"In the Garage" has now published more than 300 columns since April 2008! Enjoy this recent example:
1964 1/2 Ford Mustang Convertible
Richard Carlsen's 1964 1/2 Mustang
THE CAR
AND ITS OWNER
1964 ½ Ford Mustang convertible owned by Richard Carlsen
WHAT MAKES IT INTERESTING
On April 13, 1964, Ford’s Lee Iacocca gave the media their first look at the new Mustang inside the company’s New York World’s Fair pavilion at Flushing Meadow. A few days later, the car was introduced to the general public and buyers thronged showrooms to begin scooping up the first examples of this iconic brand. And before the month had ended, Carlsen’s convertible rolled out of Ford’s Dearborn, Michigan plant. “Even though it was built in 1964 along with the other ’64 Ford vehicles, the car is registered as a 1965 model,” he says. “There are approximately a dozen distinct differences between the ’64 ½ and ’65 Mustangs. The most distinguishing one is that it is a generator-equipped car, the last year before Ford switched to alternators."
HOW LONG HE’S OWNED IT
Since June 2001
WHERE HE FOUND IT
He bought it from a southern New Jersey owner.
CONDITION
“The car was in excellent condition, having been restored several years before my purchase,” Carlsen says. “During the past few years, a lot of ‘TLC’ has gone into the car, replacing components to improve the appearance as well as safety, and always maintaining its authenticity. This car is equipped with a 289 (cubic-inch) V-8 with a four-barrel carburetor, which produces 225 horsepower, coupled to a three-speed ‘Cruise-O-Matic’ transmission. The car also has a steering-column-mounted ‘Rally-Pac,’ which is a combination clock/tachometer. Other options include a power top, power steering and power brakes.”
TIPS FOR OWNERS
“Join a car club and become an active member,” he advises. “I belong to the Mustang & Shelby Club of LI and the Peconic Bay Region of the AACA (Antique Automobile Club of America). Find a good mechanic that has an equally good track record working on these cars.”
VALUE
“The car is insured for $37,000, which is determined by its authenticity, the car insurer and its appearance,” Carlsen says. “It is a fine example of a car that is celebrating its 50th anniversary.”
THE BOTTOM LINE
“The car is a show car and recently was awarded a Concours Gold trophy at a National Mustang Club of America show,” he says. “I enjoy talking to car show attendees and explaining the history of this vehicle.”
1964 ½ Ford Mustang convertible owned by Richard Carlsen
WHAT MAKES IT INTERESTING
On April 13, 1964, Ford’s Lee Iacocca gave the media their first look at the new Mustang inside the company’s New York World’s Fair pavilion at Flushing Meadow. A few days later, the car was introduced to the general public and buyers thronged showrooms to begin scooping up the first examples of this iconic brand. And before the month had ended, Carlsen’s convertible rolled out of Ford’s Dearborn, Michigan plant. “Even though it was built in 1964 along with the other ’64 Ford vehicles, the car is registered as a 1965 model,” he says. “There are approximately a dozen distinct differences between the ’64 ½ and ’65 Mustangs. The most distinguishing one is that it is a generator-equipped car, the last year before Ford switched to alternators."
HOW LONG HE’S OWNED IT
Since June 2001
WHERE HE FOUND IT
He bought it from a southern New Jersey owner.
CONDITION
“The car was in excellent condition, having been restored several years before my purchase,” Carlsen says. “During the past few years, a lot of ‘TLC’ has gone into the car, replacing components to improve the appearance as well as safety, and always maintaining its authenticity. This car is equipped with a 289 (cubic-inch) V-8 with a four-barrel carburetor, which produces 225 horsepower, coupled to a three-speed ‘Cruise-O-Matic’ transmission. The car also has a steering-column-mounted ‘Rally-Pac,’ which is a combination clock/tachometer. Other options include a power top, power steering and power brakes.”
TIPS FOR OWNERS
“Join a car club and become an active member,” he advises. “I belong to the Mustang & Shelby Club of LI and the Peconic Bay Region of the AACA (Antique Automobile Club of America). Find a good mechanic that has an equally good track record working on these cars.”
VALUE
“The car is insured for $37,000, which is determined by its authenticity, the car insurer and its appearance,” Carlsen says. “It is a fine example of a car that is celebrating its 50th anniversary.”
THE BOTTOM LINE
“The car is a show car and recently was awarded a Concours Gold trophy at a National Mustang Club of America show,” he says. “I enjoy talking to car show attendees and explaining the history of this vehicle.”
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