1964½-1965 Ford Mustang

Ford engineers invested considerable time and resources in the design and construction of the Mustang. The car was designed not just as a vehicle, but as a symbol of freedom and driving pleasure. The 1964 ½ model was finally unveiled to the public at the New York World's Fair in April 1964 and caused a real hype. The 1964 ½ model was therefore not just a car, but the starting signal for an automotive legend.
 

The elongated hood, the unmistakable grille with the pony emblem and the striking twin headlights are characteristic of this period. The elongated fastback rear end not only gives the vehicle a timeless, elegant look, but also a distinctly sporty touch.

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The basic engine was a 170 cid Rethen six-cylinder with 101 hp, which was replaced in the fall by a more powerful and also more reliable 200 cid V6 with 120 hp. The optional V8 engines available included the 164 hp 206 cid from the Falcon and its slightly larger, quad-carbureted relative from the Windsor engine family, the small-block 289 with 210 hp. As early as August, the Model 64 was replaced by the "real 65". This meant that the small V8 was dropped and replaced by a 289 with a twin carburetor and 200 hp. At that time, a more powerful (225 hp) 289 V8 with a higher compression ratio was also added to the range, replacing the original 210 hp engine.
Already on the price list in April, but not available until early June 1964, was the really hot High Performance 289. Special cylinder heads, a steep camshaft with mechanical tappets and a four-barrel carburetor from Autolite with a flow rate of 600 cfm ensured an output of 271 hp and made the HIPO the most powerful version.
 

Three months after the HIPO went on sale, Ford underlined the Mustang's sporty image with a third body variant, the 2 2-seater fastback. It was officially introduced on September 9, 1964. With its elegant roofline and folding rear seat, the Mustang 2 2 achieved rapid sales success: 77,000 units were sold in 1965.

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Ponycar fans who wanted even more pizzazz, performance and prestige were treated to two new equipment packages to mark the Mustang's first birthday in April 1965. One is known among enthusiasts as the "Pony Package", as the galloping steeds embossed into the front and rear seat upholstery greatly enhanced the interior. This package also included luxurious door panels, an imitation wood steering wheel rim, pistol-shaped decorative handles, a dashboard with five instruments, additional trim strips, imitation wood inlays and red and white door sill lights. This equipment package was available for all three body variants, although the fold-down bench seat on the fastback had to make do without the ponies.

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The wide range of options and equipment packages available for the 1965 Mustang, including the 1964 ½ model, allowed buyers to customize their vehicle. From the sporty GT to the comfortable convertible, there was a variant to suit every taste.