1964 ½ Ford Mustang Convertible 289 w/ AC – MCA “Thoroughbred” Gold Award Winner

“I'm extremely proud to present one of the best 1964 ½ Ford Mustang Convertibles in the world. I have a soft spot for first generation Mustangs because my first classic car was a 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe 289. This example was correctly restored to the highest level with all original parts. To be clear, this car has no reproduction parts! It was refinished in its original colors of Rangoon Red and black. It's loaded with many original options including a power top, power steering and air conditioning. It's one of the highest award winning examples of all time with 13- MCA “Thoroughbred” Gold Awards. It's also achieved the MCA Blue Grille Medallion award and MCA Authenticity award. It's been featured in multiple magazines including Mustang Enthusiast and Mustang Times twice. This car was built 16 days before the Mustang was introduced on April 17th, 1964 at the New York World's Fair which was over 61 years ago. The car was purchased by its last owner in 1978 who was the caretaker for 47 years. Since the meticulous restoration was completed 25 years ago it's never been operated. It's been preserved with the best of care deservingly so. This car is a blue chip investment for the ultimate Mustang enthusiast or collector. This is a great opportunity to purchase one of the best examples of one of the most iconic automobiles of all time. Don't let this one get away! – Marc Schiliro

The 1964 ½ Ford Mustang, while officially a 1965 model, is a term used by enthusiasts to distinguish the early production models from later 1965 Mustangs. Introduced at the World's Fair on April 17th, 1964 it was a runaway success far exceeding sales expectations. The “64 ½” designation refers to the cars built from March to August of 1964, before some design and mechanical changes were introduced in the later part of the year. Despite the enthusiast designation all Mustangs produced in this period were officially titled as 1965 models. Early models were available in coupe and convertible configurations. The fastback body style was introduced in August of 1964. Some of the differences between the early and late 1965 Mustangs included the hood's rolled edge, the presence of a generator versus an alternator and the initial offering of the 260 V8 engine later replaced by the 289. The base engine was a 170ci straight 6 cylinder with a 260 V8 as an option for the coupes and 289 V8 for convertibles. The Mustang's launch was a massive success with over 400,000 units sold in the first year. The Mustang quickly became an American automotive icon known for its sporty design and performance. The Mustang is credited with popularizing the “pony car” segment characterized by sporty, compact and affordable vehicles.

This magnificent 1964 ½ Ford Mustang Convertible 289 w/ factory AC is one of the best examples known to exist. It's the recipient of 13 Gold Awards in the Thoroughbred class from the Mustang Club of America Nationals and Grand Nationals. The Thoroughbred Class is designated for the restored or unrestored cars that are restored or original with the correct era parts. Absolutely no reproduction parts, approved or unapproved are allowed. It's also the recipient of the prestigious Blue Medallion Award and Authenticity Award from the Mustang Club of America. This car is one of only a handful of 1964 ½ Mustang Convertibles to ever achieved these awards! All of the MCA awards are outlined in the photo gallery and included with the sale. It's been featured in the Mustang Times Magazine twice including on the cover. The Mustang Times Magazine is the official publication of The Mustang Club of America. It's also been featured in Mustang Enthusiast Magazine. All three magazines are pictured in the photo gallery and included. This example was built in Dearborn, Michigan on April 1st, 1964. It was finished with a Rangoon Red exterior and black interior. It was equipped with the following options in no particular order: accent group, power black convertible top, 2 speed electric wipers and washer, left hand remote mirror, back up lamps, 6.95 x 14 White Side Wall tires, padded visors, AM Radio, Air Conditioning, console, Cruise-O-Matic transmission and power steering. This Mustang was delivered to C&C Ford Inc. located in Horsham, PA in April of 1964. The first owner was Charles Ireland, a sailor in the US Navy. Mr. Ireland passed away in 1976 and his brother in law James Board from Charlottesville, Virginia purchased the car from the Ireland estate. Mr. Board did some upgrading to the car and kept it stored in an airplane hangar in his hometown. Thomas Broadwater purchased the car for his 16-year old daughter in 1978. The car was rust free and in very good mechanical condition. Approximately one year later, Mr. Broadwater decided that he would make a trade with his daughter and assume ownership of the Mustang himself. When the car was purchased it registered 79,000 miles. From 1978 until July of 1996 the Broadwater family put approximately 10,000 miles on the car to bring the total mileage to 89,000 miles. In 1996, Dennis Havens, a Gold Card Judge for the Mustang Club of America, approached Broadwater and they had discussions about the MCA Thoroughbred restoration of the car. At that time the restoration began and unfortunately a week later Mr. Havens passed. Through Haven's recommendation, Ray Mitchell of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina was commissioned to complete the project. The meticulous Thoroughbred restoration took approximately four years to complete. As time passed, original parts became increasingly hard to find as availability practically diminished. However, with diligent determination the car was finally completed in 2000. On September 1st, 2000 it won Gold in the Thoroughbred Class at the Mustang Club of America Grand Nationals earning 3 points which was a huge accomplishment. Since completion this car has never been started or driven. Matter of fact the convertible top has never been down and gas has never been put in the fuel tank. The idea behind not using the car was to keep it as well persevered as possible. As example, this car is equipped with an original Autolite battery that's never had any fluids put in it. These original NOS batteries are worth a fortune. Thomas Broadwater and Ray Mitchell trailered the car and showed it on the Mustang Club of America circuit for ten years from 2000 to 2010. It's been stored in a climate controlled facility and handled with best of care. It spent some time recently at the Kernersville Auto Museum located in North Carolina as a display piece. It was purchased by MS CLASSIC CARS in June of 2025 and July of 2025 is the first time it's been listed for sale. A new binder with information including a restoration log and some restoration photos are included.

The exterior of this Pony Car is in absolutely beautiful condition throughout. As the restoration photos document it was the product of a rotisserie restoration. It retains the original Data Plate tag on the drivers door and all Ford sheet metal throughout. The body is extremely straight and the body gaps are excellent. It was finished in its original color of Rangoon Red. The show quality paint was applied with the proper amount of orange peel to factory specifications. It was recently detailed by the team at MS CLASSIC CARs and virtually flawless. The paint was decorated with a correct black accent stripe which highlights the body lines. The power convertible top frame is beautiful and supports a new black vinyl convertible top which fits excellent. The top has never been top since it was installed. Everything on the exterior was restored or replaced new with original parts such as the glass, stainless trim, wiper arms, antenna, driver's side mirror, front grille, headlights, front bumper, parking light bezels and lenses, door handles, lower rocker moldings, gas cap, rear bumper, tail light bezels and lenses, lock cylinders and emblems. The car rolls on the steel wheels with hub caps and General Jet Air II 4-ply 6.95-14 white wall tires. This car presents like the day it was offered new on the Ford dealership showroom floor 61 years ago. The doors open and close so nicely. Even the gas cap turns off so smoothly!
The interior of this Pony Car is also in absolutely beautiful condition throughout. The standard black interior complements the exterior color perfectly. Everything in the interior was restored or replaced new with original parts such as the door sill plates, dash pad, gauges, knobs, climate controls, AM radio, steering wheel, door panels, door handles, window cranks, remote mirror control, console, shifter, seats, seat belts, ash trays, pedals and carpeting. The original passenger side door panel does have a few wrinkles is common. The painted trunk compartment is very detailed throughout. Its home to the trunk mat and spare tire with jack tools. When you're sitting in the interior of this car it feels appears very authentic. It even smells authentic! The original instruction tags are included.

The engine compartment of this Pony Car is highly detailed throughout. The firewall, inner fenders and radiator support were refinished in the correct shade of black. It retains the original VIN stamp on the driver's side inner fender. This D-code Mustang is powered by the original matching numbers 289 4V V8 engine that was completely rebuilt at the time of restoration. From the information gathered it was rebuilt with original Ford parts to factory specifications. The D- code engine was only offered in the early 1964 ½ Mustangs, making it a relatively rare option. The D- code 289 features a four barrel carburetor and was rated at 210
horsepower. It was positioned as a mid-range engine offering a balance of performance and affordability between a base V8 and the high-performance K-code. Everything in this engine compartment was restored or replaced with new with original parts such as the hood hinges, valve covers, air cleaner, carburetor, generator, air conditioner, pulleys, radiator, hoses, etc. The engine breathes through manifolds and a new single exhaust system. The engine is coupled to the original matching numbers automatic transmission that was also rebuilt. The power is transferred through the original standard differential with 3.00 gearing. The original tags are included.

The undercarriage of this Pony Car is also highly detailed throughout. The original floors were refinished in the correct red oxide primer and body color overspray. Everything underneath was restored or replaced with new with original parts such as the steering components, suspension components, braking system and fuel system. Many of the parts were decorated with factory assembly paint markings.

**AS STATED IN THE DESCRIPTION, THIS CAR HASN'T BEEN OPERATED SINCE THE RESTORATION WAS COMPLETED 25 YEARS AGO. ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE WAS RUN ON A TEST STAND IT'S NEVER RUN IN THE CAR. FROM THE INFORMATION GATHERED EVERYTHING WAS IN WORKING ORDER AT THE TIME OF COMPLETION. IF THE NEW OWNER WANTS TO DRIVE AND ENJOY THIS CAR IT WILL NEED TO BE COMPLETELY SERVICED BY THE NEW OWNER.**