page_title: Ford Mustang (first generation)
section_title: 1972
hierarchical_section_title: Ford Mustang (first generation) / 1971–1973 / 1972
caption_attribution_description: I went to a local cruise night tonight and took a few pics for you all. During 1972, Ford offered a special eye-catching &quot;Red, White &amp; Blue&quot; color styling package with bold USA Shield decals to commemorate the 1972 USA Olympic Team. For more info: &lt;a href="http://www.1972mustangsprint.com/" rel="nofollow"&gt;www.1972mustangsprint.com/&lt;/a&gt;
context_page_description: The first-generation Ford Mustang was manufactured by Ford from March 1964 until 1973. The introduction of the Mustang created a new class of automobile known as the pony car. The Mustang’s styling, with its long hood and short deck, proved wildly popular and inspired a host of competition.
  It was initially introduced on April 17, 1964, as a hardtop and convertible with the fastback version put on sale in August 1964. At the time of its introduction, the Mustang, sharing its underpinnings with the Falcon, was slotted into a compact car segment.
  With each revision, the Mustang saw an increase in overall dimensions and in engine power. The 1971 model saw a drastic redesign to its predecessors. After an initial surge, sales were steadily declining, as Ford began working on a new generation Mustang. With the onset of the 1973 oil crisis, Ford was prepared, having already designed the smaller Mustang II for the 1974 model year. This new car had no common components with preceding models.
context_section_description: Due to tightening emissions regulations, the Boss 351 edition and optional 429 big block were dropped after 1971, leaving the 351 cu in (5.8 L) variants as the largest available engines for 1972 (and 1973).
  Exterior differences were virtually unchanged, though all 1972 models were revised with "Fasten Seat Belt" warning lamps on the right side dash panel. The "Decor Group" exterior trim package was also revised, allowing coupe and convertible owners to option their car with tu-tone lower body paint, plus the honeycomb sportlamp grille from the Mach 1/Boss 351 and the Mach 1's urethane bumper.
  A commemorative Olympic Sprint Edition (also available on the Pinto and Maverick) was released between March and June of this year. Sprint editions were available in Hardtop and Sportsroof variants, and featured white paint schemes with light blue accents and USA shield decals on the rear quarter panels. An additional 50 Sprint convertibles were produced exclusively for the 1972 National Cherry Blossom Parade in Washington D.C.
  1972 saw the end of the special Ford muscle car performance engine era.  At mid-year, Ford offered a slightly detuned Boss 351 engine, which could be ordered with any model.  Only 398 Mustangs were built with the drag race oriented R code motor and was designated as the 351 HO.  Mandatory options were the top loader 4 speed, competition N case rear end (427, 428, 429, Boss 351, 351HO), and air conditioning delete.  Vacuum operated Ram Air was not available, however the HO came with the first full time cold air induction system in a Mustang, routing cold air via a 2 piece plastic duct under the battery tray to the air cleaner snorkel.  All 351 HO cars were manufactured in Dearborn, MI.
caption: 1972 Mustang SportsRoof Sprint edition
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