Ford Mustang production hit the 35-year mark in 1999. The Mustang that was unveiled was sleeker and offered more new components including updated interior and an upgraded engine. Ford provided the hype and Mustang owners and prospective buyers alike jumped on the new and improved version of the car America had grown to love.

One of the more notable changes for this production year was the more than 40 boost in horsepower and torque over its 1998 predecessor. The Mustang GT, not to be left behind, also upgraded with an impressive horsepower boost of 35. The Ford Mustang became the daily driver that power hungry muscle car enthusiasts had dreamed of for many years. It offered power and that certain “oomph” that only the Mustang could deliver while providing improved traction control, less stiffness in the steering wheel and a much smoother braking system.

On the outside, the styling retained much of the feel of the true, old school muscle car while infusing a modern influence. There were even three new color options offered. This little car had proved itself over and over as a solid car; it had withstood the test of time, held up under dipping sales due to recession, and rebounded with a vengeance. After numerous facelifts and alterations, it had come out better than ever. The new Ford Mustang was sleek, sexy, powerful and just what the Mustang owners and fans had ordered.

Touted as the most modern Mustang ever, the 1997 model boasted a modern overhead cam V-8 and the most current safety features. This did not seem to help sales, though, as they continued to slip from a gradual downward slide from 1996. In 1997, they slipped 20 percent from the previous year to 108,344. Cobra sales volume, though, remained steady and relatively unchanged.

With a five speed T-45 manual tranny or an AOD-E automatic, the 4.6-liter engine that was dropped in the GT was capable of reaching torque at roughly 4000rpm. Add to that the ability for standard 2.73 gears on the rear axle to be upgraded to 3.08 or 3.27 and a sporty dual exhaust; Mustang fans were getting just what they had wanted.

The interior has some pretty sweet offerings as well with a choice of leather or upgraded cloth. However, only the Cobra and GT offered the side reinforcements on the seats. Other Mustang models did not. The 15-inch rims, single exhaust tip, and the word “Mustang” printed across the bumper remained from previous model years.

Ford was tweaking and testing the waters, offering buyers what they craved, but keeping much of the car the same. Across the board, Mustang buyers were offered a variety of choices from seats to trannys to engines. Ford was responding to the buyers’ demands, but would it be enough?

There were a few more updates to the Mustang in 1991 even as sales plunged to 98,737. The weak four boasted 105 horsepower due to a new eight plug cylinder head, but no one seemed to care much. Convertibles were given a cool power top that offered a neater appearance as it folded closer to the body. The fed hit automatic transmission cars yet again with a new edict requiring an interlock that meant the shifter would not move out of Park unless the brake pedal was pushed.

The V-8 models were gussied up with pretty five spoke allow wheels that were an inch larger than the previous year – a cool 16 inches in diameter. Tame and compliant 225/55ZR16 all season Michelins graced the LX 5.0, as opposed to the previous rough riding, tough looking bad boys Goodyear Eagle GT+4. The GTs held on to their Goodyears, but offered buyer the Michelins as an alternative at no additional cost.

Sticker prices continued to climb, putting the base price for the LX notchback to a little over $10,000. However, the V-8 convertibles remained just under $20,000. Was America falling out of love with the Ford Mustang, an American classic? The next few production years would tell the tale.