1965 Ford Mustang

1964 1/2 Ford Mustang Convertible — 289 V8, 4-Speed, Power Top, Restored in Rangoon Red


Why This Car Is Special

This 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang convertible sits at an interesting crossroads of history. The VIN on this car begins with the digit '5,' which in early Mustang VIN language identifies it as a 1965 model year vehicle built at the Dearborn, Michigan assembly plant — the birthplace of the original Mustang. The '08' in the sequence confirms the convertible body style, and the 'D' identifies the 289 cubic inch V8 as the factory engine. In other words, this car left the factory with the right powertrain in the right body.

There is also a broader story worth understanding here. Ford began selling the Mustang on April 17, 1964, months before the traditional start of the 1965 model year. Those early cars — built from roughly April through August of 1964 — are commonly known as '1964 and a half' Mustangs, and they carry certain distinguishing features that differ from the cars built later in the model run. This particular Mustang, while officially titled as a 1965, wears a 1964-and-a-half identification plate on the rear, and the car carries several early-production characteristics that collectors specifically seek out. That early identity gives it additional appeal to enthusiasts who want the look of the very first Mustangs while still having a clear, unambiguous 1965 title.

Ford sold over 680,000 Mustangs during the combined 1964-and-a-half and 1965 model run, which remains one of the most successful automotive launches in American history. Of that total, convertibles accounted for a meaningful but smaller share — and convertibles equipped with a V8 and a 4-speed manual represent the kind of option combination that buyers actually wanted, not the base six-cylinder cars that made up a large portion of production. This is the configuration that gets attention at shows and sells when the right buyer finds it.

The car was restored in 2010 and is finished in Rangoon Red, one of the signature colors of the early Mustang era. It presents well, drives well, and the work done during the restoration addressed the areas where early Mustang convertibles typically deteriorate — the floor pans, the fuel system, the cooling system, and the top.


Features List

- 289 cubic inch V8 engine, totally rebuilt
- 4-speed manual transmission, rebuilt
- Power convertible top
- New black convertible top
- Bucket seats with new seat covers
- Center console
- Original Ford AM radio
- Mustang spinner hubcaps
- Whitewall tires
- Chrome front and rear bumpers
- Black vinyl interior
- New carpet
- New floor pans
- New fuel tank
- New radiator
- New brake system
- Clean, coated undercarriage
- Rangoon Red exterior


Mechanical

The heart of this 1965 Ford Mustang convertible is a totally rebuilt 289 cubic inch V8 paired with a rebuilt 4-speed manual transmission. The 289 was the sweet spot of the early Mustang engine lineup — larger and more capable than the base 260 that preceded it, but more street-friendly and lighter than the high-winding 289 Hi-Po (K-code) variant. In standard two-barrel form, the 289 produced 200 horsepower, and in four-barrel configuration it was rated at 225 horsepower. Either way, it was the engine that made the Mustang feel like a real driver's car rather than just a stylish compact. The 4-speed manual transmission was a desirable option from the factory and remains the preferred setup for enthusiasts who want full engagement from the car.

During the 2010 restoration, the mechanical work went well beyond a cosmetic refresh. The engine and transmission were both completely rebuilt. A new radiator was installed, addressing one of the most common failure points on a car of this age. The fuel tank was replaced, eliminating the risk of fuel system contamination from decades of residue. The brake system was also replaced, which is important on a car this old — early Mustangs used four-wheel drums, and having a fresh s