The first Ford Mustang debuted on April 17, 1964, at the New York World's Fair.
How much is a 1964 Mustang worth these days?
A clean 1964 Mustang hardtop usually sells between $6,000 and $25,000.
Condition makes a huge difference: a low-mileage original with matching numbers can hit $50,000 at auction, while a rusted project car might only bring $3,000. Run the numbers in the Kelley Blue Book tool before you buy. And always get a pre-purchase inspection—rust in the rear quarters, floor pans, and trunk floor is common and pricey to fix.
What V8 did the Mustang use first?
Ford’s first Mustang V8 was the 260 cubic-inch Windsor.
It showed up in the 1964½ Mustang with 164 horsepower. Ford soon swapped it for a 289 cubic-inch Windsor V8 later that same year, offering 210 to 271 horsepower depending on tune. The high-performance 289 HiPo with 271 hp and solid lifters arrived in 1965. Restoring one? The correct engine codes for the 260 are U, V, and W.
How much did a Mustang cost back in 1960?
A Mustang didn’t exist in 1960—the first Mustang arrived in 1964.
If you’re curious about the car that inspired the Mustang, the 1960 Ford Falcon started at about $1,912. That’s roughly $18,000 in today’s money. The Mustang’s $2,368 sticker in 1964 would be about $22,000 today after inflation. Double-check the title and build sheet—any car titled “1965” but built before August 1964 is technically a 1964½.
What color was the very first Mustang sold?
The first Mustang delivered to a customer was Wimbledon White with a blue convertible top.
Gail Wise’s 1964½ convertible is widely recognized as the first retail sale. Photos show Wimbledon White paint with a dark blue power top. Original color codes matter for restorations—Wimbledon White is code M for 1964½ models. Always confirm the color using the data plate (Ford’s “A-code”) on the driver’s door jamb.
Are Mustangs “girl cars”?
Nope—Mustangs aren’t just for one gender.
In 2016, a panel of 17 women named the Mustang the Women’s Performance Car of the Year. That same year, 62% of buyers were men. Ford actively markets to women through events like the Mustang Club of America’s Women’s Driving Experience. Performance and style don’t belong to any one group.
Is there really a “64½” Mustang?
There’s no official “1964½” Mustang—it’s just a nickname for early 1965 models built before August 1964.
The first 120,000 Mustangs rolled off the line before the 1965 model year officially started. These early cars lack 1965 features like the “FORD” block letters on the grille and updated rocker panel trim. Enthusiasts call them 64½, but they’re titled as 1965s. Check the door tag—if it reads 5T07xxxxx and the date is before 08/64, it’s a 64½.
What’s the rarest Mustang ever made?
The 1964 World’s Fair Skyway Mustang is one of the rarest Mustangs ever built.
Only one was made and displayed at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. Other ultra-rare models include the 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake (just two built) and the 1967 Shelby Green Hornet (only one known). These cars rarely hit the auction block, and when they do, they sell for seven figures. Always verify serial numbers and paperwork before you buy.
Why are Mustangs so affordable?
Mustangs aren’t always cheap—prices swing wildly by year, condition, and market.
Base models from the late 1980s and early 1990s can dip under $10,000, while pristine early models climb past $50,000. Rust, modifications, and dealer documentation all affect value. Cross-check with Edmunds and local listings. Rust in the rear quarters and floor pans is the most common—and costly—issue to tackle.
Which vintage Mustang is the best?
Most collectors consider the 1964 Mustang 289 the most desirable vintage Mustang.
It launched the pony car class and still has strong aftermarket support. The 1969 Boss 429 and 1971 Mach 1 are also highly sought after for their performance and rarity. Pick one that fits your budget, plans, and restoration skills. A numbers-matching 289 with its original drivetrain is the dream for many collectors.
What did a Mustang GT cost in 1965?
The base Mustang GT hardtop started at $2,427 in 1965.
That’s roughly $22,000 in 2026 dollars. The GT package added a 225-hp 289 V8, handling upgrades, and special badging. A fully loaded GT with a 4-speed and power options could top $3,000. Confirm factory specs with the original window sticker or a Marti Report before you commit.
What was the price of a Mustang in 1970?
A 1970 Mustang Fastback started at $2,872 ($18,656 adjusted for inflation).
| Model | Base MSRP (1970) | Inflation-Adjusted (2026) |
|---|
| Mustang Fastback | $2,872 | $18,656 |
| Mustang Convertible | $3,126 | $20,305 |
| Mustang Boss 302 Fastback | $3,720 | $24,164 |
| Mustang Boss 429 Fastback | N/A | N/A |
Prices shifted with trim and options. The Boss 429 was a limited-production homologation special; today it’s worth anywhere from $300,000 to over $1 million. Verify authenticity with build sheets and engine codes.
What was the top-selling car of the 1960s?
The Ford Mustang was America’s most iconic and best-selling car of the 1960s.
In its first year, over 418,000 Mustangs sold—more than the Chevy Camaro. The VW Beetle ruled globally, but the Mustang defined American culture. Its success created the “pony car” segment, inspiring rivals like the Plymouth Barracuda and AMC Javelin.
What’s the oldest Mustang you can buy?
The oldest Mustangs are titled as 1965 models, even if built before August 1964.
Ford marketed the first Mustangs as 1965 models, but early production cars (often called 1964½) lack later 1965 features. For registration, they’re titled as 1965s. The first 120,000 cars were built before August 1964. Match the door tag date code to confirm production timing.
Which Mustang does John Wick drive?
In the “John Wick” movies, Keanu Reeves drives a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1.
Iosef calls it a Boss 429, but the chin spoiler, interior, and hood scoop are pure Mach 1. The studio built three Mach 1s for filming. The most famous is the screen-used black car with red interior. Replicas are popular, but originals sell for a premium.
Who drove off in the first Mustang?
Gail Wise, a Chicago schoolteacher, bought the first Mustang delivered to a retail customer.
She took delivery of her Wimbledon White convertible on April 17, 1964—the same day the Mustang debuted. Wise still owns the car. The first Mustang built for Ford’s internal use went to Henry Ford II. Early cars are meticulously documented, so verify delivery dates and titles if you’re buying one.
Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
