This Ford Concept Nearly Became the Mustang’s Fastback Sibling

Picture this: It’s the early 1960s, the air in Dearborn, Michigan, is thick with cigarette smoke and the scent of clay models. Ford Motor Company is in a race, a frantic, exhilarating sprint to create something entirely new, something that would capture the burgeoning youth market. Lee Iacocca, then a rising star, was famously pushing for a “sporty car for the masses,” a vehicle that bucked the trend of bulky sedans and staid family haulers. Everyone at Ford felt the immense pressure, the exhilarating potential of what they were trying to achieve. They knew they were on the cusp of something monumental, a shift in automotive culture. While the world eagerly awaited what would become the beloved Ford Mustang, a fascinating secret was brewing in the design studios, a tale of what nearly was. Imagine the quiet hum of fluorescent lights overhead, the low murmur of designers discussing lines and curves, a buzz of creative energy palpable even through the dust motes dancing in the sunbeams that occasionally pierced the studio windows. Among the many sketches and clay models, one particular concept emerged, a breathtaking vision that was arguably even more radical than the original Mustang coupe – a true fastback sibling that came incredibly close to seeing production. Its lines promised a future that, ultimately, never materialized, leaving us to wonder about the alternate timeline where this sleek machine roared onto American streets.

The narrative of the Ford Mustang’s creation is often told with a focus on its swift development and immediate, overwhelming success. We know about the initial coupe and convertible, and then the iconic fastback that followed shortly after. But beneath the surface of this well-trodden path lies a story of fierce internal competition and bold, sometimes outlandish, design proposals. Before the production Mustang fastback, often called the 2+2, solidified its place in automotive lore, Ford’s advanced design studios were churning out concepts at an incredible pace, exploring every possible angle for their new “pony car.” It wasn’t just about making a single car; it was about defining a whole new segment. Designers were encouraged to push boundaries, to dream big, and to challenge conventional wisdom. This environment fostered a creative tension, a rivalry between design teams, all vying for their vision to be the one chosen. And within this crucible of innovation, a particular design, a striking fastback concept, stood out, captivating many within the company for its sheer audacity and futuristic appeal.

This isn’t just about a discarded sketch; it’s about a fully realized concept, a potential twin that could have run alongside the original, a distinct identity that almost carved its own niche in the burgeoning market. It was a vehicle that, in many ways, embodied an even purer vision of a European-inspired sports car, blended with American flair. The project was shrouded in a kind of hopeful anticipation, a feeling that this could be the definitive statement of Ford’s new direction. Engineers and designers poured their hearts into it, believing they were crafting something truly special, a car that would not only sell in droves but also set new standards for style and performance. The excitement was infectious, a tangible current running through the hallways. They were making history, one curve, one panel, one daring idea at a time, even if not every idea would make it past the drawing board or the clay model stage.

The Genesis of a Near-Miss: The Allegro II Concept

The concept we’re talking about, often referred to by enthusiasts as the Allegro II concept (building on earlier Allegro designs), was a truly radical departure. While the production Mustang was designed to be easily adaptable and appealing to a broad audience, the Allegro II embraced a more aggressive, purely sporting aesthetic. “It was like looking into a crystal ball,” reminisced a former Ford design intern, who wishes to remain anonymous, reflecting on his time in the design studio back then. “The standard Mustang was handsome, no doubt, but the Allegro II felt like it was from another planet entirely. It was sleek, almost menacing, in the best possible way.” This concept wasn’t merely a restyled Mustang; it was a distinct interpretation of the pony car idea, pushing the boundaries of what a mainstream American manufacturer was willing to produce.

The design cues were striking. It featured a significantly lower roofline, a dramatically raked windshield, and a much longer, sweeping fastback profile that flowed seamlessly into the rear. Unlike the eventual production Mustang fastback, which retained much of the front-end styling of the coupe, the Allegro II had its own distinctive face. Its headlights were deeply recessed, giving it a somewhat sinister, focused gaze, and the grille treatment was unique, perhaps hinting at a more performance-oriented sub-brand. The overall stance was wider, lower, and undeniably more exotic. One could argue it had a European sports car flair, reminiscent of designs from Ferrari or Aston Martin, but with a distinctly American muscle car heart. It was a bold statement, a challenge to the norms of Detroit styling at the time.

A Closer Look at the Allegro II’s Distinctive Features

What truly set the Allegro II apart were its innovative details. The concept boasted a cockpit-like interior, a clear departure from the more conventional Mustang cabin. Its minimalist dashboard, integrated controls, and form-fitting seats signaled a driver-centric experience. “We wanted it to feel like a fighter jet, not a family car,” explained a retired engineer who worked on early Mustang prototypes. “Every line, every curve was about performance and connection to the road. It wasn’t just pretty; it was purposeful.” This focus on driver immersion was a stark contrast to many American cars of the era, which often prioritized plushness over engagement.

The rear of the Allegro II was equally captivating. The fastback roofline terminated in a truncated tail, almost a Kammback design, which was revolutionary for its time in an American production context. The taillights were slim, horizontal units, again differing significantly from the vertical triple-bar design that would become a Mustang hallmark. Even the wheels were unique, often shown with futuristic turbine-style designs that reinforced its avant-garde appeal. It wasn’t trying to be “just another Mustang”; it was trying to be *the* next thing. This commitment to a distinctive identity suggested that if it had gone into production, it might have been marketed as a higher-performance, more exclusive model, perhaps even under a different sub-brand or as a premium trim level, further enhancing its appeal as a true Mustang sibling rather than just a variation. The conversations around this model were always laced with a sense of hopeful ambition, a feeling that this could truly elevate Ford’s image in the performance realm.

The Road Not Taken: Why the Allegro II Remained a Concept

So, with such a compelling design and clear potential, why did the Allegro II remain a magnificent “what if” in the annals of automotive history? The reasons are multifaceted, a blend of practical considerations, market realities, and internal politics that often shape the destiny of even the most promising concepts.

* Cost of Production: One of the primary factors was simply money. The production Mustang was designed to utilize existing Ford Falcon components, keeping development and tooling costs down. The Allegro II, with its unique body panels, distinct interior, and potentially different chassis modifications, would have required significant additional investment. “Lee [Iacocca] wanted a home run, but he also needed it to be affordable to build and buy,” stated a former Ford executive in a historical interview. “The Allegro II was brilliant, but it was just too complex, too bespoke, for the volume we were targeting. It would have eaten into our profit margins.” The dream of a groundbreaking design often collides with the harsh reality of the balance sheet.
* Market Research and Timing: Ford’s extensive market research indicated a broad appeal for a conventional, versatile sporty car. While the Allegro II was undeniably eye-catching, its more aggressive, less practical fastback design might have alienated a segment of the market looking for a more accessible, everyday vehicle. The original Mustang’s success was partly due to its ability to be many things to many people – a sporty car, yes, but also a relatively practical coupe or convertible. The Allegro II leaned too heavily into pure sport, potentially narrowing its appeal. “We were launching into uncharted territory with the pony car,” explained the marketing director at the time. “It was safer to start with a proven formula, something that resonated with the largest possible audience, then build from there.”
* Internal Politics and Vision: Any large corporation is a battleground of ideas, and Ford in the 1960s was no exception. While some design teams championed the Allegro II’s avant-garde vision, others pushed for a more evolutionary approach to the Mustang lineup. The decision-makers ultimately favored a strategy of introducing the coupe and convertible first, then adding a fastback that shared more commonality with the existing models. This allowed for a phased rollout, reducing risk and maximizing immediate returns. The standard Mustang fastback, which debuted in 1965, was still beautiful and popular, but it lacked the sheer design audacity of the Allegro II.

One can only imagine the spirited debates that must have echoed through the executive boardrooms. “There was a lot of passion for the Allegro,” recalled one engineer with a wistful sigh. “Some of us truly believed it was the future. But the numbers, and the desire for immediate, overwhelming success, pulled us in a different direction. It was a pragmatic choice, not a lack of vision.” It was a choice that undoubtedly shaped the Mustang’s development and its trajectory for decades to come, for better or worse.

The Lingering Legacy: What if?

Even though the Allegro II concept never saw the light of day as a production vehicle, its influence wasn’t entirely lost. Elements of its forward-thinking design philosophy likely seeped into later Ford projects. The boldness, the emphasis on a strong character, and the exploration of aerodynamic forms surely inspired designers who went on to create other iconic vehicles. “No idea truly dies in a design studio,” a veteran designer once told me over coffee. “It might be shelved, but its essence, its spirit, often finds new life in unexpected ways. The Allegro II was too good to be completely forgotten.”

Think about the evolution of the Mustang design history. While the production fastback was a hit, subsequent generations, especially in the late 60s and early 70s, continued to experiment with more aggressive, aerodynamic profiles. Could the Allegro II have fast-tracked some of these developments? Absolutely. Had it gone into production, it might have spurred a greater emphasis on performance-focused sub-models earlier in the Mustang’s life cycle. It could have pushed competitors like Chevrolet (with the Camaro) and Pontiac (with the Firebird) to adopt more radical styling sooner, intensifying the pony car wars in fascinating new directions.

One can’t help but play the “what if” game. What if Ford had decided to launch the Allegro II as a halo car, a low-volume, high-performance variant positioned above the standard Mustang? It might have created an entirely different perception of the Mustang brand, lending it an aura of exclusivity and cutting-edge design from the outset. Perhaps it would have been a direct competitor to European sports cars at a more accessible price point, forever altering the landscape of performance motoring. The sight of this sleek machine cruising down a California highway in 1965 would have been nothing short of revolutionary, turning heads and igniting passions in a way few cars ever could.

The story of the Allegro II concept reminds us that automotive history is not just about the cars that made it to production, but also about the countless dreams, innovations, and near-misses that populate the design studios. These untold stories offer a richer, more complex understanding of how our favorite vehicles came to be, and how close they were to being something entirely different. It’s a testament to the immense creativity and ambition present at Ford during that golden era of design.

In the end, the Ford Allegro II concept stands as a powerful reminder of the forks in the road of design, the moments where bold visions are tempered by practicality, market forces, and strategic decisions. It’s a phantom limb of the Mustang family, a dazzling fastback sibling that never quite made it out of the shadows of the design studio, but whose ghost continues to captivate enthusiasts and historians alike. It makes you wonder, doesn’t it? What other masterpieces lie buried in forgotten archives, just waiting to be discovered, to remind us of the incredible possibilities that almost were? It certainly sparks a sense of intrigue, a desire to peek behind the curtain of history and see the alternate realities that almost became our own.