Fancy Falcon: 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang Coupe Survivor – Sold?

April 21, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

There’s no denying the Ford Mustang was a huge marketing success when it launched in the Spring of 1964.  Peel back the stylish body and bucket-seat interior, however, and you quickly find how much the original Mustang shared with the second generation Ford Falcon.  Despite having a 1965 VIN, early examples manufactured during the first four months of production are known as 1964 1/2 models that have several distinctive features.  For example, this Wimbledon White over Rangoon Red 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang Coupe originally listed in March 2022 on Craigslist in Seville, Ohio features a 170 cubic inch inline six-cylinder engine that was quickly changed to a 200 cubic inch version.  This survivor-quality example also features rare factory air conditioning reported to need servicing.

Currently offered for $17,500, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their Mustang priced between this guide’s #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $9,700 and its #3 “Good” appraisal of $18,000.  As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #2 “Very Good” estimate of $14,800 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $22,900.

Since it was introduced four months before the normal start of the 1965 production year and manufactured alongside 1964 Ford Falcons and 1964 Mercury Comets, the earliest Mustangs are widely referred to as the 1964½ model by enthusiasts.  Nevertheless, all “1964½” cars were given 1965 U.S. standard VINs at the time of production, and – with limited exception to the earliest of promotional materials – were marketed by Ford as 1965 models. The low-end model hardtop used a “U-code” 170 cubic inch inline-six engine borrowed from the Falcon, as well as a three-speed manual transmission. With a base price of 2,368, standard equipment included black front seat belts, a glove box light, and a padded dashboard. Production began in March 1964 and Mustang Serial Number One (5F08F100001) was sold on April 14, 1964, at the George Parsons Ford dealership in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada. Official introduction followed on April 17 at the 1964 World’s Fair. The V8 models were identified with a badge on the front fender that spelled out the engine’s cubic inch displacement (“260” or “289”) over a wide “V.” This emblem was identical to the one on the 1964 Fairlane.

Several changes to the Mustang occurred at the start of the “normal” 1965 model year in August 1964, about four months after its introduction. These cars are known as “late 65’s”. The engine lineup was changed, with a 200 cubic inch “T-code” engine that produced 120 horsepower. Production of the Fairlane’s “F-code” 260 cu in (4.3 L) engine ceased when the 1964 model year ended. It was replaced with a new 200 horsepower “C-code” 289 cubic inch V8 engine topped with a two-barrel carburetor as the base V8. The DC electrical generator was replaced by a new AC alternator on all Fords (a way to distinguish 1964 from 1965 is to see if the alternator light on the dash says “GEN” or “ALT”).

The King Rose Archives YouTube Channel features this very first Ford Mustang commercial featuring scenes from the 1964 New York World’s Fair where Ford launched the car to the public:

With first-generation prices on the rise, this air-conditioned, survival quality, 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang Coupe makes an economical but stylish investment. 

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1964 1/2 MUSTANG/ $17,500 OBO
170 Cubic Inch
In-line 6 Cylinder
Odometer Reads 63,000
Four-Wheel Drum Brakes
Runs and drives
A/C (but needs Repair)
Original interior
Believe primarily original paint
Very clean car”

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