Vehicle Description
The first-generation Ford Mustang was manufactured by Ford from
March 1964 until 1973. The introduction of the Mustang created a
new class of automobile known as the pony car. The Mustang's
styling, with its long hood and short deck, proved wildly popular
and inspired a host of competition.
It was initially introduced on April 17, 1964, as a hardtop and
convertible with the fastback version put on sale in August 1964.
At the time of its introduction, the Mustang, sharing its
underpinnings with the Falcon, was slotted into a compact car
segment.
With each revision, the Mustang saw an increase in overall
dimensions and in engine power. The 1971 model saw a drastic
redesign to its predecessors. After an initial surge, sales were
steadily declining, as Ford began working on a new generation
Mustang. With the onset of the 1973 oil crisis, Ford was prepared,
having already designed the smaller Mustang II for the 1974 model
year. This new car had no common components with preceding
models.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 1964� model by enthusiasts.19 #fn19
Nevertheless, all "1964�" cars were given 1965 U.S. standard VINs
at the time of production, and - with limited exception to the
earliest of promotional materials20 #fn20 - were marketed by Ford
as 1965 models.21 #fn21 The low-end model hardtop used a "U-code"
170 cu in (2.8 L) straight-6 engine22 #fn22 borrowed from the
Falcon, as well as a three-speed manual transmission and retailed
for US$2,368. Standard equipment for the early 1965 Mustangs
included black front seat belts, a glove box light, and a padded
dash board.23 #fn23 Production began in March 1964 and official
introduction following on April 17 at the 1964 World's Fair. V8
models got 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 cu in (3.3 L) "T-code" engine that
produced 120 hp (89 kW; 122 PS). 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 hp (150 kW) "C-code" 289 cu
in (4.7 L) engine with a two-barrel carburetor as the base V8. An
"A-code" 225 hp (168 kW; 228 PS) four-barrel carbureted version was
next in line, followed by the unchanged 289 HiPo "K-code" equipped
with a 4-barrel Autolite 4100 carburetor rated at 271 hp (202 kW;
275 PS) at 6000 rpm and 312 lb�ft (423 N�m) at 3400 rpm.24 #fn24
The DC electrical generator was replaced by a new AC alternator on
all Fords (a way to distinguish a 1964 from a 1965 is to see if the
alternator light on the dash says "GEN" or "ALT")
Here at Hollywood Motors, we pride ourselves on selling quality
classic cars at affordable prices. Please keep in mind that all of
our classics are pre-owned vehicles, not new vehicles. We describe
these automobiles to the best of our knowledge, and place many
photos on our website. We are not responsible for misprints or
typos. With any pre-owned vehicle, there may be minor
imperfections, and we encourage you to come and inspect our
inventory in person before you buy any vehicle.
