Very Early Production! 1964.5 Ford Mustang

Ok, Ok, I know there is technically no such thing as a 1964.5 Ford Mustang – they’re all ’65s. But, there is a delineation between those produced from April to August of ’64 and those assembled during the regular ’65 model year, and today’s New Braunfels, Texas find is of the former group – and it’s reasonably priced too!  This sharp and very clean-looking number 14,004 out of 121,000 Ponys assembled in the ’64 model year is available here on craigslist for $22,950. There’s more information here on the Trophy Motors website.

There’s no reason to cover the  Ford Mustang history in this review; it has been done to death over the years and by reviewers who know far more about Ford’s fabulous pony car than I do. What I do know is that these early Mustangs were a massive sales success right off the Dearborn assembly line. As mentioned above, 121K were assembled in the ’64 model year, and another 550K followed in the “official” 1965 model year – what an outstanding volume! The seller claims, based on the 114004 sequence number, that this example is the 14,004th Mustang to see the light of day. Furthermore, the trim tag states a build date of April 13, 1964 (13D)! What’s original and what’s been redone (pretty sure it’s a repaint) isn’t disclosed, but this car’s exceedingly clean, understated bearing makes it a standout. The finish, chrome bits, and black vinyl top show like new, while the American Racing wheels and red-stripe tires give it that perfect Day Two look.

Underhood is a 164 gross HP 260 CI V8 engine paired with a three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission. Other than the air cleaner, the engine appears to be stock and original. Of note is the generator; I believe it was swapped for an alternator for the official ’65 model-year run. Unfortunately, neither listing details this car’s running or driving characteristics.

Inside, we find a typical black vinyl bucket seat environment, and its condition mirrors that of the exterior. It is absolutely splendid in its simplicity and originality. Again, I’m not certain of its history, but I imagine that it has undergone a complete refurbishment. And, nothing has been missed, door panels, carpet, package shelf, dash, it’s all like new! This is an A/C equipped car and is still in possession of its original underdash unit, though the compressor has been swapped out for a newer design.

I’m lookin’ for some negatives here and not finding any (though I do try to be positive on these reviews). My thought here, considering this car’s early production number, condition, and price, is that it won’t last long; what’s yours?