Ford kicked off the production of the first Mustang in April 1964, approximately four months before a carmaker typically begins a new model year.
As a result, despite Ford still calling the early Mustangs “1965 model year” cars, most people refer to them as 1964 1/2 Mustangs, especially because they came with engine options that were dropped when full production started.
The original six-cylinder engine, a 170 (2.8-liter) Thriftpower unit with 105 horsepower, waved goodbye to the Mustang on the 1965 model year to make room for a 200 (3.3-liter) straight-six with 120 horsepower. The base V8 available on the 1964 1/2 Mustang (the 200/3.3-liter with 165 horsepower) went dark, too, with the 1965 release sporting a 289 (4.7-liter) V8 with 200 horsepower as the base configuration.
The 4-barrel version was also upgraded to 225 horsepower for the 1965 and 1966 model years.
The convertible in the photo gallery is one of the first Mustangs ever produced, rolling off the assembly lines as a 1964 1/2 model. Ford fitted it with a V8, but the owner did not provide further specifics. It could be the 260 unit dropped on the 1965 Mustang, but considering the lack of information, only an in-person inspection should help reveal more details about what’s under the hood.
The owner says the engine still spins freely but no longer starts, which makes sense, given that the Mustang has been sitting for nearly three decades. The owner parked the pony in a barn in 1997, and the shared photos reveal the moment when it went out, seeking a new chance.
The car comes with minimal rust, but you should still inspect the floors and the trunk. The body looks solid and straight, and the convertible top is in good shape. The owner claims the vehicle is complete and original.
Unfortunately, many essential details are missing, and we don’t even get a look at the cabin. Original Mustangs sitting for decades typically emerge from long-term storage with massive interior problems, including ripped seats and wrecked floors, so if you believe this convertible is worth a second chance, the best thing you can do is to schedule an in-person inspection.
The owner is willing to let the car go for $10,500, and considering the car’s alleged condition, the engine, and the minimal rust, this expectation is reasonable.
Most Mustang projects come with heavy rust, and the top’s good shape indicates that the storage location was dry, protecting the car from the invasion of rust. The vehicle has already received a thorough wash to get rid of the barn dust, but potential buyers will need a trailer to take it home. A good mechanic could get it running, but this Mustang can’t be considered road-worthy after such a long time in storage.