• Very rare, early 1964 ½ D Code Ford Mustang.

• Highly presentable inside and out.

• Fully restored in the USA.

The Mustang was initially introduced on April 17, 1964 in both hardtop and convertible body styles, with the fastback model version joining the line-up in August of that year. At the time of its introduction, the Mustang shared its platform with the Ford Falcon and slotted into the compact car segment.

Since the Mustang was introduced four months before the normal start of the production year (usually August), the earliest models are widely referred to as the ‘Sixty-Four-and-a-Half’ by enthusiasts. However, all ‘1964½’ Mustangs were given 1965 US standard VINs at the time of production and were marketed by Ford as 1965 models.

This early example left the factory on 27th June, 1964, equipped with power steering, a centre console, Ford’s Cruise-o-Matic transmission and Magnum 500 wheels. It is a true D Code early-production, ‘64½ Mustang, which is offered rust free and with an underside as pristine as the gleaming bodywork.

It underwent a comprehensive ‘nut-and-bolt’ restoration before its export to the UK earlier this year and a complete breakdown of new parts and invoices is available in support. In addition, a detailed breakdown of unique features that differentiate the ‘64½ Mustang from the 1965 model are contained within the history file.

This stunning Mustang is part of a small private collection, which is being slowly disposed of due to lack of use.

Along with the UK’s V5C, there is a Certificate of Motor Vehicle Title issued to the last US owner by the State of West Virginia. The vehicle has been cleared by HMRC of all duties and taxes payable by the importer.

The Title is the Original document, not a copy, which is very unusual, because title's are normally returned to the country of origin. Due to delays at DVLA, this Mustang was registered using copy documents and the original was eventually returned to the importer.

The restoration of the interior has been completed to an exceptionally high standard and offers furniture and fittings commensurate with early Mustangs of this period.

Swathes of elegant red vinyl cover the interior furniture, as it does the door cards and dashboard. Matching red carpets and a pristine roof liner finish the interior aesthetic.

Along with the smart and tidy interior, the car’s exterior is highly presentable. The paintwork gleams to a high standard as does the generous quantity of brightwork, all of which is new. 

The front and rear lights are clear of the usual age-related fog and all electrics are said to be in full working order.

At the time of its comprehensive and sympathetic restoration in the United States, the powerplant and drivetrain were overhauled, along with other mechanicals such as the complete brake system. The car is now equipped with a new Holley 4bb carburettor and aside from which, the car retains the exact same specification as new.

The ‘D Code’ Mustang was a 289c 4V with about the same compression ratio as the 2V, but did not require premium fuel. It was available in the Mustang only in the ‘64½ model, consequently superseded in the 1965 model by the ‘A Code 289 4V premium fuel’ engine.

Ford’s three-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission is fitted, with its operation via a floor-mounted stick-shift, presented in a PRN2DL configuration. The importer advised that the last USA owner added around 2,000 miles to the car post-restoration, prior to the car being shipped to the UK.

Accompanying the car will be the spare wheel with a new tyre fitted, the jack, lug wrench, tie bar, tote bag, spare wheel tie down and cover – plus the original Ford FOMOCO Motorcraft 4 barrel carburettor and a few spares.

When one thinks of American muscle cars, the Ford Mustang is among the first that spring to mind. It’s been around since 1964 and has gone through six generations that spawned a myriad of models and trims. The name comes with an incredibly vast history and it’s one of America’s greatest automotive legends.

However, it’s these early Mustangs that bring the romance of American open-road motoring as the world entered the space-age. The original ‘pony car’, the Mustang became one of the most important nameplates in Ford's heritage, and the earliest 1964½ Mustangs in particular remain an inspiration for many generations of car-enthusiasts.