1970 's marked the beginning of a decade that would prove to shake up the entire automotive industry. The early 1970 's were marked by the Muscle Car race with the continuation of the 1969 - 1970 Mustang Mach 1 one , Boss 302 and Boss 429 cars. In the Mach cars, the top of the line engine was the 428 Cobra Jet .The Boss 302 was built for the Sports Car Club of America Trans Am series, the Boss 429 was built for Nascar. As the decade continued, the horsepower race would give way to other concerns . The big two items were "safety" and "the environment" Government pollution and safety mandates affected the cars from inside out.. The price of oil and gas would affect the industry as well. During The first "gas crisis" of 1973 The American Automobile Association recorded that up to twenty percent of the country’s gas stations had no fuel during one week during the crisis. The crisis prompted a surge in the sale small, fuel efficient foreign cars and the U.S. auto industry played catch up.

1970   Similar to '69 cars, 4 headlight arrangement updated to two headlights

1971   Body restyled, longer and wide stance, larger engine compartment accommodate the race breed 429 engine. Other engines available include 250 CI six cylinder, 302, 351 Cleveland . Look for Mach 1's , Boss 351, and 429 cars.

1972   429 engine dropped. For most of the line the engines were set up for low emissions and sacrificed horse power, low compression , used regular fuel. During this time the major auto makers were scrambling to meet government regulations, and
added smog pumps, changed ignition timing etc. These patchwork solutions to the smog problem marked the end of the performance car era. It would be a long time until computer controlled, fuel injected cars delivered performance with fuel economy and acceptable emissions

1973    Last year for "First Generation" Mustangs

1974    Mustang II introduced. Major restyle, The car is marketed as a compact with a 4 cylinder 2.3 liter engine standard, also offered with a 2.8 liter V6

1975    302 V8 Cobra engine offered

1976

1977

1978

1979    Third Generation Mustang major restyle