1970 Ford Mustang – Restyling and Performance for a New Decade
The 1970 model year brought significant changes to the Ford Mustang lineup, aimed at keeping it fresh against new competition entering the pony car ranks. An extensive restyle gave the Mustang a larger yet more contemporary appearance. Under the skin, chassis refinements improved handling precision and ride quality. Several new performance models also joined the lineup, including the formidable Boss 302. The 1970 Mustang represented Ford’s effort to start the new decade with an improved yet familiar pony car.
Fresh Exterior Styling
The 1970 restyle enlarged the Mustang’s dimensions and added stylistic elements borrowed from the full-size 1969 Ford Thunderbird. A more massive grille with hidden headlights gave it a formidable nose. Pointed beaks extended from the hood edge. Aggressive character lines sculpted the flanks. While thicker and chunkier overall, the styling helped the Mustang stand out among rival new designs from GM and Chrysler. The fastback SportsRoof and convertible body styles carried over along with the iconic galloping pony emblem.
More Spacious and Comfortable Interior
Inside, the 1970 Mustang gained additional room and optional luxury features. The instrument panel incorporated aircraft-style warning lights and a sweeping dash design. An optional interior décor group added woodgrain surfaces and brighter upholstery for a premium feel. The interior space provides a more relaxing accommodation for road trips or everyday commuting. While retaining sporty flair, the expanded 1970 Mustang moved closer to a touring focus amid changing buyer tastes.
New Performance Model Highlights
While the 390 and 428 big block V8s carried over, new performance variants highlighted the 1970 lineup. The Boss 302 delivered radical high-RPM power via its specially designed 302 V8. The Boss 429 housed an enormous 429 V8 intended for NASCAR homologation. At the top, the 7.0L Super Cobra Jet packed a thunderous 375hp. These new models showcased Ford’s racing achievements powering muscular yet refined packages like the 1970 Mustang. They expanded the powertrain choices without relinquishing V8 potency.
Improved Ride and Handling
Chassis upgrades aimed at delivering compliance and better handling manners complemented the new powertrains. Based on the Ford Fairlane/Torino chassis, the Mustang gained a 3-inch wheelbase stretch for a smoother highway ride. Revised front suspension geometry enhanced turn-in precision. An optional handling package added sportier tuning ideal for V8-powered models. While just as quick, the 1970 Mustang felt tauter and more responsive thanks to this improved foundation.
Purposeful Design Protection
The 1970 styling changes had the secondary effect of clearly differentiating the Mustang from the new Mercury Cougar. Their 1967 designs had grown nearly identical, but the 1970 Mustang fastback’s prominent beak and unique bodyside sculpting shielded it visually. This differentiation also reflected the brands’ diverging ambitions. While Mercury pursued luxury, Ford protected the Mustang’s pony car performance image with the 1970 updates. The restyle preserved Mustang’s sporting essence despite segment growth.
Setting the Stage for the 1971 Redesign
As a transitional model between Mustang generations, the 1970 edition represented major advancements in styling, luxury, and performance sophistication. It laid the groundwork for the more radical 1971 Mustang. Yet despite previewing the 1971’s larger proportions and luxury focus, the 1970 maintained the original Mustang’s spirit. This deft balancing of evolution and tradition helped carry the Mustang into a new decade while retaining the sensibilities buyers held dear as tastes shifted.
