Ford Mustang in huge demand, waiting list out to 2017

Ford projected to sell around 4500 cars in 2016 but has been shocked to see a higher-than-expected 6000 orders placed for the first direct-from-factory, right-hand-drive Ford Mustang in Australia. In January, the lauded pony car performed so well that it out-sold the Ford Falcon. The waiting list for new Mustang orders to be delivered is said to extend all the way to late 2017.

The new ‘Stang is available in two powertrain variants: The V8-powered GT or the four-cylinder EcoBoost. Both choices are available in a Fastback or convertible body style.

Fastback customers have the choice of an updated six-speed manual or automatic transmission however all convertible buyers will be restricted to an automatic gearbox.

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Sales figures show that Australian customers prefer the V8 models, and are drawn towards the ‘Race Red’ colour scheme. ‘Magnetic’ and ‘Ruby Red’ paint options are also in high demand.

Aussie owners of the new Mustang have been given celebrity-like status with fans flocking to get a glimpse of the iconic car. Jenny Richardson and husband Scott recently took delivery of their red EcoBoost convertible and have been overwhelmed by the reaction it has received.

“I don’t think there’s been one time I’ve gone out and not had someone stop me to chat about the Mustang,” Jenny explained. “Often times when I walk up to the Mustang in a car park I find strangers standing next to it snapping selfies – it’s really quite remarkable.”

In February, 40 percent of convertibles sold were equipped with an EcoBoost engine. The four-cylinder turbocharged option is more fuel efficient and environmentally-friendly than its V8 sibling, while pumping out 233kW of power; that’s more grunt than the original V8 1964 Mustang.

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The popular Mustang GT is powered by the latest version of Ford’s 5.0-litre V8 engine (pictured above). The big-displacement variant produces a mighty 306kW of power.

Our love affair with the famed sportscar is further illustrated by the tremendous increase in orders of personalised license plates. In Victoria alone, over 340 sets of Mustang number plates have been sold – more custom license plates than have been sold for any other Ford nameplate.

The Australian-delivered Mustang has undergone substantial design changes from previous models sold overseas. Ford claims that although styling has changed significantly, the new Fastback and Convertible evoke ‘the essential character of the brand’.

Notable exterior design features include a low roof height and a wide track that allows for a lower and wider stance. The Fastback has a steeply sloped windshield and rear window creating a sleeker profile which is said to reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency.

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Convertible Mustang owner Derek Poulton has been amazed by the attention his car has received.

“It seems that everyone young and old – is in love with the Mustang,” says Derek. “I’ve had old men approach me to chat about it and I’ve had little kids give me a thumbs-up as I drive past. All the attention takes a bit of getting used to!”

The hype continued in March when Ford’s Facebook page was ‘over-run’ with fans as the company released a video of the Ford Mustang taking on the Great Ocean Road and Sea Cliff Bridge.

“Our Australian R&D and product investments are paying off as we transform Ford in Australia and customers respond to our new vehicles,” says Graeme Whickman, President and CEO of Ford Australia. “The Mustang typifies this excitement as we expand our performance vehicle line-up as part of plans to launch 20 new vehicles by 2020.”

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If you’re willing to wait it out and purchase the all-new Ford Mustang, prices are as follows:

MUSTANG ECOBOOST

• Fastback (Manual Transmission) $45,990
• Fastback (Automatic Transmission) $48,490
• Convertible (Automatic Transmission $54,990

MUSTANG GT

• Fastback (Manual Transmission) $57,490
• Fastback (Automatic Transmission) $59,990
• Convertible (Automatic Transmission) $66,490

Looking for more detail? Read more the different Ford Mustang models here.