[blakscorpion21]

Originally Posted by DinanM3_S2

The Mustang was NOT the first instance of Retro styling, not even close. I would say either the 2002 Ford Thunderbird or even the 2000 BMW Z8 (based on the 1950's BMW 507) was the beginning of the retro styling fad. You might even be able to make the claim that the Porsche 911 is the oldest example of retro styling since it has barely changed since 1964. What about the Mini Cooper? The Mustang might be the most extreme example of retro styling, but it is not the first.

PlayStation3, I think you are dead wrong on the effects of the Retro Mustang. People arn't going from Ford to others, if you look at the numbers, people are flocking to the Mustang. It has been a huge success compared to any Mustang since the 60's. Ford doesn't care a whole lot about what people do with their cars in the aftermarket. The 05'+ was designed to target all of those people that grew up around the great Mustangs of the 60's, and they have succeeded. Quit thinking like a teenager-twentysomethinger and start thinking like a guy in his 40s or 50s. Middle aged guys adore the new 'Stang. It is the perfect mid-life-crisis car for much of the middle class. I see those things all over the place after just two years or so on the market. In August 2006, Ford sold almost 18,000 Mustangs, which is more then any other Ford except the F-Series trucks. More Mustangs sold then Jaguars, Volvos, and Land Rovers combined. More Mustangs sold that month then all of Lincoln and Mercury cars combined (not including trucks/SUVs). Honda only sold 703 S2000s, Nissan sold a little under 2,000 350z's, Mazda sold 786 RX8s, and Mitsubishi sold under 3,000 Eclipses. The Retro Mustang was a HUGE sales victory for Ford.

My opinion of retro styling is that it needs to combine some modern elements with classic design. I think that the Z8 and Mustang have been carried out very well, as well as the Camaro concept (it will probably look a bit tamer upon entering into the market). I take issue with the Dodge Challenger because there is not a scrap of originality in that entire car. It is a little lame that GM and Dodge are basically trying to copy everything that Ford has done with the Mustang and I would be willng to bet that neither the Camaro nor the Challenger will do as well.

yes, thats why i said it was a fairly new idea. and definitley the 1st time retro became as big as it is now for cars.