The very first generation of the Ford Mustang was launched in 1965. Ford manufactured these first generation cars in March '64 until 1973. The few of them which came out early in '64 are still lovingly called 1964.5 Mustang. They are legendary in terms that they were the first pony cars of the world. Interestingly, Lee Iacocca and team threw a bunch of names for the range before deciding upon the now Mustang. Some of the suggested names were Thunderbird 2, Cougar, Torino, T – Bird II etc. These 1st gen units came with two variations - coupe or convertible, which made them much more appealing.
In the words of Ford, Mustang was conceived as “working man's Thunderbird”. Intricately planned to be affordable for masses, at the same time, look stylish and perform astoundingly, they checked all the boxes. In the year 1966, just the second year of launch, Ford sold more than 600,000 1st gen units. This figure is much more than the total combined number of the 6th generation M sold between 2014 and 2020. After Edsel fiasco, Ford truly hit the sweet spot this time.
Apart from being the original Mustang, 1964.5 version was also the most successful release from Ford after Model A. According to automobilemag.com, they sold more than 22,000 cars on the first day of release. Read more about what makes the 1964 ½ Mustang so special.
Instant Hit
After the failure of Edsel, Mustang was Ford’s second biggest risk. However, unique design, beastly performance and muscular looks made the brainchild of Lee Iacocca & team, surpass all expectations. 1964 ½ edition was the first milestone in the journey and became an instant hit among everyone. Even with all the heavy advertisements and pomp, Ford had only estimated an annual sale of 100,000 Mustangs, but, they received the surprise of a lifetime, when they saw more than 22,000 orders on the first day itself. That year, about 400,000 units were sold. The first Ford Mustang was bought at a price of $2,368.
Difference Between 1964.5 & 1965 Ford Mustang
Do you know the original Mustang was set to hit the streets in 1965? Yes, but, as car companies typically do, Ford released some of them in 1964 during the New York's World’s Fair, to get more exposure and cognition. And right after that, even when it was just September of (yet) 1964, Ford went ahead to officially name the car as 1965 model, on papers. This did not only confuse the common people, but, the fans too, who decided to give the earlier version their due recognition. Not only the launch or the different name, the 64.5 model demands individuality for a lot of other good reasons.
The earlier version had a distinctive stiffening skirt around the edges of the hood, which was absent in 65 models. Another prime area of difference is the engine. Though the engine choices and layouts were the same for both 1964.5 and 65 Mustangs, the earlier ones (i.e., 64.5) had much smaller and less powerful engines.
The older cars did not have any brakes upgrades, but, the 65 models had optional front disc brakes. The latter models also featured the fastback variants, apart from the coupe and convertible. The newest, modified models came with Shelby GT 350, fog lamps, more powerful engines, and body stripes. The door locks which were previously matched with the interiors, were made all chrome in the 65 models. The passenger side seats were quite difficult to adjust too in the 64.5 models, which was fixed in the 65 models.
The Exquisite Name
Mustang was a work in progress since 1962. Despite being released formally later in 1965, Ford had introduced the original model of this highly coveted series in the previous year, out of which several thousands had already sold out. Ford then revised the original model and re-released in September 64. Thus, both the models became different versions of the original Mustang. Fans started calling the older models 1964 ½ or 1964.5 edition, to distinguish between the two. The latter revised versions were simply called Mustangs, as advertised by Ford.
The Most Successful Ford Car Since 1928
The Mustang has been the most successful car since 1928 Model A and is still a collector’s item. Ford wanted to grab the opportunity of the grand event and hit right when it's hot, in order to maximize the sales. Both desperate for a broader fanbase, Ford and Disney partnered with each other, to bring something larger than life. On April 17, 1964, the duo created magic (through Magic Skyway) in the NY World’s Fair with Mustang and exciting adventure activities weaved around the car. Of course, they succeeded too.
According to cjponyparts, more than 4,18,000 cars sold out in a single year of commercial release. Strangely, 64 and a half is not the only one which is named like that. Several cars have been released right in the middle of the year, for example, 1970.5 Camaro, 1977.5 Z/28, etc. But, 64.5 has been the most popular and arguably, the most handsome car so far. More so, because Mustangs still rule the roads. Many people actually rate the 64.5 and 65 models as more reliable and smooth comparatively.
The popularity and demand of these older models can be understood simply by the fact, that in spite of being so ancient, you can find almost any part or spare even today. In fact, you can build an entire car from scratch!