The Ford Mustang first generation profile

For an entire breed of car to be named after one model, its arrival must have been groundbreaking. That car was the Ford Mustang, the first generation of which came on the market in 1964, becoming the eponymous genesis of “the Pony Car”.

Whether 50 years ago or today, a Mustang has always been near the top of automotive enthusiasts’s wish lists. However, the market offers a wide range of models with lengthy histories and many variations. When thinking about buying a Mustang, you should carefully consider the strengths and weaknesses of particular cars.

The Beginnings of the Ford Mustang

In 1964, it was the simple things that made the Ford Mustang so successful. A good size, clear proportions, simple technology, and numerous variants and performance levels made the Mustang an affordable entry into the world of sports cars. It opened up this class of vehicle to a new younger generation.

Technically, the Mustang was based on the Ford Falcon, which kept the development and production costs affordable. That said, those who could afford one always had aspirations beyond the bread-and-butter model with ‘almost’ 100bhp. The Shelby Mustang GT 500 KR packing 400bhp remains hardly affordable for most, but it was hankered for all the same. In between, however, there was a wide range of options for the rest of us.

First Generation Ford Mustang

With a purchase of a first generation Mustang there are some things that you should consider. The main problem with the Ford Mustang is rust. Its vulnerable points are spread over almost the entire body, starting with the headlights and the front panel. The cowl on the windscreen is also a critical point as difficult to remove leaves often collect over time, leading to a breeding ground for rust. This area can be seen from the footwell.

The sills are very solidly constructed, but are susceptible to rust due to a lack of corrosion protection. You should keep an eye on them, as well as the doors and floor trays. In the entire rear section (doors, wheelarch edges and the sheet metal around the boot) and the lower 15-20cm are particularly at risk. A thorough visual inspection is strongly recommended.

In terms of engines, the six-cylinders (initially with a displacement of 2.8 litres) and later 4.1 litres (157bhp), are generally seen as inferior to their V8 counterparts but they are considered to be pretty tough and economical. The V8s are also remarkably tough though watch out for overheating issues – the small amount of oil, just 4.75 litres, means there’s little internal cooling.

Ford Mustang modifications

A frequent problem with classic Mustangs are improperly carried out conversions and makeshift repairs. The fact that the Ford Mustang had dedicated itself to a young entry-level clientele meant that it was not uncommon for people to tinker and improvise. Therefore, you should pay close attention to how well the components fit together.

With American muscle cars, you shouldn’t yearn for “matching numbers”, but if the accessories catalogue has been used wildly over the years, you should see that the performance increases. 

Certainly every prospective buyer should be aware that an American muscle car does not buy a crisp sports car in terms of handling or the performance of the drum brakes. But if you take a close look at the weak points and pay attention to proper maintenance, you can acquire a great piece of American automotive history from around 30,000 EUR. 

Text Paolo Ollig  Photos Ford Motor Company, Classic Trader

Author: Paolo Ollig

As editor-in-chief Paolo regularly writes about all the big and small stories related to classic cars and motorbikes. Classic dreams: Lamborghini Countach and Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. View all posts by Paolo Ollig →