We get inquiries from time to time about In Search of Mustangs and the Mustang Production Guide series published back in the early 1990s by Jim Smart and Jim Haskell. When In Search of Mustangs was founded in 1979, the objective was to learn as much as we could about Mustang production patterns in the three Mustang plants in Dearborn, Michigan; San Jose (Milpitas), California; and Metuchen (Edison), New Jersey.

In the years spanning 1979 and 1992, Smart and Haskell were able to amass huge amounts of warrenty plate and federal certification label data from thousands of classic Mustangs from around the world. In fact, they were able to accummulate enough data that a production picture was established - especially in the obscure 1965-66 years no factory records remain. For example, there was enough of a pattern created that enabled them to nail down scheduled build date codes based on consecutive unit numbers. This proved helpful for those with lost warranty plates and damaged certification stickers.

With this huge cross section of data, Smart and Haskell were also able to show vehicle identification number and DSO code patterns that established vehicle orders and shipments to specific sales districts.

The result of all this research was the Mustang Production Guide published in 1992-93. There has not been a reprint since. And in the years since, there have been inquiries about a revised publishing of the Mustang Production Guide with updates and fresh data. Due to the economy and reduced demand for Mustang production information today, it is unlikely there will be another Mustang Production Guide printing. There simply isn't the demand today there was 20 years ago. However, there is discussion about creating an In Search of Mustangs website as soon as possible. For more information about In Search of Mustangs and the Mustang Production Guide, contact Jim Smart at thesmart67@msn.com.

Originally published at MustangMonthly.com May 4, 2009