Ford Motor Company Marketing Research Office Report, "Owner Loyalty and Source of Sales," July 14, 1964

Ford's careful market research revealed that people between 18 and 34 would represent half of all car buyers during the 1960s. These young customers wanted sporty styling, fuel economy and performance-oriented options. Additionally, older buyers were becoming more affluent and increasingly willing to buy second -- or even third -- cars just for fun. Mustang was designed with these trends in mind.