Ford introduced the Mustang in April 1964 and buyers began to stampede the dealers to get one. From then until the end of the 1966 model year, 1.3 million of them were assembled. The auto quickly attracted the nickname “pony car” and competition would be abundant after 1967. This 1965 Mustang drop-top was sold new in late 1964, which may make it one of the so-called “1964 ½“ models, but that didn’t matter as all Mustangs built before 1966 were titled as 1965s. It looks like a beautiful, well-cared-for survivor and is available here on eBay. The no-reserve auction has reached $16,100 for an automobile you’ll have to visit Memphis, Tennessee to pick up.
As the story goes, this Mustang was bought new in Torrance, California in 1964. It could be one of the early Mustangs as the examples built during the first five months were slightly different than the later ones. For example, the so-called 1964 ½ had a generator while the 1965 used an alternator. No door tag or VIN is supplied by the seller to validate which this car is. And it probably doesn’t matter unless you prefer an alternator to a generator (can’t tell from the under-hood photo).
We’re told the Ford spent 40 years on the Left Coast before moving to Tennessee. It’s only had two owners during all this time. The current possessor says the Mustang has been garage-kept since new and he/she has $9,000 in receipts which presumably account for some recent repairs, maintenance, or upgrades (that’s not clear). The seller may be a flipper since we’re told “I have been blessed to sell cars to buyers all over the country and internationally.” Again, does it matter?
The body looks solid on this machine and the Prairie Bronze Metallic paint is quite nice but not perfect as there are a few small blemishes (original finish? We don‘t know). The ‘Stang was ordered with a matching two-tone “pony” interior with a black power convertible top. As you can imagine, this car is an attention-getter and looks like an automobile with 41,000 miles, which is what the seller claims. This vehicle is powered by Ford’s 289 cubic inch V8 with an automatic transmission.
Very hard to tell for sure, but probably not a 64 1/2. It does not look like it has the inner headlight top slants with the matching hood crimps, sure looks like it has an alternator, and has a pony interior. To the best of my knowledge, pony interiors did not come until the real 1965s.
I believe the early models had a 260 instead of a 289. Either way, a beautiful car.
You could also get the D-code 289 in the early “64.5” cars and starting in June of ’64, the K-code 289.
I had a May 26, 1964 built D code 4V 289, 4spd, convertible. In 1964 you could get a 2V 260, 2V 289, 4V 289, or a 289 HiPo.
BF: “The ‘Stang was ordered with a matching two-tone “pony” interior with a black power convertible top.”
No, it wasn’t. “Pony” interiors were not offered until March 1965 and the listing says this car was sold in 1964. In addition, pony interior cars had a five-dial dash cluster and this car has the standard Falcon-derived dash cluster. It also has the standard door panels, not the ones that came with the pony interior. So it never had a “pony” interior, it just had the seat upholstery replaced with the embossed “pony” style upholstery.
I’ve always been confused by the transition date between the D code and K code cars. Several books I have claim they did not overlap, and that the D code was made until July 64, and that the K code was made available in August 64. I have a D code assembled on 6 July 1964 (convertible, 4-speed, Rallye dash, center console, but indeed, not a pony interior), undergoing restoration for my son. I know the original purchaser, his Dad bought it for his Mom, who gave it to him when he graduated high school.
Both D and K code were available at the same time. The D came first and the K was added to the line up in June of 1964. From there you could get either until the D was replaced by the A in early August.
The pictures are just bad enough that you can’t tell much detail from them . Enlarge on the passenger side ahead of the rear wheel up to the door. Some serious Bondo cracking going on there.
It’s great colors and package.
Beautiful car.
You know over the years Ford stretched the car , luxuried it up, shrank it , then made it mean and aggressive.
Could you imagine if they just kept it as it was.
Can’t beat the original.
Looks like manual steering and brakes. Probably a 2 barrel carb. I agree that someone added the pony seat covers. A basic Mustang interior was original.
I see alternator horns on the radiator support. Generator horns look like snails and mount down low on strut rod supports. I also see a silver alternator in place of the black painted generator. Pony seats not offered in 64 1/2 as mentioned earlier. Price seems low at this point, (17K). Will probably end up in high 20’s.