1964.5 Ford Mustang 2-Door Hardtop

Introduced to the world at the Ford Pavilion in 1964, the Mustang was one of the most anticipated vehicle releases in automotive history.

After months of rumours, gossip, and news leaks, Ford finally unveiled the Mustang – a car that would go on to become an icon.

At launch, Ford forecasted production of just 100,000 units. However, on the very first day, dealers took orders for over 22,000 cars. Its success was quickly cemented with appearances as pace cars on American racetracks, and within the first 12 months, the Mustang had sold a staggering 417,000 units. By the end of its second year on the market, Ford had sold its one-millionth Mustang.

Still in production today, the Mustang remains one of the most recognisable sports cars ever made. Like the Porsche 911, its core design has remained remarkably consistent – a familiar silhouette spotted in everything from James Bond’s Goldfinger in 1964 to modern-day scenes on Sunset Boulevard. Even to those who don’t consider themselves petrolheads, the Mustang is instantly identifiable, whether cruising down the Pacific Coast or parked outside a neon-lit diner.

Initially offered in 2-Door Hardtop, Convertible, and Fastback body styles, the Mustang range for the 1965 model year (commonly referred to as ‘1964½’ by enthusiasts) included the following engines:

• 3.3-litre Inline Six-Cylinder

• 4.3-litre V8 ‘260’ two-barrel

• 4.7-litre V8 ‘289’ with either ‘C-Code’ two-barrel or ‘A-Code’ four-barrel carburettors

With production already in full swing by early 1964, Ford supplied 35 convertibles and 195 hardtops to dealers in April for promotional contests. Although officially 1965 models, these early examples are now affectionately known as 1964½ Mustangs.

Now offered for sale is a superb example of a March-built 1964½ Ford Mustang 2-Door Hardtop ‘F-Code’ 260 V8, finished in Wimbledon White over Red Crinkle Vinyl.

Its warranty plate confirms the following:

• Year: 5 = 1965 (1964½ production)

• Plant: F = Dearborn, Michigan

• Body Series: 07 = 2-Door Hardtop

• Engine: F = 260ci 2-barrel V8

As per the Ford Datacard:

• Body: 65A = 2-Door Hardtop

• Colour: M = Wimbledon White

• Trim: 85 = Red Crinkle Vinyl

• Date: 27C = 27th March 1964

• DSO: 44 = Twin Cities

• Axle: 1 = 3.00:1, Conventional

• Transmission: 6 = C4 Automatic

Arriving in Australia circa the late 1990s, this Mustang was sympathetically restored, likely around the same period. A 2008 classified advert described it as:
“Very rare March-built car used for Ford advertising, carefully restored, motor and transmission rebuild, red interior, drives very well, 260ci V8, auto, LHD, NSW Rego: YCW 88Q.”

CTS acquired the vehicle in 2020 and, while beautifully preserved, it required mechanical reconditioning due to extended storage. Work carried out by marque specialists included:

• Full brake system rebuild (drums)

• New exhaust hangers

• Replacement of the timing chain, water pump, adaptor housing, and coolant

• New fuel tank

• Carburettor jet overhaul

• Full service: oil and filter, spark plugs, brake fluid, transmission fluid, transmission pan gasket, differential oil, power steering fluid

• Cleaned and re-gapped ignition points; timing adjusted

Recently released from a classic car collection, this early-production Mustang drives just as well today as it did when it last left our care.

A rare ‘F-Code’ early Pony car, it’s a turnkey example and an unmissable opportunity for any true enthusiast of American muscle.