Mustang Unbridled & Cobra Jet 2 Book Set

Deep-dive into the full story behind Ford’s beloved pony car in this high-octane history.

Mustang Unbridled delivers the most comprehensive account of Ford’s Mustang ever published, a thrilling ride through six decades of continuous production that reveals one of history’s greatest automotive success stories.

Author Robert M. Kennedy begins before the beginning, outlining the evolution of Ford Motor Company from its founding through the early 1960s, delineating the key events that set the Blue Oval on a performance-car path.

From there, Kennedy steers the reins of Mustang’s story through each of its generations, detailing the impacts of internal and external politics, engineering decisions, advertising campaigns, competitive models, racing endeavors, pop culture, and world events, on its unprecedented success. Henry Ford II, Lee Iacocca, Don Frey, and other Ford staff set the stage, joined by a host of key outside influencers, including Carroll Shelby, Steve Saleen, Jack Roush, Vaughn Gittin, Jr., and many more.

From the V4-powered Mustang prototype of 1962 to the fire-breathing, world-beating Boss and Shelby versions of the late ’60s and early ’70s; and from the Mustang II and Fox body cars to today’s high-performance Dark Horse and GTD supercar, Mustang Unbridled offers an unequaled examination of Ford’s legendary pony car.

“Robert M. Kennedy’s dogged research and ability to uncover truths that have been vetted with Mustang notables gives Mustang Unbridled some eye-opening viewpoints that may leave fans re-thinking what they thought they knew about Ford’s steel steed.”

—John M. Clor, Enthusiast Communications Manager, Ford Racing

“In Mustang Unbridled Robert M. Kennedy weaves the waves of national and global change into his Mustang historical narrative. Kennedy brings a fresh perspective and ‘youthful’ enthusiasm to a car that has always been about the fun and joy of youth.”

—Donald Farr, Editor, Mustang Times

Ford’s “Total Performance” racing program in the early 1960s was the first stone turned in the task of repurposing its image to the youth market. The introduction of the Mustang increased that exponentially, but even in 289 Hi-Po form, it was no match for the Pontiac GTO or other muscle cars. Neither was the 1966 Fairlane GT or subsequent 390 Mustang the following year. But when the 428 Cobra Jet Mustang debuted at Pomona for the NHRA Winternationals in 1968, that image evolved from wholesome to fearsome!

Cobra Jet Mustangs downed all comers and took the vaunted Super Stock Eliminator crown while introducing a new weapon. By the next model year with the revolutionary shaker hood on Cobra Jet-equipped Mach Is and the striking snake adorning the sheet metal of the midsize Cobra, Ford’s image makeover was complete. The demise of the muscle car era didn’t signify the end of the Cobra Jet, as Ford continued the performance reign with the 351 Cobra Jet.

The legacy left by Mustang, Cougar, Torino, Cyclone, and Ranchero 428, 429, and 351 Cobra Jet-powered vehicles is indelible. Mustang Monthly editor Rob Kinnan and muscle car expert Diego Rosenberg bring this history back to life in an all-encompassing book that is the first to specifically feature all Cobra Jet cars, including the purpose-built drag cars of today! 

Cobra Jet: The History of Ford’s Greatest High-Performance Muscle Cars will hypnotize you as the first and complete history of Ford’s most famous engines during the era’s peak.

• Ford Mustangs are among the most popular sports cars in the world, with new models appearing every year, appealing to all generations of sports car fans.
• The Cobra Jet Mustangs were dominant in their racing classes in the late 1960s, creating new respect for America’s favorite pony car.
• Mustang books are consistent best sellers.