Customer Reviews

Mustang Does It! An Illustrated History (The Ford Road Series, Vol. 6) (The Ford Rd series ; 6)

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Very informative. Gives detailed year-by-year descriptions of 1964 1/2 to 1973 model years, including specialty cars such as the GT, T-5, Shelby, Boss, etc. Gives each model year specifications such as engine size (including bore and stroke,compression ratio, horse power, fuel requirements), vehicle dimensions (including length, width and height for all three body styles) exterior color codes, vehicle weight for all three body styles, and much more. Very heavily illustrated with both B/W and color photos. An incredible resource for anyone interested in early Mustangs.

Thumbnail version: 'Mustang Does It' is an OK choice if you want a book with large pages and lots of pretty pictures. Unfortunately, the original photos & text are seriously flawed in terms of their informational value. And even if you're merely looking for Mustang-themed entertainment, there are much better books available at lower cost.

I know, I know...this 1978 title was one of the first to celebrate the historic success of Ford's original 'pony car'. Who thought anyone would publish a 320pg. 'coffee table' book about cars that were then not even 15 years old? On this basis alone, anything less than breathless and enthusiastic praise must seem almost sacriligious to some folks.

So, I'm sorry to say that its not a very good book in general, much less in comparison to other Mustang titles. Yes, they crammed in something like 1300 photos. But the cars are from California, circa 1976, and have typical mods of that period: mag wheels, 'trick' paint-jobs and even sidepipes are everywhere. Many of them aren't even *clean*, for pity's sake.

This wouldn't be so bad had the author pointed out these flaws or downplayed them in his text. But most cars are presented with few comments to indicate they are anything but pristine examples. I've concluded it was merely a case of not knowing the facts; similar problems occur throughout, with even the color charts having several errors & omissions.

I suppose some of you might think me unfair. After all, its been 25 years and the art of Mustang restoration hasn't been standing pat. I've been involved with Mustang for most of that time, myself, learning all the while as I went from amateur dabbler to professional vendor & consultant. Have I learned so much that I now view the 1970s with a jaundiced eye?

Well, sure - haven't most of us? But 'Mustang Does It' is very much a product of its time. Or maybe 'frozen in time' is a better phrase. This re-issue of the original edition desperately wants some editing to make it more relevant for today's buyers. As-is, it is a time-capsule of flawed research...like an heirloom gem that turns out to be glass.

I was happy to see "Mustand Does It" by Ray Miller back in print. I was fortunate to have gotten a copy 20 years ago, and it is STILL the most comprehensive Mustang book that I have seen. There is not much more to say other than it is the best source for settling arguements such as "It is too a real 64 1/2!". There are many detail photos of the unique features of each year's production models. No details are overlooked.

Get this one while you can! If you love Mustangs, you gotta have it!

Back in the late 1970s, I restored a 1966 2+2 (Signal Flare Red, Pony interior, V-8, four-speed). This book was my bible, and it served me well. I'm sure that today, after thirty years, there are better references available. However, this is still an excellent primer on early Mustangs.