64 ½ Indy Pace Cars

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Category: Early Mustang Knowledgebase
Published on Friday, 29 March 2013 11:32
Written by Klaus
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History of the Indianapolis 500 Pace Car

The Indianapolis 500 Pace Car History:
  Ford assembled approximately 225 Pace Car Mustangs (35 Convertibles and about 190 Hardtops) that found their way to the consuming public. The convertibles were sold to dealers after the race and the hardtops were distributed to winners of the "Checkered Flag" and "Green Flag" contest.

This was a special competition between dealerships in order to distribute the planned pace car replicas to be released for sale to the public. The competition consisted of "Checkered Flag" and "Green Flag" contests that were based on the sales performance of the dealerships prior to the April 17, 1964 introduction of the Mustang. The top five performers in each district would receive a pace car replica for free, or at a significant discount, based on their final standings in the sales contest. With 36 districts this added up to 180 replicas, however, because of dealership ties and strong performances, approximately 10 extra replicas were made, bringing the total to an estimated 190. Representatives from the 105 winning dealerships were invited to Dearborn for a special celebration, where the keys to their replicas were handed over by Mr. Lee Iacocca himself. Each of the replicas were coupes painted in Pace Car White (paint code "C" for 64 1/2) and had white interiors with blue appointments (code "42"). The cars were equipped with the 260 V8 engine, power steering, rear back-up lights and automatic transmissions. Other identifying features of the pace car replicas include pace car blue racing stripes up the center of the hood and "Official Pace Car" decals along the sides of the car. The words "PACE CAR" were written on the radiator support with a grease pencil of some kind, and then later painted over. The center stripes did not get placed on the taillight panel around the gas cap on coupes, but they did on the dignitary convertibles. Apparently some cars did not have the decals installed at the dealership, and due to a press photo showing a prototype with the stripes installed to one side rather than down the middle a few cars ended up with the stripes in this incorrect location. Another interesting fact with regards to the replica cars was the lack of outside mirrors. Standard procedure at the time was for cars to be delivered to the dealerships with the outside mirrors placed loose inside the car. When the car was prepped by the dealership the mirrors were then installed. However, the pace car replicas were not delivered the same way as regular Mustangs... the Checkered Flag cars were retrieved by the winning dealers from Dearborn, and the Green Flag cars were retireved from the District Sales Office by the dealer. This meant that these cars did not end up with an outside mirror. The VINs of the cars are sequentially numbered, but the DSOs reflect the dealerships that they were sent too. All of the replicas were built in April, except for the extras mentioned earlier that were built in May, and given a DSO of 84 ("Home Office" designation).

Another Story is what happened to the non replicas. In 1964, the new Mustang was the official "Indianapolis 500" Pace Car. Ford prepared two identical vehicles for this duty. One, was given to A.J. Foyt, the winner of the race, and shortly there after destroyed in a accident. The second one, which is shown in the Vin & Picure Gallery, was given to sebring florida Race track for official use, and remained there until 1992. The restoration, done by TSS Restorations of Melbourne Florida, returned the car to race day specifications. Modifications include:
  • 271 H.P. "K-Code" Engine (Balanced and Blueprinted)
  • Front Fender Braces
  • 9" Rear End
  • Lowered Suspension
  • Falcon Sprint Steering
  • Koni Shocks
  • Bright White exterior paint
  • White interieur (W/ blue and red accents)
  • Large Radiator (w/ overflow can)
  • 7.75 Firestone 500 tires
5F08F100241 was supposed to be owned by a guy named Bruce ***** in Georgia. It was offered in an auction at Dana Mecum’s Original Spring Classic Auction May 2007 in Indianapolis, IN.
Built on the historic first day of Mustang production in March 1964, this car is one of three identical convertibles delivered by Ford to noted race car builders Holman Moody of North Carolina for preparation as pace cars. After a quick evaluation it was determined that the cars would require special modifications in order to fulfill their mission. Their 164 horsepower 260 cubic inch Fairlane engines were replaced by Holman-Moody-built 289 engines patterned after those used in the famed GT40 racing program. Equipped with forged pistons, modified heads, special exhaust and other exclusive pieces, the engine developed sufficient horsepower to take the cars to their required top speed of 140 miles per hour. Borg-Warner T-10 four speed transmissions were installed for further durability.

The cars were given lowered suspensions, oversized tires and special under-hood chassis bracing to improve high-speed handling, and the radiators were replaced with larger units to eliminate the threat of overheating. They were then painted bright Pace Car white for better visibility in media photographs and on television.

With the delivery deadline looming ever closer, several other details were attended to before the cars would be ready to join a fleet of production Mustangs sent to Indy by Ford for the month prior to the race. According to the car’s longtime owner and restorer, Ford stalwart Bruce Weiss, only two of the three convertibles were completed in time for delivery. One car was chosen to actually perform pacing duties and the other appointed as backup, but the designated car developed problems and the Weiss car was called into service on race day.

Photos and documentation indicate that, after the race, the Mustang was returned to Holman Moody for refreshing before serving pace car duties at Sebring in July 1964, after which it became a daily driver for the next 28 years. Weiss began restoring the car in the mid nineties, during which time he was able to confirm the car’s provenance and authenticity.



Copyright 2003-2013 © by Early 64½-66 Mustang page of Klaus

All Rights Reserved

64 ½ Mustang Illustrated Facts and Specifications Manual

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Category: Early Mustang Knowledgebase
Published on Tuesday, 09 April 2013 13:06
Written by Klaus
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1965 to 1973 MUSTANG ILLUSTRATION CATALOG

Voting: *
Use: Restorer
Access: easy
Comment: Sometimes too small pics - I prefer the catalog from pro products...
 

This 24 page illustrated Facts and Specifications Manual is a collection of reprinted information originally found only at the dealership. Some nice photographs , drawings , specifications and some detailed information specific to these cars. This is a nice addition if like to collect everything about this cars. All models for this year Ford Mustang are included in this manual. This manual measures 8.5 x 11 inches and is in NEW condition.

64 ½ Mustang Press Release

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Category: Early Mustang Knowledgebase
Published on Friday, 29 March 2013 09:22
Written by Klaus
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From the News Bureau
FORD DIVISION of Ford Motor Company


ford logo

From the News Bureau
FORD DIVISION of Ford Motor Company
Rotunda Drive
at Southfield Road
P. O. Box 608
Dearborn, Michigan
Telephone 33-77900

 

FORD MUSTANG OPTIONS
RELEASE PM'S, MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1964

 

Styling and features of expensive European road cars are combined with an American mass-production price, compact economy, and traditional Ford quality in the Mustang -- a new line of cars from Ford Division of Ford Motor Company.
Aimed at the fastest-growing dimension in American motoring -- driving for pleasure -- the Mustang offers the practicality of a back seat and adequate trunk space in a car comparable in size to the classic two-passenger Thunderbird.
Mustang hardtop and convertible models feature -- as standard equipment -- such sports and luxury features as bucket seats, molded nylon carpeting floor mounted shift for both manual and automatic transmissions, all-vinyl interior, padded instrument panel, and full wheel covers.
"In the Mustang, Ford actually has created three cars in one," according to Lee A. Iacocca, Ford Motor Company vice president and Ford Division general manager. "Starting with the economical, fun-to-drive basic Mustang, the buyer may select options to give him a sports car for street or competition use or a luxury car geared to either economy or performance."
Mustang options available to the performance-minded include a selection of three V-8 engines with up to 271 horsepower, 4-speed transmission, quick-ratio steering, Rally-Pac with tachometer and clock, limited-slip differential, and a special handling suspension and sports tires.
Luxury options include a center console, power brakes and steering, automatic transmission, power convertible top, rear-seat radio speaker, remote control trunk release, vinyl-covered hardtop roof, and air conditioning.
"We believe the Mustang represents a new dimension in American motoring at a time when new and old generations of car-lovers alike have come full circle to an appreciation of the automobile for its own sake," says Mr. Iacocca. "It offers a combination of driving fun, roominess and style that permits the Mustang buyer to make of the car almost anything he desires -- all at a low initial cost."

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Mustang is low -- only four feet, three inches tall -- with a wheel base of 108 inches. It has an over-all length of 181.6 inches -- just half an inch longer than the two-passenger 1957 Thunderbird -- and is 68 inches wide. Yet, with two bucket seats in the front and a bench-type seat in the rear, it offers 5-passenger family seating.
Some of the most significant mechanical and functional breakthroughs in the history of car-building -- particularly in the area of weight control -- are incorporated in the Mustang. It weighs 400 pounds less than the 1957 Thunderbird, due largely to a new type of body construction.
The Mustang body is a sturdy, all-welded structure carried on a platform type chassis which utilizes the drive-shaft tunnel as a rugged backbone. Main underbody members are galvanized and zinc-rich primer is used extensively to retard corrosion. Doors feature two-stage checks and Ford's "Bear-Hug" door latches.
Convertibles offer as standard equipment a sturdy, manually operated top with counterbalancing springs and high-leverage latches for easy operation. A power-operated top is optional.
The passenger compartment of all Mustangs is surrounded with specially designed materials for excellent weather and sound insulation. The floor areas, for example, have a triple thickness of insulating material -- a heavy mat, a jute pad, and nylon carpeting.

STYLING

The Mustang has a "look of performance," characterized by a low profile with sports car proportions. Full-wheel cutouts and the forward-thrusting hood accentuate the Mustang's sporty design.
The Mustang grille is finished in gunmetal gray to dramatize the galloping Mustang emblem "floating" in a rectangle at the center. The grille extends the sweep of the hood ahead of the single-mounted, seven-inch headlamps, and small scoop lines in the sheet metal grille fairing emphasize the forward thrust. The wing-shaped, wrap-around bumpers and standard-equipment bumper guards repeat the thrusting plan view of the hood.
The rear of the Mustang has a wide, clean appearance with an integrated bumper curving upward at the outer edges to meet the sheet metal. A competition style, center-fill fuel cap bears the Mustang ornament and script. Vertical, three-section taillights are located below the deck lid at either side. The lower rear body panel displays standard-equipment bumper guards and, like the lower front panel, is made of galvanized steel for corrosion resistance.
The wrap-under of the side sheet metal further exposes the wheels for a performance appearance, and curved side glass contributes to interior roominess as well as to the sporty appearance of the Mustang. Rich sculpturing in the side panels is reminiscent of Ford's widely acclaimed Mustang I and Mustang II show cars.
The Mustang's two-plus-two seating features front bucket seats with foam padded cushions and backs. The seats are of sports-car design for comfort and good body support. The rear bench seat is styled with inserts in a matching bucket pattern.
A spacious feeling results from the forward location of the padded instrument panel. The sheet metal portion of the instrument cluster and glove compartment door have a "camera case" black crackle finish to help reduce glare.
In addition to suspended brake and clutch pedals, the Mustang accelerator pedal is a suspended design. The pedal gives unusual foot comfort -- especially to women wearing high heels -- and provides smooth and easy engine control.

POWER TEAMS

Four engines and three transmissions provide eight power-team combinations tailored to Mustang economy and performance.
The standard power team is the 170-cubic-inch, six-cylinder engine with three-speed manual transmission. This 101-horsepower engine offers the buyer low initial cost, maximum operating economy, and good performance.
Three optional V-8 engines are offered -- the Mustang "260" V-8 at 164 horsepower, the Mustang "289" V-8 at 210 horsepower, and the Mustang "289" High Performance V-8 at 271 horsepower.
Ford's three-speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission is optional with all engines except the "289" High-Performance V-8. For those desiring a "fun-to-drive" car with maximum road performance, the all-synchronized four-speed manual transmission is available with all engines except the "260" V-8. The three-speed manual transmission is standard with the "170" six and "260" V-8 engines.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

One of the most important features of the Mustang is the number of standard items which are either unavailable or are extra-cost options on most other makes.
Luxury features include deep foam bucket seats; padded instrument panel; full wheel covers; color-keyed, all-vinyl interior; color-keyed, molded nylon carpeting; floor-mounted transmission shift lever; and a deep-dish steering wheel with bright metal horn arms.
The interior of the Mustang also includes bright work on instrument panel face and control knobs, seat side shields, rear-view mirror back and sun visor hardware. Convenience items include not only sun visors, but also arm rests, cigarette lighter, automatic glove-compartment and courtesy lights, front seat belts, and heater.
On the exterior, the Mustang buyer gets wrap-around bumpers with bumper guards, curved side glass, bright windshield and drip moldings, parallel-action windshield wipers, and Bear-Hug door locks.
Other Mustang standard features include Twice-A-Year or 6,000-mile service, self-adjusting brakes, and 36,000 mile chassis lubrication.

OPTIONS

With the Mustang's many standard equipment features, options are designed to help the customer tailor-make his Mustang to fit his specific tastes and requirements.
Comfort and convenience options include power brakes, power steering, power convertible top, push-button AM radio, air conditioning, 2-speed electric windshield wiper and washer, tinted windshield, and tinted glass.
Appearance options include floor console, padded sun visors, retractable seat belts, vinyl-covered hardtop, rocker-panel molding, deluxe simulated knock off wheel covers, wire wheel covers, outside rear-view mirror, and an accent paint stripe which outlines the side sculpturing.
For the sports oriented, the Mustang offers a Rally-Pac with tachometer and clock; special handling package including heavy-duty springs and shock absorbers, heavy front stabilizer bar, 22 to 1 steering ratio and 14-inch tires; limited-slip differential; heavy-duty battery; and 15-inch sports tires.








Courtesy of Ford Motor Company

Copyright 2003-2013 © by Early 64½-66 Mustang page of Klaus

All Rights Reserved

64 ½ Mustang Options

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Category: Early Mustang Knowledgebase
Published on Tuesday, 26 March 2013 07:42
Written by Klaus
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From the News Bureau
FORD DIVISION of Ford Motor Company

ford logo

From the News Bureau
FORD DIVISION of Ford Motor Company
Rotunda Drive at Southfield Road
P. O. Box 608
Dearborn, Michigan
Telephone 33-77900

FORD MUSTANG OPTIONS
RELEASE PM'S, MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1964

The new Mustang from the Ford Division of Ford Motor Company combines the sporty, the stylish and the practical -- and offers them in any combination or degree.
In effect, through its many standard equipment features and a wide customer choice of options, the new Mustang is actually three cars in one.
Standard equipment features of all Mustangs include color-keyed, all vinyl interior and molded nylon carpeting; foam padded bucket seats; a floor mounted transmission shift lever; padded instrument panel; automatic glove box and courtesy lights; arm rests; cigarette lighter; full wheel covers; and many other standard items which are either unavailable or are extra-cost options on most other makes.
The basic Mustang is particularly suited to the smaller family or to the family looking for a second or third car. It features compact economy and low initial cost with all of the long-life, take-care features of other, more expensive cars. It combines driving fun with a sporty appearance and the practicality of a rear seat and adequate trunk space.
It also provides a highly versatile foundation on which the buyer can literally custom-tailor his own special kind of car.

The Mustang becomes a sports car for street or competition use through a selection of performance options. The performance-minded may select from three V-8 engines ranging up to 271 horsepower. He may add a 4-speed transmission, quick ratio steering, or a Rally-Pac with tachometer and clock. A special handling package -- priced at less than $40 -- includes heavy-duty coil front springs, heavy duty semi-elliptical rear leaf springs, special shock absorbers, an extra-large diameter stabilizer bar in the suspension geometry to provide flat cornering, 6.50 x 14 tires, and the fast-ratio steering gear. He can even order 15-inch wheels and sports tires, limited-slip differential, and a heavy-duty battery.
The Mustang becomes a luxury car with such options as a vinyl-covered hard top, a full-length console between the front bucket seats, a remote-control trunk release, a rear-seat radio speaker, an accent pin stripe around the body sculpturing, tinted glass and air conditioning. Other comfort and convenience options include power brakes and steering, an automatic transmission, and a power operated convertible top.

Standard equipment on all Mustangs includes:

Accelerator Pedal - Suspended type
Arm Rests - Front
Ash Tray - Front
Body - Platform-unitized, rust-resistant, fully insulated
Brakes - Self-adjusting
Bucket Seats - Front, foam-padded
Carpets, Front and Rear - Molded nylon
Cigarette Lighter
Convertible Top - Counterbalanced manual, easy-action latches
Courtesy Lights - Automatic
Curved Side Glass
Door Checks - Two stage
Door Latches - Bear-Hug safety type
Engine - 170 Special Six
Front Fenders - Bolt-on
Fuel Tank - 16 gallon
Glove Box Light - Automatic
Headlining - All vinyl
Heater and Defroster - Fresh-air
Hood and Rear Deck Lid - Counterbalanced hinges
Hood Latch - Single-action, safety-type
Interior Detail
Color-Keyed Items:
Floor carpeting, cowl trim panel, windcord, door lock buttons, seat belts, steering wheel, seats, door trim panels.
Bright-Finish Items:
Gear shift lever, convertible header molding, rear view mirror assembly, sun visor bracket and arm, turn signal lever and knob, window regulators, door handles, instrument panel control knobs, seat side shields, instrument bezels.
Jack, Scissors-Type - Body side jacking
Lubrication, Chassis - 36,000 mile
Maintenance - Twice-A-Year or 6,000 mile
Mirror - Rear view
Molding, Windshield and Backlite - Full bright metal
Padded Instrument Panel
Scuff Plates - Aluminum
Seat Belts - Color-keyed, metal-to-webbing
Steering Wheel - Deep-dish, safety-type
Sun Visors - Dual
Transmission Lever - Tunnel-Mounted
Upholstery - All vinyl
Wheel Cover - Stainless steel, full bright metal
Windshield Wipers - Extra-wide parallel action

The list of Mustang options and accessories includes the following:

Accent group (includes body side paint stripe and rocker panel molding)
Air Conditioning
Back-up Lights
Battery - Heavy Duty
Differential - Limited-Slip Equa-Lock
Engines
164 horsepower V-8
210 horsepower V-8
271 horsepower V-8
Engine Compartment Lamp
Glass
Tinted with banded windshield
Windshield only, tinted and banded
Glove Compartment Door Lock
Handling Package - Special (standard w/271 HP engine)
Lake Pipes (Muffler by-pass)
Parking Brake Warning Lamp
Power Brakes
Power Convertible Top
Power Steering
Radio, AM Push Button
Rally Pac (Tachometer and Clock)
Rear Seat Speaker
Rear View Mirror, Non-glare inside
Rear View Mirror, Outside
Remote Control Trunk Release
Rocker Panel Molding
Studio-Sonic Sound System
Sports Console
Sun Visors, Padded
Tires, 5.60/5.90 x 15 sports
Tonneau Cover
Transmissions
Cruise-O-Matic, Three-speed Automatic
Four-speed Manual
Trunk Compartment Lamp
Vinyl Covered Hardtop Roof
Wheel Covers, Knock-off Hub
Wheel Covers, Wire
Windshield Wiper, Two-speed electric with windshield washer

Courtesy of Ford Motor Company

Copyright 2003-2013 © by Early 64½-66 Mustang page of Klaus

All Rights Reserved

64-66 Production Totals

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Category: Early Mustang Knowledgebase
Published on Wednesday, 27 March 2013 15:46
Written by Klaus
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For your information I added the known production totals from 64 to 66. This includes also the Shelby production.

Production of the first Mustang in Dearborn, Michigan was scheduled at the 5th of March, 1964 and the mustang was introduced to the public on April 17, 1964 at the New York World's Fair. In its first eighteen months, more than one million Mustangs were built...
 



1964 1/2 Mustang  
Type Total Produced  
65A Coupe 92705 76,28%  
76A Convertible with Standard Interior 28833 23,72%
Grand Total 121538 100,00%
     
1965 Mustang  
Type Total Produced
63A Fastback 71303 12,75%
63B Fastback with Pony Interior 5776 1,03%
65A Coupe with Standard Interior 372123 66,52%
65B Coupe with Pony Interior 22232 3,97%
65C Coupe with Bench Seat 14905 2,66%
76A Convertible with Standard Interior 65663 11,74%
76B Convertible with Pony Interior 5338 0,95%
76C Convertible with Bench Seat 2111 0,38%
Grand Total 559451 100,00%
     
1965 Shelby Mustang  
Type Total Produced
GT350 Fastback 515 91,64%
GT350 Street Prototype 1 0,18%
GT350 R Model 35 6,23%
GT350 R Model Prototype 2 0,36%
GT350 Drag Cars 9 1,60%
Grand Total 562 100,00%
     
1966 MUSTANG  
Type Total Produced
63A Fastback 27809 4,58%
63B Fastback with Pony Interior 7889 1,30%
65A Coupe 422416 69,53%
65B Coupe with Pony Interior 55938 9,21%
65C Coupe with Bench Seat 21397 3,52%
76A Convertible 56409 9,28%
76B Convertible with Pony Interior 12.520 2,06%
76C Convertible with Bench Seat 319 0,05%
Grand Total 607568 100,00%
     
1966 Shelby Mustang  
Type Total Produced
GT350 Fastback 1370 57,56%
GT350H Hertz Shelby 1000 42,02%
GT350 Convertible 6 0,25%
GT350 Drag Cars 4 0,17%
Grand Total 2380 100,00%
     

 

 Copyright 2003-2013 © by Early 64½-66 Mustang page of Klaus

All Rights Reserved

More Articles...

  1. 64½ General Specifications
  2. 64½ List of Differences
  3. 64½ Mustang Prices
  4. 65 FoMoCo & Rotunda Accessoires

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