Depending who you talk to and where you read it there was or there wasn’t a 1964 Mustang. Without question some were made in 1964 and thus were labelled as 1964 1/2 models. The differences were very subtle and often mixed between the years which I covered in another section here.
Retail Price: $2,320 Standard Coupe
Retail Price: $2,557 Standard Convertible
1964 Mustang Convertible
Model-Year Overview
The first Ford Mustang rolled off the assembly line on March 9, 1964. On April 17, 1964, the Mustang was introduced to the public at the World’s Fair in New York. Before the day was over, Ford had secured 22,000 orders for the vehicle at dealerships across the country. As such, the Mustang was considered an instant hit with consumers.
Features
- Horizontal Speedometer Layout Similar to Ford Falcon
- U-Code, F-Code, or D-Code engine
- Generator for Charging Battery
- Large horns mounted on Frame Behind Radiator
Contrary to popular belief, the first model year for the Ford Mustang was 1965. Mustangs produced between March 9th and July 31st of 1964 are often coined the 1964 ½ Ford Mustang by enthusiasts. Initial production of the second round of Mustangs began on August 17th, 1964. Both the original production Mustangs and the second run are technically considered 1965 Mustangs by Ford. That’s not to say there aren’t differences between the two. The first Mustangs produced feature unique characteristics that set them apart from those produced after July 31st, 1964.
For instance, the 1964 ½ Mustang features a generator charging system for the battery as well as a generator charge light. It also features either a U-Code, F-Code, or D-Code engine. Additional highlights include a horizontal speedometer layout (also found on 1965s), similar to the one on the Ford Falcon. The Mustang was, after all, based on the Ford Falcon. Thus, the early models carried over some of these features.
Other features of a true 1964 ½ Ford Mustang include a brake-light pressure switch on the master cylinder as well as large horns mounted on the frame of the vehicle behind the radiator.
Another difference is the front hood of the 1964 1/2 Mustang. The 1965 models, produced after July 31st, 1964, feature a rolled front edge, unlike the 1964 ½ model which features angled edges that are not folded.
The 1964 1/2 Mustangs feature full wheel covers, a chrome grille with vertical bars, and the famous running horse emblem. They also feature carpeting throughout. Front bucket seats were standard, with a front bench seat optional. Buyers had the option of 3-speed, 4-speed, or an automatic transmission.
Engine Offerings
- Engine Code U: 170 cubic inch V-6 engine @ 101hp
- Engine Code F: 260 cubic inch V-8 engine @ 164hp
- Engine Code D: 289 cubic inch V-8 engine @ 210hp
Vehicle Identification Number Decoder
Example VIN #5F07F100001
5=Last digit of Model Year (1965) F=Assembly Plant (F-Dearborn, R-San Jose, T-Metuchen) 08=Body Code (07-coupe, 08-convertible) F=Engine Code 100001=Consecutive unit number
Exterior Colors:
Cascade Green, Caspian Blue, Chantilly Beige, Dynasty Green, Guardsman Blue, Pagoda Green, Phoenician Yellow, Poppy Red, Prairie Bronze, Rangoon Red, Raven Black, Silversmoke Gray, Skylight Blue, Sunlight Yellow, Twilight Turquoise, Vintage Burgundy, Wimbledon White, Pace Car White