Ford Mustang Celebrates 44th Birthday

Apr 8, 2008 By: Joanne Reid, All Ford Mustangs News Desk

The first Mustang rolled off the assembly line on March 9, 1964 and made its appearance at the New York World's Fair on Friday, April 17, 1964. Its basis was the Ford Falcon and it had the Falcon platform, suspension, and four-wheel drum brakes. (Some sources say the first Mustang rolled off the line on Monday, April 13, 1964.)

1964½ Ford Mustang Coupe

Whichever actual date it was (and I will explore this more) the important thing is that next week is the 44th anniversary of the first appearance of the marvelous Mustang. Let's celebrate!

We could get technical about it and consider it a 1965 Mustang which is what Ford called it but purists leave that designation to the Mustangs produced after the middle of August 1964.

Mustang Picture

1964½ Ford Mustang and Engine

A Mustang built between mid-April and mid-August 1964 is known as a 1964½. The 1965 Mustangs were different from the 1964½. Their engines were different. The 170 six and 260 V8 were changed to a 200 six and a 289 2bbl V8. The 65 had an alternator instead of a generator. Also the colors -- both interior and exterior -- changed.

The 1964½ exterior colors were Cascade Green, Caspian Blue, Chantilly Beige, Dynasty Green, Guardsman Blue, Pagoda Green, Phoenician Yellow, Poppy Red, Prairie Bronze, Rangoon Red, Raven Black, Silversmoke Gray, Skylight Blue, Sunlight Yellow, Twilight Turquoise, Vintage Burgundy, Wimbledon White, Pace Car White.

Mustang Picture

Ford got rid of the Pagoda Green color in the fall version.

The 1964½ came in coupe and convertible models. The fastback model was added in September.

Mustang Picture

1964½ Ford Mustang Convertible

This marvel was the only automobile to ever win the Tiffany Award for Excellence in American Design. That’s how good it was.

To view more 1964½ Mustang photos visit our 1964½ - 1965 Ford Mustang Picture Gallery.

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