I don't think calling the 05 Mustang retro is exactly correct. I think American is more like it... follow me for a minute.
If you look back at the history of American designed cars, the 05 Mustang is more like a continuation of the Mustang than a Retro design. At some point in the 70's American design started changing to complete with the rise in amount and popularity of imports. In the last 10-20 years most American designed cars looked more like Japanese designed cars. (I'm not talking trucks here...). Sure, the 05 Mustang seems to take cues from the 60's stangs, but the 67 stang had some appearance of the 66 stang, so did that make the 67 stang retro?
Other examples are the PT Cruizer, SSR, and prowler. They aren't exact (or even really close) copies of classic cars. The Vette has maintained a mostly American style, allthough it's got some Italian influence in the last several years. The Chrysler 300 is a break from the Japanese looking sedans that we are all used to. I know there are mixed opinions about the Dodge Magnum and Charger, but they have taken a step in the direction of American design and away from import design. GM is still stuck in the import sedan mindset with the GTO, but maybe they'll come around with the new Camaro.
In the 60's the short trunk, long hood, and rwd was the American idea of a sports car and the 05 Mustang just seems more like the next logical step. The Mustang II was an attempt to compete with the economy imports, but the mid 80's stang started to get back on track, then in the 90's Ford started getting that rounded import feel and was a little off from the standard American look.
Now, when you start adding your own style to the new Mustang (ie side window louvers, side scoops, stripes) YOU are giving it a retro look.
So call it what you want, but I'm calling it American! Hopefully it's the first step in America becoming it's own country again and relying less on foreign designs and products!
Rick
If you look back at the history of American designed cars, the 05 Mustang is more like a continuation of the Mustang than a Retro design. At some point in the 70's American design started changing to complete with the rise in amount and popularity of imports. In the last 10-20 years most American designed cars looked more like Japanese designed cars. (I'm not talking trucks here...). Sure, the 05 Mustang seems to take cues from the 60's stangs, but the 67 stang had some appearance of the 66 stang, so did that make the 67 stang retro?
Other examples are the PT Cruizer, SSR, and prowler. They aren't exact (or even really close) copies of classic cars. The Vette has maintained a mostly American style, allthough it's got some Italian influence in the last several years. The Chrysler 300 is a break from the Japanese looking sedans that we are all used to. I know there are mixed opinions about the Dodge Magnum and Charger, but they have taken a step in the direction of American design and away from import design. GM is still stuck in the import sedan mindset with the GTO, but maybe they'll come around with the new Camaro.
In the 60's the short trunk, long hood, and rwd was the American idea of a sports car and the 05 Mustang just seems more like the next logical step. The Mustang II was an attempt to compete with the economy imports, but the mid 80's stang started to get back on track, then in the 90's Ford started getting that rounded import feel and was a little off from the standard American look.
Now, when you start adding your own style to the new Mustang (ie side window louvers, side scoops, stripes) YOU are giving it a retro look.
So call it what you want, but I'm calling it American! Hopefully it's the first step in America becoming it's own country again and relying less on foreign designs and products!
Rick