The Ford Mustang, a sports car that took the world by storm, debuted in April 1964 and quickly became an icon. Known for its stylish design and variety of engine and customization options, the Mustang sold over 400,000 units in its first year. However, when Ford decided to export the Mustang to Germany, they encountered an unexpected hurdle. To overcome this, Ford ingeniously rebranded the Mustang for the German market, calling it the Ford T5.
The Krupp Mustang Trademark Conflict
In the mid-20th century, the European market, while not massive for American cars, held a certain prestige. American vehicles were considered luxury imports, particularly convertibles, favored for their robust engines and features. However, a German truck manufacturer named Krupp had already copyrighted the name “Mustang” in the 1950s for their line of general-purpose trucks, including dump trucks and fire engines.
This trademark posed a direct problem for Ford’s plans to sell their new pony car in Germany under the Mustang name. Instead of purchasing the rights from Krupp, reportedly for $10,000, Ford opted for a more straightforward solution: rebranding all Mustangs destined for Germany as Ford T5. T5 was simply the internal project code used during the Mustang’s development in the early 1960s and carried no specific meaning beyond that.
Ford T5 Modifications and Distinguishing Features
For the initial 1965 and 1966 models, several subtle modifications differentiated the T5 from its Mustang counterpart. The 1965 T5 models featured hubcaps with a plain black center, and both the 1965 and 1966 models had the “Mustang” lettering removed from the horn ring and rear gas cap. Minor changes were also made to other branding elements.
Beyond branding, mechanical changes for the T5, and Mustangs exported to other countries, primarily involved adapting to European regulations. This included alterations to exterior lighting and suspension tuning to better suit European roads. Notably, the shock tower brace from the Shelby GT350 was incorporated for enhanced handling. While Mustangs with the Pony Interior package typically had a wood steering wheel, Ford T5s with this package often retained the standard steering wheel but with the “Mustang” script removed. Ford designed unique fender emblems to specifically designate these cars as T5s.
These first T5 emblems (C5ZZ-6325622A) measured approximately ¾ inches high and 4 inches long. They also received the export brace, later seen in GT-350 models. Later T5 models saw fewer changes, often just replacing Mustang emblems with a newly designed T5 emblem (C7ZZ-16098C), resembling early GT emblems with “T5” centered vertically. These later emblems were used until December 1979. Some 1967 and all 1968 models also received a special dash bezel above the glove box with the T5 designation. In 1971, a new dash emblem (D1ZZ-6504460-A) was placed centrally above the radio and heater controls, and the Ford T5 II models received another unique dash emblem (D4ZZ-6904460-A). It is important to note that all Ford T5 specific parts are now obsolete and no longer available from Ford. While these modifications were generally consistent, production variations and dealer oversights have resulted in some documented inconsistencies.
Identifying a Ford T5
Positive identification of early T5s can be challenging. Ford didn’t use specific codes to designate T5s, but they were all built with DSO (Domestic Special Order) codes in the 90s range. While all T5s have DSO codes in the 90s, it’s crucial to remember that not every Mustang with a DSO code in the 90s is a T5. These export codes didn’t specify a particular export location.
For the 1965 model year, T5s were assembled in Dearborn (plant code F) or Metuchen (plant code T). 1966 T5s were exclusively built in Metuchen. Early T5s from Dearborn have DSO codes starting with 91, and those from Metuchen begin with 95. Typically, the most reliable way to identify an early T5 is through visual cues like the horn ring, emblems, or by checking the original build sheet if available. From 1967 onwards, DSO codes became more varied depending on assembly timing, and the exact meaning of export DSO codes remains somewhat unclear despite inquiries to Ford Export. It’s essential to reiterate that DSO codes do not pinpoint a specific destination country.
Sales Channels and German Popularity
In Germany, and other export markets, the Mustang and T5 were sold through select Ford dealerships and also via the United States military’s PX system. This military channel allowed US personnel stationed overseas to purchase American cars and other goods.
Many T5s that ended up in civilian hands in Europe were initially bought by soldiers stationed in Germany. Some soldiers shipped their cars back to the US after their service, while others sold them to German civilians. Even in recent times, a significant portion of Mustangs sold outside North America are through military channels.
The Mustang Returns
The Krupp trademark on the name “Mustang” expired in December 1979. After this date, all Mustangs exported to Germany were once again sold under their original iconic name, Mustang, ending the era of the Ford T5. The Ford T5 remains a unique chapter in Mustang history, a testament to navigating global markets and trademark challenges, and a distinctive variant sought after by collectors and Mustang enthusiasts today.
