1964 1/2 Ford Mustang: Real or Fake?

A number of readers have asked about the supposed 1964 1/2 Mustang. Is there really such a Pony? The short answer is no – and yes.

Ford introduced the Mustang on April 17, 1964, amidst much fanfare. These first Mustangs – the ones some collectors refer to as half year models – were in fact early production 1965s with a few differences, some minor and many not so small.
Ford’s 260-c.i. V8 was ready to be placed in the earliest Mustangs before the popular 289-c.i. power plant was made ready for its June 1, 1964, debut. (AC Cobra fans know this, too, as early Cobras were powered by 260s as well.) The earliest Mustangs’ six-bangers had a 170-c.i. motor, which was replaced with a 200-c.i. unit in early Fall of 1964 as well.
No titling authority, state, or province issued or issues a title with a “1/2″ designation; therefore, legally, there is no such thing as a 1964 1/2 Mustang. But there are, and continue to be, some very cool Mustangs that were built as early production 1965s. And that, in the end, is what matters.