1964 1/2 Ford Mustang Convertible
There were several names proposed before the Mustang was given its famous moniker. These included Cougar, Panther, Colt, Stiletto, Comet, Allegro and many more. Even Ford couldn't have predicted how successful the car would be. On the opening day, 22,000 units were sold, and dealerships were taking waiting lists for several days after.
For consignment, a 1964-1/2, (sic, see below), model of the Mustang convertible with 148,422 title verified actual miles on the odometer. This is verifiable as an early model as it sports several cues of the 1964-1/2 model that were refined on the 1965. Some of these are a large horn within the engine compartment, a generator in lieu of an alternator, specific louvering in the radiator support, no carpeting filling the gap between the rocker panel and the sill plate, and a center off fan position for the heater control. Yupperz, this is a 1964-1/2, with a new interior, new top as well as a nice paint job, but will require some rust remediation on the undercarriage sooner rather than later.
Exterior
Rangoon Red in a color change respray done with the body on the frame is bathing the steel panels for this car. A left side offset racing stripe has been added to the hood and it races rearward, pausing at the rear of the hood and picks back up again at the base of the rear window and continues on down to the mustache thin chrome rear bumper. We note a few inclusions, hazy spots, bubbling, cracking of body work and scuffs in the finish. Also noted is the passenger's rear quarter panel appears to have been installed over top of the original and is separating at the front of the rear wheel arch. Up high is a new convertible top in white canvas that is power actuated and has been fitted with a crystal clear plastic rear window. From the hockey stick cove in the doors to the front venting to cool the battery, this car is screaming 1st generation Mustang. This machine presents with nicely polished chrome trimmings for the cove, bumpers, and window surrounds. The galloping pony emblem is on the front quarter, and the iconic triple inverted V tail light clusters are gracing either side of the rear panel. On all 4 corners are the chrome wire spoke wheel covers, standard fare for most Mustangs of the time, and wrapped in deeply treaded blackwall tires.
Interior
A flip of the door, and like new red vinyl covers the interior. On those door panels are a large clip style, (as opposed to screw on for the actual 1965), handle to open the door, another 1964-1/2 cue. Beautifully new low back buckets are up front and are in excellent condition. These show in tuck and roll inserts and smooth bolsters form with some chrome trimmings on the edges to hide the hinge. In back is a matching bench also with nicely done red vinyl. The dash is super clean with the dual eyebrow dash top under which is the horizontal speedometer flanked by the two round temp and fuel gauges, warning lights and odometer in the black panel. Sitting proudly in the middle of the hump is the wood knobbed topped shifter with an aftermarket consolette just in front. Hovering above the console in dash central we see temp sliders and the factory AM radio in its original spot. Like new and impeccably clean red carpet floods the floors for this newly redone interior.
Drivetrain
A 170ci inline 6 cylinder rests between the shock towers and shows with an incorrect blue block and correct orange valve cover. A chrome air cleaner lid covers the 1-barrel carburetor and there is a general patina and unrestored appearance to the bay. A 3-speed manual transmission is on back. The rear axle is a Ford 7.25 inch 3.20 conventional installation from the factory.
Undercarriage
In need of some TLC are the keywords for this undercarriage with some surface rust, plenty of patina, however the rear axle is appearing as almost new. We note invasive rust on the torque boxes, flooring in a few areas, the base of one of the shock towers as well as the inner rockers. We also note the beginnings of rust on the bottom of the passenger's door. Drum brakes are on all 4 corners, and suspension consists of independent coil springs up front and leaf springs in the rear.
Drive-Ability
She fired right up, and the test track proved to be no challenge for this car. It accelerated smoothly, steered easily and cruised with ease at highway speed. All functions worked as they should during my time behind the wheel even with the aforementioned undercarriage issues. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
So, what's the difference between a '64-1/2 and a '65 Mustang? Not much and yet everything. From 50 feet away, they look the same; close up, they host quite a number of differences. The '64-1/2 Mustangs have always been '65 Mustangs-always. As enthusiasts, we call them "'64-1/2" because it's easier to say, but it's also a cult thing. Early '65 Mustangs have the distinction of being the first block of Ponies ever produced. They were an integral part of the Mustang madness that swept the world in 1964. And if you have a "'64-1/2" built at Dearborn, that makes it even more significant in the relative scheme of things, because it was born in the motherland. Otherwise it's an early 1965! This car has all the right parts, cues and is ready for a new owner to take this pony to the next level...saddle up and take a ride!
5F08U205245
5-1965
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
08-Mustang Convertible
U-170ci 1bbl I6
205245-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 76A-Mustang Convertible, Standard Vinyl Buckets
COLOR A-Raven Black
TRIM 85-Red Standard Vinyl Buckets
DATE 20G-July 20th
DSO 25-Richmond
AXLE 3-Ford 7.25" 3.20 Conventional
TRANS 5-4 Speed Manual
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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