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Early Drop-Top: 1964.5 Ford Mustang

One thing I’ve learned about Mustangs since taking on the big Georgia collection clean-out is this: they made a ton of Mustangs, and very few of them outside of actual Shelby cars are hugely valuable. You can find a decent project pretty easily. There are, of course, some outliers, as this 1964.5 Mustang convertible here on eBay proves, as it was built at an early point in the Mustang’s lifespan and left the factory with a V8, manual ‘box, and one-year color.

Much of those details have been lost to the passage of time, but a car like this with so many notable features can and should be brought back to original condition. It’s a rare 1964.5 model and was originally equipped with a 260 V8 and manual transmission. The body was painted a one-year-only color known as Guardsman Blue, and while the motor was upgraded to a 289, the seller says the “….motor date and engine tag match.”

The interior was originally blue from the factory, so I’d presume these seating surfaces are original. They need complete restoration regardless, and the carpets have also been removed. The dash fascia looks quite tired, so along with the weathered exterior, the cabin will need a total overhaul. The floors are surprisingly solid but there’s still some daylight poking through the driver’s side floorboard. The crank windows are said to still roll up and down as intended.

The Mustang still runs off of a gas tank and will do yard drives in forward and reverse. The seller notes there is rust in the rear frame rails but that underneath the convertible top cowl is not rotted out. The doors are said to hang without sagging, and the convertible top latches still work. Despite the ample amount of bodywork and rust repair needed, some of the details surprise me as far as what’s still intact. Bidding is over $3K with no reserve; is this ‘64.5 Mustang convertible worthy of restoration?

Comments

  1. Avatar Dave Mika Member

    Beins that there is a never-ending source for parts, and plenty of help out there – yes, it’s worth a poke.

    Like 6
  2. Avatar Gaspumpchas

    Would like to see if it has some of the little differences like the hood lip, corresponding bevel on headlight frame, and if it had a generator.Didnt say if it was a 4 speed, looks like a 3 speed shifter. Easy swap! I’ve sure seen worse, but good inspection of the underbelly and cowl plenum INNER ROCKERS!!. Sure would be great to see this one back on the road. Wonder if its one of the stangs that was in the Worlds Fair Ford Exhibit?? Good luck to the new owner !!

    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 4
    • Avatar Bill

      I was 7 at that world’s fair and remember us 4 riding in the convertible automobiles with water fountains and lots of lights !

      Like 1
    • Avatar Jimbobilly

      I have a correct code top loader for a 64.5 or early 65. Bought to convert a 3 speed to 4 in the early 80s but never got around to it. That car is long gone but the top loader remains. Wish it were the other way around.

      Like 1
  3. Avatar ATL_Jeff

    That color, guardsman blue, is awesome. My favorite of all the dozens of blue mustang colors out there. I’d keep the colors stock and upgrade the mechanicals — a more modern drivetrain for sure. Not a money maker, but definitely a smile maker once it’s done.

    Like 8
  4. Avatar Bob C.

    The so called 64.5 models were originally equipped with the 170 six and 260 v8 through 9/24/64. After that, it was the 200 and the 289.

    Like 4
  5. Avatar Joeinthousandoaks

    Not true Bob C. You could get the D code 289 4 barrel from the start. I had one built in April 64. And it had a 4 speed.

    Like 7
    • Avatar Bob C.

      I stand corrected Joeinthousandoaks. Reading deeper, it was the standard 2 barrel version after that date. Thank you.

      Like 1
  6. Avatar Miguel

    I think if this car is going to have any value it has to be restored to original specs down to the last detail, otherwise it is just another Mustang convertible out there.

    If not, it doesn’t matter that it is an early car or not.

    Like 3
  7. Avatar John Johnson

    Shelby’s are overpriced

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Paul

    This looks like the one used in the James Bond movie “gold finger” ….or at least the door bottom does!

    Like 0

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