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Why Own a Mustang?

"Why would anyone be interested in purchasing a Mustang"?

Classic cars have grown enormously in popularity in recent years, and the potential classic car buyer of today is faced with a bewildering choice of possibilities. A look through the classified pages of any of the major magazines specialising in this area (such as NZ Classic Car, or Auto Trader) reveals 100's of interesting classic cars of all sorts to tempt the buyer.

But why would a classic car buyer be drawn to purchase a Mustang, rather than a Rover, a Jaguar, a Porsche, or any other classic car make? There actually are some very good and practical reasons for this eg:

1. Numbers

In New Zealand there are now perhaps 2500 Mustangs. The importance of this is that:

	There are several for sale most of the time, and new ones coming on the market all the time.
	This means there is lots of choice
	There is sufficient critical mass of cars to sustain a good parts and service infrastructure.(Millions internationally)

2. Variety

Over the period in which Mustangs have been produced (1964 to today), a huge variety of models has rolled of the Ford assembly line. These range from small economical 4 cylinder models, to very high performance Boss and Shelby models of the 70's, to the equally rapid brand new Cobra's of today. There are hardtops, sportsroof's, convertibles, Bosses, Mach1's, GT's, Grande's, etc in all colours, with manual and automatic transmissions, and dozens of optional accessories.

There is a Mustang for everyone.

3. All price ranges

There are also Mustangs available to suit all price ranges from $5,000 to $150,000 + depending on desirability, and rarity. The early high performance first generation models (65-73 era) are very highly sort after and valuable collectors cars, yet the more common models are still very affordable, reliable and and popular cars to own.

4. Investment

Over recent years the value of the classic (1964-73) mustangs especially the more desirable earlier models, has seen a substantial drift upwards in prices, as interest in the cars has grown. Boss, and Shelby models are appreciating the fastest, followed by most convertibles, and GT's. This makes Mustangs appreciating investments. At the end of the day, NZ Mustang prices are solidly underpinned by the high value of the cars in the USA.

5. Support

Because of the numbers of Mustangs in NZ and overseas, the parts and service support for them is comparatively good. There are several New Zealand parts suppliers; not to mention hundreds of specialist suppliers internationally especially in the US. There are very few parts which are not obtainable from somewhere, and the vast majority are now available as reproduction parts. in fact owning, rebuilding and maintaining Mustangs is now a major international industry.

Many mechanical parts for the early (64-73) cars are interchangeable with Australian Falcons, further improving parts availability. This similarity with Falcons means that servicing is no problem and reference to this site and to other mustang owners will soon deliver up the names of garages and mechanics with excellent Mustang knowledge.

6. Broad Popularity

Mustangs really do have an incredibly broad appeal across all ages, and this includes the young. There is a mystique about them that defies logic, yet is very real as any Mustang owner will attest. In addition to the mystique, there is also the fact that most Mustangs do look great and, they actually do go very fast (or can be made to).

This popularity holds prices up in spite of the considerable number of cars in the country.

7. Mustang Clubs.

The large number of cars in NZ means that there are adequate cars and owners to support several long standing regional clubs. The clubs have proven very popular and durable because the membership is broadly based across a wide range of Kiwis, and because they are focused on fun for all the family. There have been many examples of people buying a Mustang, just so they could join their local club.

8. Why did you buy one?

When Mustangs owners are asked why they bought their car, one or more of the following usually comes out -

	I love the look of the cars, and wanted one ever since I was a boy/girl.
	They are enjoyable and fun to drive -and I want to show off!
	I want a mechanically simple car that I can enjoy rebuilding and/or maintaining myself.
	All the parts I need to maintain and rebuild the car are readily available and relatively cheap.
	There is a huge choice of models, colours, engines, options etc, so I can get what I want.
	Widely admired, so they are holding / appreciating in value. (ie a good investment).
	Good performance, especially the high performance models.
	Designed and built tough so that most are in good condition even after 30+ years.
	There are great Mustang owners clubs, for shared fun and technical support etc.
	They are a sports car that seats 4+ (not just the normal 2), so ideal for a family.
	They have an interesting motor sport history.
	Models / years are available in all price ranges.

So get out and buy that Mustang now, before someone else does, and before prices rise even further! You'll be glad you did!