The Pony Package

At least part of the Mustang’s appeal comes from its customizability. Eventually, most Mustang owners modify their pony cars with aftermarket parts. But some customization starts right at the factory. Interior packages are a favorite way to make sure your Mustang doesn’t feel generic, even on day one. By selecting unique paint colors and interior packages, some truly rare Mustangs have been born.

Most of the first-generation Mustang’s options were available à la carte. But some of the most popular options were bundled together in a package. One of the most enduring packages has been the Pony Package.

First introduced in 1965, the Pony Package is almost as old as the Mustang itself. However, the Pony Package hasn’t been offered every year, or even in every generation. The features have changed significantly over the years as well. Let’s take a look at what the Pony Package included each year it was offered.

First Generation Mustang Pony Package

The name Ford gave to the Pony Package in 1965 was the “Interior Decor Group.” It wasn’t a name that really suited the Mustang, and owners quickly started referring to it as the Pony Interior. It gained this nickname because of the embossed ponies that were on the backs of the seats.

The Pony Package is considered a desirable feature for collectors, and definitely adds value to first-gen Mustangs.

Based on the Pony Interior’s lasting popularity, it’s surprising it was only offered for two years. Since then, enthusiasts have restomodded their first-gen Mustangs to also have Pony Interiors.

The 1965 and 1966 Pony Interior package included the following:

• Five-dial instrument panel
• Woodgrain inserts on gauge cluster and glovebox door
• Uniquely styled glovebox door
• Molded door panels with Thunderbird-style, pistol-grip inside door-release handles
• Door-mounted courtesy lights
• Removable kick panels with carpeting on lower half and stainless trim strip
• Running horse-embossed bolstered seat upholstery
• Woodgrain Deluxe steering wheel
• Vinyl-covered quarter-trim panels (coupe only)
• Bright trim cap on quarter-trim panel (coupe only)
• Bright-trimmed pedals

SN95 Pony Package

From 1966 to 2001, there weren’t any new Mustangs released with the Pony Package. Though Ford brought back the GT, the Cobra, and many other trims, the Pony Package remained a first-gen exclusive.

Then, in 2001 the Pony Package made a quiet return as a Florida exclusive. After initial success, Ford decided to relaunch the Pony Package for 2003. 2003 marked Ford’s 100-year anniversary, so the timing was perfect.

Whereas the original Pony Package had been just an interior upgrade, now there were parts for the outside as well. To avoid conflicting features, the Pony Package was only available on the V6 Mustang.

The features for the Pony Package from 2001-2004 were consistent and included:

• 16” Polished Aluminum Wheels
• Unique Rear Fascia with Mustang in Black Lettering
• GT Hood
• Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel

The only difference from year to year was the side treatment the Mustang received. For 2001-2002 it was simple Mustang lettering. 2003 saw a unique stampeding Mustangs tape stripe. The stampeding Mustangs only lasted for a year, and 2004 was left with plain sides.

S197 Pony Package

Though there was no Pony Package available for 2005 Mustangs, it was offered throughout the remainder of the S197 generation. The retro style of the S197 Mustang made it a natural fit for the Pony Package.

There were many substantial equipment changes throughout the S197 generation, and the Pony Package got a lot of updates as well.

2006-2009 Pony Package Features

• Pony Grille with Integrated Fog Lamps
• Rear Spoiler
• Chromed Air Vent Surrounds
• 17” Painted Aluminum Wheels with Tri-Bar Center Caps
• Pony Fender Badges
• Lower Bodyside Mustang Logo Tape Stripe
• Carpeted Floor Mats with Brushed Chrome Badge

2010-2014 Pony Package Features

• Pony Grille with Chrome Bezel
• Fascia Mounted Fog Lamps
• Automatic Headlamps
• Pony Fender Badges
• Lower Bodyside Tape Stripes
• 18” Polished Aluminum Wheels
• Rear Spoiler
• Unique Chrome Exhaust Tip
• Carpeted Floor Mats with Pony Logo
• Body Color Sideview Mirrors

S550 Generation Pony Package

By this point, fans practically expected the pony package. Ford skipped 2015, but since then has offered a pony package consistently each year. Even though the S550 Mustang got a facelift in 2018, the package contents remained the same pre and post update.

While the Pony Package was restricted to V6 Mustangs previously, it’s become an EcoBoost Mustang exclusive in the S550 generation.

2016-2021 Pony Package Features

• 19 x 8.5” Polished Aluminum Wheels
• Unique Pony Grille
• Side Stripes
• Tri-Bar Pony Badge
• Bright Beltline Moldings and Window Surrounds
• Premium Carpeted Front Floor Mats with Embroidered Pony Logo

The Pony Package

Ford’s Pony Package has been an unexpectedly popular addition. Though it started as an interior decor package, it’s expanded over the years. Now, the Pony Package offers performance looks for non-GT Mustangs. The addition of exclusive wheels has also contributed to the Pony Package’s desirability.

If you’re planning on upgrading your wheels and adding carpeted floor mats to your Mustang anyway, the Pony Package is an affordable way to do so. As of 2021, the price for the Pony Package is $995. At less than a thousand dollars, you’d spend more money adding each feature than you would just getting the package.