History

• A 1964 advertisement touting the Mustang.
  
  Ford division chief Lee Iacocca is the father of the Mustang, recognizing that American youth in the 1960s would not be satisfied with a car styled for their parents. Prototypes from 1962 to 1963 revealed a somewhat futuristic car not uncommon with the 1950s concept cars but also similar to some European race cars. The final product emerged with sharp lines, a long hood and a short deck.
  
  

Significance

• A 1965 Ford Mustang built in mid-1964.
  
  Car enthusiasts pay particular attention to the build date of their early Mustangs to make the distinction between the 1964 and 1965 models.
  
  

Function

• Ford Division General Manager Lee Iacocca, the father of the Mustang.
  
  There is virtually no difference between the '64 and '65 models, which were designed for style rather than performance.
  
  

Types

• Sporty bucket seats appealed to young buyers.
  
  The Mustang was produced as either a coupe or convertible, with the 2+2 fastback arriving later in 1964.
  
  

Features

• A 1964 convertible.
  
  It featured slab-sided panels, a narrow horizontal grille with a galloping horse, bucket seats, racing-style hubcaps and steering wheel, and an optional floor shifter.
  
  

Size

• Initial engines were six cylinders, but this later version sports a V-8.
  
  Initial engines were the 170-horsepower inline six-cylinder, with the body 181.6 inches long on a 108-inch wheelbase.
  
  

Fun Fact

• The 1963 Ford Mustang II Prototype.
  
  All Mustangs built before September 1964 are considered 1964½ models because September is the traditional month to release the next year's cars.