The 1964 1/2 Mustang is the only original production coupe to adorn the galloping pony. It is the heart of the line and everything which came afterwards is just a modification upon that platform. It is known as the 1964 1/2 because in that same year Ford decided to make the first modification which became the 1965 model. Of course, Ford called this a success and an improvement to the model which would bring it to the masses and compete with other Muscle Cars of the Era. When in fact, it separated the original production Mustang from the rest. This became known as the "Spirit Mustang" because it literally is where the heart of the entire line resides.
We as Mustang owners continue to follow in Fords footsteps and modify our own platform to harness the "Spirit" of the Mustang that is cemented in our own minds and reflected in our creations. In this we follow some weird codes. We complain if someone begins to alter a special edition Mustang. We protested and signed petitions when Ford wanted to eliminate the Solid Rear Axle in all models. We have 4cyl, 6cyl and 8cyl models where men and women poured themselves into their build to make each faster just because someone said that they would not be successful. We as owners and enthusiasts stood beside our Mustang and watched every other manufacture fall off in the Muscle Car War until only one Stood Tall.
The "Spirit" of the Mustang lives on today through thick and thin. We have seen the Birth of the SVO, Mach I, BOSS, Bullitt, King Cobra, Terminator, Cobra, and a lady everyone knows as Eleanor. In each of these models lies the same "Spirit" that drives everyone of us to make the most of the model we have. The practical ones who commute with the 4 cylinders, the workhorses who battle rush hour in the V6 and those who have the play toys packing V8s with HP which should not be on the street. This Galloping Pony has had many faces, has had victories and losses, has brought people closer together in communities which would have never formed otherwise. This "Spirit" was born in 1964 as a production line and never ceased.
The 1964 1/2 is most definitely the "Spirit Mustang" and the benchmark to which all models which followed must live up to so each can still wear its same badges.
No Pressure........
