April 17th 1964: The day the first generation of the Ford Mustang->ke428 was introduced to the public. Today, almost half a century later, when the words 'American Icon' are spoken together, this car is probably the first thing that comes to mind.

With the 50-year anniversary of the Mustang approaching, the anticipation over the next generation of the pony car has been greater than ever. With the news of Ford->ke31 filing a trademark application for the “Mach 1” moniker, speculations are rife about the return of the badge in the 2015 Mustang.

The model, when launched in 1969, sat between the GT and Boss 302 models, and it replaced the GT in 1971.

Based on the unique design elements of the original 1969 Mach 1, we at TopSpeed decided to create a rendering for you what the Mach 1 Mustang (if released) could look like.

Click past the jump to learn more about the design process.

Ford Mustang Mach 1 History

The Mach 1 began it's life in August 1968, as a 1969 model, after Ford realized the need of performance Mustangs to compete with the new Camaro. The numerous design updates over the years had resulted in increased dimensions, which meant a larger, more potent engine could be -- and needed to be -- introduced.

The original Mach 1 started it's life with a V-8 engine and fastback body style along with various visual highlights, most unique of which were the matte-black hood and hood scoops. Rear deck spoilers,new wheels and an optional chin spoiler further enhanced the performance and visual appeal of the Mach 1.

All this effort by Ford reflected in their sales chart when, in 1969, the Mach 1 model reported over 10 times the sales of the GT, which led to the discontinuation of the GT model.

The updated Mach 1 models remained on sale before being discontinued in 1979. 2003 saw the the return of the Mach 1 nameplate as a limited-edition model with the Ford "New Edge" Design, but the initial 1969-1970 Mach 1 to this day remains one of the most popular Mustang ever.

New Rendering - In Detail

With the official images of the 2015 Mustang in hand, there is little mystery of what the rumored Mach 1 will look like -- if it is every a reality. Up front, it'll likely feature a monstrous splitter for extra downforce, a mustang vertical logo with the galloping pony, a set of functional heat extractors on the hood, black mirror caps, side sills and a Mach 1 striping package for the hood and lower parts of the doors.

Out back, we expect to see a lip spoiler, the legendary "Mach 1 lettering in the center of the fascia, a set of quad exhaust ports and a revised diffuser.

Original Rendering - In Detail

We start our renderings with design cues taken from the 2011 Ford Evos and the latest spy shots, introducing changes to adapt Ford’s new global design language, while trying to stay true to the original design and proportion of the Mustang family.

Though the Mustang is a true American at heart, the upcoming generation is expected to have a much bigger market, as the new model is expected to be introduced in many new countries, hence the design is expected to be based on inputs from Ford's design studios around the globe.

In the front the design features the trapezoidal grill and the slim wrap-around headlamps - a standard design element seen in most new Ford models. Based on the latest spy shots and rumors, the overall length of car has also been decreased with the biggest proportion change being the shorter rear overhang.

Other major changes include the removal of the B-pillar, and slightly raised and sloping shoulder lines for a more dynamic look to the car. Flared wheel arches are also present, giving the `Stang a more muscular look.

The car also features a black hood and shaker scoop -- distinguishing features of the original Mach 1 -- along with a black rear wing and fading stripes on the side. Final touches include the black lips on the front, fog lamps integrated on both sides and darkened headlamps for a more aggressive look.

The sketch of the side profile compares the changes that can be expected in the sixth-generation Mach 1 Mustang compared to the current-generation Mustang, and as mentioned previously, the body is slightly lowered and is considerably smaller than the current-generation Mustang.

The sharp edges of the current generation has been dropped, in favor of smoother curved lines, again amplifying the muscular look of the car.The side mirrors of the current generation are updated with modern, wider mirrors to keep it in sync with the overall modern design of the car.

Notable changes in the greenhouse area include a more aerodynamic, sweptback windshield and removal of the B-pillar, which helps in shortening the length of the greenhouse. This shortening is necessary for to allow Ford to shorten the body and enable a smoother transition to the trunk.

Around back, the wing adds to the high-speed stability of the Mach 1. Moving down again, the sharp lines are dropped in favor of smoother curves. From the news and reports from different forums, the sequential triple taillights, along with the twin exhausts seen in the current generation, will remain in the new car.