For any classic car, a life spent in a drier climate can provide both positives and negatives. That is the case with this 1964½ Mustang, which still wears its original black plates. The paint and interior trim show the impact of UV exposure, but the steel is saying “thank you” for its life in the sun. The Mustang is located in Pleasanton, California, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. All you need to do is hand the owner $12,500, and you could be taking this classic home. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder MattR for spotting this survivor for us.
Finished in Guardsman Blue with a White vinyl top, the Mustang would have grabbed plenty of admiring glances when it was new. The Mustang had captured the public’s imagination like no other car when it broke cover, and potential buyers were clamoring to get their hands on one. It was one of those rare occasions in automotive history where demand massively outstripped Ford’s ability to supply a particular vehicle, and it is a situation that we will probably never see again to that extent. The car has spent its life in California, and while the owner doesn’t mention any rust issues with the floors or frame, what can be seen externally has to make us feel optimistic. All of the usual locations, like the lower rear quarter panels, rockers, doors, and fender bottoms, look remarkably clean. If the story is consistent below decks, this will be a straightforward restoration project for the next owner to tackle. The paint is looking tired, but the trim and chrome appear excellent for a survivor grade car. The vinyl top is beginning to look as tired as the paint, but I can’t spot any problems with the glass.
The owner talks about the D-Code 289ci V8’s rarity, and it was only offered in the 1964½ Mustangs. However, figures indicate that it isn’t quite as rare as you might think. Approximately 42,600 cars rolled off the line with this engine. A rarer power-plant was the U-Code 170ci six. Only around 20,600 vehicles were produced with that engine, making that one of the rarest during the 1st Generation Mustang’s production life. This V8 is backed by a 3-speed automatic transmission, while the Mustang is also equipped with power steering and power brakes. The D-Code offered owners 210hp under their right foot, which was enough to propel the Mustang through the ¼ mile in 16.3 seconds. That was enough to demonstrate to the world that this was a pony car with performance that lived up to its good looks. This Mustang runs and drives, but it does need some brake work and a tune-up. If that is the extent of its mechanical issues, the buyer will hardly raise a sweat getting the car back into a roadworthy state once again.
It is nice to find a Mustang of this era with an interior that is untouched and unmolested. No-one has hacked into the dash to fit an aftermarket stereo, and there isn’t an additional gauge to be seen. I admit that it is unlikely to win many prizes at car shows, but it remains serviceable if the buyer wants to retain its original survivor status. However, if a cosmetic restoration is the goal, some trim pieces will need to be replaced. The carpet is also looking faded and sad, while the same is true of the dash pad and wheel. If the interior were treated to restoration in its original trim combination, it would look pretty stunning with the exterior paint color and the vinyl top to compliment it.
When you consider some of the 1st Generation Mustang project cars that we have seen in recent times here at Barn Finds, this one appears to be competitively priced. I find myself quite torn by this car because part of me desperately wants to treat it to the type of restoration that would return it to its former glory. However, part of me feels that it should remain untouched so that it can proudly wear the badge of an original survivor. If I were to park it in my garage, that is a decision that I would agonize over, and I do not doubt that regardless of which way I jumped, there would be times when I would wish that I’d chosen the other option. Which way would you go?
Might be a deal, but there are no photos of the most concerning areas. Seller comes off as an unapproachable (? add name).
What’s unapproachable about the seller? He didn’t do anything but put the typical, no low ball offers or trades, language after his phone number.
As for lack of pictures from the most “concerning” areas. If you are referring to rust prone spots on the car such as floors, rockers, door jambs, that omission is understandable. I live 20 minutes from this cars location, rust is not an issue. Sellers typically don’t include those pictures because it doesn’t occur to them to do so. This is probably some guy trying to sell the car into the local market, there is no reason why it would occur to him to take the same pictures you would expect to see from someone living in the rust belt.
Steve R
Did they offer vinyl top in 64?
Looks like a decent potential Stang for sale.
It needs some love.
I get the don’t call unless your interested notes.
I have sold many on Craigslist and have had telemarking call for anything but the car.
My fave call once is we have list of buyers and you pay us we will help sell your car 😔
I also remember 15 years ago on Craigslist selling a 70 Impala convertible. I had a younger person looking once backed the car out and then loads the wife and three kids from two house up for a twenty minute convertible ride . He returned with well i will think about it. I was a lil peeved and then never let a car go without me and buyer only in the car.
I sold that car the next day to second caller and a real buyer that went to a bank and brought back ten grand to not have to let the check clear and see the notary.
So my disclaimer might come across smug too.
I usually state I need no help selling this car . Please only call if your interested in buying this car. The price is fair etc. Not looking for trades, tire kickers or the price line negotiation .
Now days I would probably add the yes wear a non political mask 😷 or don’t come by as i do value my health 😉
This will make a sweat car. The blue is great as the interior restored.
I would also add to your disclaimer – no test pilots.
I question it being a true 64 1/2, as I owned one that my parents bought new.
The 30 day limited production from April to May of 64 only offered the 6cyl engine, the 260 2bbl V8, and the 289 hi-po 4bbl V8.
Dad said he wouldn’t buy one with the 289, as it only came with a 90 day warranty on the engine.
My Mustang was a convertible with the CruisoMatic transmission. I wish I still had it today!
This is definitely a car we call a 64 1/2. It had several attributes of one but the most glaring is the generator unless your suggesting that some one would change an alternator out for a generator. Also the D engine code didn’t stick around very long either
I have almost the exact car. May 2nd build date, blue and white interior, D code auto.
I owned a ,64.5 convertible Mustang a short time ago and mine had chrome trim on the rocker panels. Don’t see it on this, was it only on convertibles?
The rocker trim was part of a decor package
I had a Wimbelton White 64 1/2 Mustang when I lived in So Cal around 1997. Had the 289 and was the 692 or so car made out of the San Jose plant.
I bought it from a guy in Victemville Ca. for $1,700.
Did a little rust work on the bottoms of the doors and back window corners and threw on a MACCO $600 paint job and sold it 6 months later for $8,000.
Should have kept it.
I was told that there was no such thing as a 641/2 Mustang. They were titled as 65 Mustangs
The D code was only short lived in the 1964.5 models.(really 1965 for title) This one had 210 hp new. The other item to note is the lack of a true alternator. Later models had the alternator.
Rust is not an issue for this part of California if it has been here it’s whole life.
Priced a little high for the work that needs to be done. There were some nice 65 Mustangs and a real nice 64.5 F code that sold at 2021 Mecum Kissimmee for $22,550. I beleive a D code was also sold.but I don’t see it now.
The best attribute of this pony is it’s apparent rust free condition. Here on the mid Atlantic coast it’s hard to find one like this. As for the sellers ad; not off putting in the least. As a veteran user of Craig’s List for vehicles and boats; I have experienced all of the scams, tire kickers, low ballers, no shows, joy riders and got to ask my wife time wasters. Yeah and bring a mask too.
I thought early 64 1/2 Mustangs had a 260 v8 engine
Your right except for those with the D engine code. The 260 is also an identifier that the car would be an early car
Ford switched to the 289 Summer of 64 hence the 64 1/2 moniker. Mine had a generator also.
The Mustang was born April of 64 with the 260.