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Carport Find: 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang

This Mustang convertible has been parked in a carport for years, and is one of the rare 1964.5 models that feature subtle differences from later production examples. The seller provides limited information and photos, other than to say it was running when it was parked and that he’s already replaced the floor panels. Could there be a good car sitting here, despite the limited info? It’s parked in Chantilly, Virginia, which should offer a favorable climate for preserving a car left to the elements. Find it here on eBay with six bids to just under $8K.

The strong bids at the moment seem to indicate the listing itself is not deterring interest in the car. The 64.5 models are a curiosity that is meaningful to the Mustang faithful, but not likely anyone else with just a passing interest in the cars. The whole story of how Ford teased the model and received a fervent reaction from consumers is a textbook example of marketing 101; the earliest Mustangs would go on to pace the field at the Indianapolis 500 and inspire an even greater frenzy for the company’s iconic sports car.

Thus, there are some features of the 64.5 models that set them apart from the true 1965 cars, and most of them require a keen eye to spot. The earlier cars have an uncrimped edge (otherwise known as a “stiffening skirt”) on the hood near where it meets the headlight bezel; this was due to a stamping die issue in Dearborn, and would later be corrected on the 1965 cars. Other tell-tale signs include the use of a generator versus an alternator and battery cooling vents, details we can only confirm with the hood open.

You’ll also find some clues hidden in the interior, such as the letter “A” in the vent knob and carpeting that ends at the rocker panel instead of extending to the sill plate. MustangAndFords.com provides a great overview with photos of all these intricate differences. Whether a 64.5 Mustang gets you excited is a purely subjective opinion, but this one still looks healthy enough that it should be preserved and restored only where needed to keep a survivor-grade example on the road.

Comments

  1. Avatar TimM

    Limited pictures, no shots under the hood or under the car!! Another drove when parked scenario!!! No interior shots!!! Might as well bid on something someone told you about but never saw!!!

    Like 10
  2. Avatar Bob_in_TN Member

    There must be thousands of first generation Mustangs sitting in carports, barns, garages, …. and out in the elements. Tons of them were saved, if I can use the word loosely. So, plenty of examples to choose from, in all flavors and conditions. Not really enough info to make an informed decision on this one.

    Like 8
  3. Avatar Joe Haska

    There is no such thing as a 64 1/2, other than marketing and and a few production differences. They all left the factory titled as 1965’s.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Jesse Mortensen Staff

      The early cars had a lot of differences (generator, interior, etc) so it’s just a way to differentiate between them and the later cars.

      Like 6
      • Avatar MrMustang

        Still a 65 model not a 64 1/2. They all had 65 titles and that’s what Ford called them.

        Like 2
    • Avatar Djs

      So true they all were 65’s

      Like 0
  4. Avatar Bob

    They upgraded to 5 lug wheels in 64.5 (65)

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Bob

    They upgraded to 5 lug wheels in 64.5 (65)

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Bob McK

    I remember when they came out. Ford made a big deal about buying a 64 1/2 and calling them a 65. It gave the owners an extra half a year less depreciation. That was important back in those days when most people traded their cars after just a few years.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar stillrunners

    Kinda like the 64 1/2 I found in the late 70’s for my dad that was also under a house side carport….it was a light blue convertible…..had to educate dad a little on the early stuff…..was parked up next to the our garage for the longest….

    Like 2
  8. Avatar stillrunners

    Mr. Mustang – correct on title’s BUT any Mustang owner will be the first to tell you theirs is a 64 1/2……..

    Also the early ones were just grafted onto a Falcon platform anyways….with Stang stuff…

    Like 2
  9. Avatar Del

    Guess it never reached reserve ?

    Not a Mustang guy but this drop top could change me.

    Yup. lack of info here. seller unmotivated

    Like 2

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