The history and significance of the 1965 Ford Mustang is shared and explained in many ways. The fact that it is still in production 50-some years later in the 21st century, with more than 9 million built to date, alone might justify its very compelling significance. Lee Iacocca’s brainchild, with the help of many remarkable designers, was a brilliant combination of aiming for a car would cost $2,500, weigh 2,500 pounds and could carry four people – all based around a strong yet lightweight unibody with multiple bracing, minimal brightwork and a European-style recessed sporty grille. The early Mustangs (affectionately referred to as 1964-1/2s) rolled off the assembly line in March 1964 in Dearborn, Michigan, while the car’s national debut was a month later at the New York World’s Fair.
As an early production car – number 1,062 of 121,538 Mustangs in that first year – out of the San Jose assembly plant, this 1964-1/2 example was sold new in Southern California, where it has remained for the last 54 years, meticulously maintained. It retains all of its original parts, including the 289ci D-code engine (with identification tag), 4-barrel carburetor, oil feed distributor, generator, 4-speed manual transmission and drivetrain showing just 53,210 miles on the odometer. Factory-ordered in Raven Black, it has been repainted once with clear coat for longevity and protection. The interior, also ordered in black, retains its original Rally Pack, Bakelite shift knob, seatbelts, steering wheel, radio and gauges. Other details include dual exhaust, factory-installed chrome-styled wheels with new tires, spare tire and jack.
This 1964-1/2 Mustang is a true time capsule representing the creation, history and evidence of the Ford Mustang from its conception. The documentation of date codes and casting numbers are in a binder for the new owner.
