixties, and racing was on every manufacturer's agenda, as it was a valuable way to promote the brand. No other American manufacturer had done it bigger than the Ford Motor Company, with victories on an international stage, winning at LeMans and other races of the FIA World Sportscar Championship, Formula One by financing the Ford Cosworth DFV engine, and continued pursuit of victories in the USAC National Championship and the Indianapolis 500.

In 1970, Ford ceased its official racing activities, but not before the Bud Moore-prepared Mustang Boss 302 won the Trans Am title, with drivers Parnelli Jones and George Follmer. The Ford Mustang Mach 1 was also triumphant in the SCCA Manufacturer's Rally Championship.