1964 1/2 Ford Mustang Convertible

Description

The first Mustang off the assembly line was a car very much like this 1964.5 Mustang convertible, and since then the very earliest Mustangs have been a favorite among collectors. Timeless good looks combined with all the unique features of the early cars, along with some very clever upgrades, make this a great Mustang you can enjoy every day.

Rangoon Red was a popular choice among early Mustang fans and for good reason: it looks fantastic on the first pony car. Add in a more modern finish, and you've got a car that really turns heads. With a comprehensive restoration a few years ago, it still looks very good and shows well (especially when the right light hits the right crease) and bodywork to complement its early production date. Perfect it is not as it's been driven and enjoyed through the years, but it's still going to steal the show in the parking lot. You need good gaps and panel alignment on a red car, too, so they took their time and got the doors to fit well and even the trunk lid, which is often challenging, sits right. A glance at the door tag will reveal that this one was always code J red, and we're absolutely thrilled that the shade was retained during the restoration. Is there really a better look for a pony convertible? Bright chrome bumpers, a correct early-style grille with cross bars, and twin exhaust tips under the rear valence all give this car plenty of jewelry to sparkle against the shiny red paint.

An attractive Deluxe Parchment interior (also known as the Pony interior) is a bright and cheerful choice on the convertible and really works well. Things like the plush red carpet, center console, dash pad, and seat covers were replaced in the not-too-distant past, and the door panels are in good shape. The driver's seat shows some minor signs of use and age, but that's not surprising and there's nothing that should stop you from getting in and having fun, because this interior is still very sharp and pretty. Sharp-eyed readers will note that an R134a A/C system has been installed under the dash and the radio is a modern "Retrosound" AM/FM/AUX stereo unit in the original slot. Factory gauges show bright markings and clear lenses, almost too nice to be original, and the steering wheel is a familiar 3-spoke piece that's ready for miles of use. The white convertible top is in very good condition with a crystal clear rear window, and a matching Parchment boot is included. Finally, the trunk is finished with a reproduction mat and a cover for the spare tire.

Early F-Code Mustangs sported Ford's 260 cubic inch V8, but this one carries a later 302 cubic inch version that slots right in and looks exactly like it belongs. It's finished in Ford blue, as many later Ponies were, and with Ford Racing valve covers and a chrome open-element air cleaner, it looks dressed up for show. Early cars also had generators, but this one carries a chromed alternator for reliability and better performance at low speeds. The engine bay is quite clean and you'll appreciate a modern electronic ignition system that's practically maintenance-free. Much like the modern A/C compressor keeps things cool in the cabin, that fat aluminum radiator keeps the temperatures down for the motor and provides the driver with the confidence for long journeys. The undercarriage is extremely clean, carrying a recent dual exhaust system fed through shorty headers and power steering/power front disc brakes that really do make a difference, even in the relatively lightweight Mustang. A C4 3-speed automatic transmission routes power back to an 8-inch rear end, which carries highway-friendly 3.08 gears. Classic styled steel wheels are always the right choice and wear 205/75/14 whitewall radials.

With all the unique features on the pre-July 31 Mustangs, along with some upgraded features installed for more enjoyable driving, this is a car that will always get Mustang fans talking. It's also a wonderful and fun convertible in its own right. Call today!