Vehicle 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!
