1964 1/2 Ford Mustang Convertible
Since it was introduced 4 months before the normal start of the 1965 production year the earliest Mustangs were referred to as the 1964.5 model by enthusiasts. Nevertheless, all 1964.5 cars were given a 1965 standard VIN at the time of production. Production began in March 1964 and serial number 1, (5F08F100001), was sold on April 14th, 1964 at the George Parsons Ford dealership in St. John's Newfoundland, Canada. The official introduction followed on April 17th at the 1964 World's Fair. The gentleman whose name will be forever written in Mustang history was Captain Stanley Tucker. He walked into George Parsons Ford and found an all too eager salesman who sold him the car....3 days before the model officially went on sale. The rest, as they say, is history.
While all first year Mustangs were titled as 1965's the early production cars are referred to as 1964.5 cars. Slight differences are noted between them and the standard production 1965 Mustang and this Mustang has all the correct early run parts on it. Owned by our consignor and garage kept for the last 15 years, this potent pony has been treated to a recent mechanical inspection, with the results noted in our description. Add in some upgrades and this is a car meant to be driven and enjoyed, not trailered from show to show.
Exterior
An older Rangoon Red respray covers the exterior of this car and presents with a few flaws, dry spots and texture on some of the surfaces. The restored metal is mostly straight with the front and rear quarter panels looking nearly factory fresh. Thin mustache like chrome bumpers and bumperettes present well with a deep reflective shine. The corralled horse within vertical and horizontal chrome spears fills in the honeycomb style grille and looks just fab. All gaps are good, and the freshman year Mustang cove is showing off proudly. Bringing up the tail end are the iconic tai lights and smiling thin chrome bumper below. 14-inch chrome styled steel wheels adorn the corners and are wrapped in thin whitewall radial rubber that is old enough to deem replacing.
Interior
Looking inside we are met with door panels covered in pristine red vinyl tuck and roll with red textured steel door frames and shiny chrome window cranks and door releases. Red standard buckets are up front and a rear bench that are keenly done with no marks or tears and have recently been replaced. A red center console races between the seats and looks just fab with its black textured and ribbed aluminum inlay. A chrome handled black knobbed shifter can be seen growing from the console and is well within the driver's reach. A dual eyebrowed dash pad sits atop the red full metal jacket dash which contains the original instrument cluster, various chrome knobs and sliders, aftermarket AM/FM radio, and glove box door. A wood rimmed 3 spoke wheel is perched atop the fixed steering column giving a nice touch to the basic instrumentation. Very clean red carpet floods the floors and is protected by red carpeted mats with pony logos to finish out our tour.
Drivetrain
Under the hood in the well kept engine bay we see the factory D-code 289ci V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor. This mill is bathed in correct black with some snappy chrome for the valve covers, air cleaner and breather cap. A Toploader 4-speed manual transmission pushes power back to a Ford 8" rear axle. Of note is the 1964.5 specific generator bolted to the engine where later models had an alternator.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust can be seen, but this is typical of a "driver car". Solid floor pans, toe kicks, and rockers can be seen from underneath. We do note that the front of the front unibody rails are suffering from invasive rust, so much so that the passenger's bumper bracket has been welded on instead of being bolted, and will need replacing in the very near future. This invasive rust also makes an appearance on the shock towers, with the driver's side rear having severe damage and perforation. Independent coil spring front suspension and rear leaf spring suspension are noted and drum brakes are on both the front and rear. Dual exhaust snakes its way back through Turbo style mufflers .
Drivability
A pump of the gas and twist of the key and we were off like a prom dress. Acceleration was adequate from the 289ci V8, handling was good, and braking was bias free even with the manual drums. All functions were functioning, and I enjoyed my time behind the wheel of this 1st year pony.
Not every car can be a number matching garage queen that is rarely enjoyed. If you are seeking a concours restored car that you want as a "queen" this is not your car. If you are an early Mustang aficionado and want to drive your classic car, then look here. A clean, nicely preserved car, smooth runner, this could be your pony...Uhhhh Mustang!
5F08D190060
5-1965
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
08-Mustang Convertible
D-289ci V8 4bbl 210hp
190060-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
