March 9, 1964: The First Ford Mustang Rolls off the Assembly Line

Photo: The very first Mustang sold to the public, a Wimbledon White convertible with a blue top.

By Gary P Jackson

One of the most iconic cars of all time, Lee Iaccoca’s creation is still going strong. It all started 48 years ago today.

The Mustang was basically the utilitarian Ford Falcon with a lot better looking body. The Mustang defined the “pony car” segment: Long hood, short trunk, that Chevy, Pontiac, Chrysler, and AMC would all imitate. It was a great little car for the money. It was the perfect car for the times, and Ford couldn’t make them fast enough.

The Mustang would go on sale April 17, 1964 [as a 64 ½ model] and set all kinds of sales records.

The first car sold to the public was a Wimbledon White convertible. This Mustang was delivered with the following options: Wimbledon White paint, 260ci 2V V8 engine, Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission, Rally Pac gauges, power brakes, power steering, power convertible top, padded visors, reverse lights, a heavy duty battery, full-length console, tinted windshield, a push-button AM radio with antenna, rocker panel moldings, Deluxe wheel covers with spinners, white wall tires, heater delete, seat belt delete, dual outside mirrors, compass, day/night mirror, and 2-speed electric wipers and washer.

For more photos of the car click here.

Here’s one of the original commercials for the car:

Here’s another fun ad. This one touts Mustang as a sports car:

The car that dreams are made of:

It should be noted, a fair number of early Mustangs were built with bench, rather than the standard bucket seats.

These were great cars. They were fun to drive and simple to maintain. Ford created an entire new segment with Mustang. Ford changed the way people lived. Secretaries, school kids, and hot rodders alike fell in love with the car and remain so to this day.