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1964→1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop
Journalists on the road during the introductory Ford Mustang Road Rally in April 1964.

1964→1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop

1964→1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop

Ford released their first Mustang at the 1964 New York World’s Fair as a 1965 model year car. It was immediately well received and broke production records in the first year. Production began in March 1964 win 1965 VIN numbers, but with subtle differences, the early cars are sometimes referred to as 1964½.

At the time of sale, the Mustang was sold alongside the Falcon, Fairlane and Thuderbird as a more compact option. To cut down on production costs and maintenance, the Mustang borrowed many common components from the other Ford products.

The project was managed by Lee Iacocca who wanted a four-seater car, no longer than 180 inches that could sell for less than $2,500 USD and have multiple performance and luxury options.

The Mustang came with either a Thiftpower Inline-6 or a variant of the Windsor V8. The most powerful option was the HiPo 289 V8 which offered 271 bhp. Transmissions included a 3 or 4-speed manual with an optional Cruise-O-Matic 3-Speed automatic.

1964→1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop
The 1965 Ford Mustang hardtop on display in the Ford Pavilion at the New York World’s Fair during its debut on April 17, 1964.
1964→1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop
Journalists on the road during the introductory Ford Mustang Road Rally in April 1964.

1964→1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop

Colors for the model included Raven Black, Wimbledon White, Rangoon Red, Silver Smoke Grey, Guardsman Blue, Skylight Blue, Caspian Blue, Dynasty Green, Chantilly Beige, Vintage Burgundy, Prairie Bronze, Samoan Coral, Red Metallic, Padoga Green and Chrome Yellow with either Black, Red, Blue, Palomino or White interior.

A GT Equipment Package became available in 1965 that added grill-mounted fog lamps, rocker panel stripes, disc brakes and extra interior gauges.

In Detail

type Series Production Car
production years 1964 – 1965
built at Dearborn, USA
body stylist Joe Oros, L. David Ash, Gale Halderman, John Foster
interior designer Damon Woods
engineers Donald N. Frey
engine High Performance V8
position Front, Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
bore 101.60 mm / 4.00 in
stroke 72.90 mm / 2.87 in
compression 10.5:1
power 202.1 kw / 271 bhp
bhp/weight 198.97 bhp per tonne
torque 423.0 nm / 312 ft lbs
body / frame Steel Body over Steel Platform Chassis
driven wheels RWD
wheel type Steel Disc
front tires 6.50-13
rear tires 6.50-13
front brakes Drums
rear brakes Drums
front wheels F 33.0 x 11.4 cm / 13 x 4.5 in
rear wheels R 33.0 x 11.4 cm / 13 x 4.5 in
f suspension A-Frame and Lower Arms w/Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar
r suspension Solid Axle w/Leaf Springs
curb weight 1362 kg / 3000 lbs
wheelbase 2743 mm / 108 in
front track 1407 mm / 55.4 in
rear track 1422 mm / 56.0 in
length 4613 mm / 181.6 in
width 1727 mm / 68 in
height 1295 mm / 51 in
transmission 4-Speed Manual
gear ratios 2.78:1, 1.93:1, 1.36:1, 1.00:1

Auction Sales History

1964→1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop

1965 Ford Mustang 289 Racing Car 5F07C602557 – sold for €67,200 This notchback Mustang has had vast expense lavished on it in order to build it into an ideal historic race/rally competitor. The shell was sent to highly regarded preparer Rae Davis Racing, and main assembly and preparation was carried out by the talented men at CCK Historics of Kent, with an array of invoices for their work and the parts purchased on file. Auction Source: 2014 Paris by RM Auctions