The Petersen Museum highlights its early 1964½ Ford Mustang, featuring a high-performance 289 V8 and classic design cues.
The Petersen Automotive Museum recently pulled back the curtain on one of its most iconic vehicles: a 1964½ Ford Mustang, widely regarded as a cornerstone in American automotive history. In a video presentation led by Chief Historian Leslie Kendall, the museum offered an in-depth look at the early production pony car that helped ignite a nationwide obsession.
The powder blue convertible, which the museum acquired to showcase the cultural significance of the original Mustang, stands as a vivid example of the car’s initial appeal. Kendall explained that the Mustang arrived at a time when American drivers were hungry for something stylish, sporty, and accessible—something Detroit wasn’t delivering in large numbers until Ford stepped in.
Using the compact Falcon as a foundation, Ford created an entirely new look with the Mustang's long hood, short rear deck, and clean lines. While enthusiasts often call these first Mustangs “1964½” models, they were technically sold as 1965s. However, Kendall pointed out that early builds like the Petersen’s example have unique traits—such as a generator instead of an alternator—that distinguish them from later production cars.
Beneath the hood is the rare, top-spec High Performance 289 cubic-inch V8, producing 271 horsepower—complete with performance exhaust manifolds that Kendall likened to drag racing equipment. Despite its potent powerplant, the car was intentionally ordered to look understated, without chrome extras or racing stripes.
Inside, it features factory bucket seats and the Rally-Pac option—a gauge cluster with a tachometer and clock mounted to the steering column. Kendall also noted timeless Mustang design features like the triple-lens taillights and clean grille styling.
Ford’s choice of the “Mustang” name, meant to evoke freedom and spirited driving, has proven to be one of the most enduring automotive brands in history. “We felt this car’s impact was so important,” said Kendall, “that we actually went out and bought this car.”
Now proudly on display, the Petersen’s 1964½ Mustang offers visitors a glimpse into the birth of the pony car movement—a blend of performance, personalization, and affordable style that changed American car culture forever.
