Birth year project

I got my 1965 Mustang fastback with 289-4-speed in spring of 1965 off a used car lot. Owner didn't like it. Black with red enterior. As far as we know it was the first in our area. Was a long time before I ever saw another fastback. Lots of 2-door coupes.

 

I guess its all a matter of taste and opinion, but although my favorite model years are 1966-1968, I rank 1964 pretty high up there as well. Not only was that the year of release for the first Mustang, and a nice redesign of the T-bird, as you mention, but there were several other nice designs in the 64 model year. There was the first GTO, the first Chevelle, a totally redesigned midsize Skylark and Cutlass (including the first 4-4-2). The Riviera and Corvette designs were carry overs from 63, but both had (and still have) a lasting effect on automotive designs that came after them. The best looking of all Grand Prixs, were the 63-64 models. Ford had the Fairlane Thunderbolt, Galaxies were in the last year of the 61-64 body that has remained popular with Ford fans till this day. The 64 Plymouth Furys and Dodge Polaras were the best looking of the 62-65 Mopar B-body platform, Chrysler's redesigned 64 Imperial was as classy as the 61- 64 Lincoln that was designed by the same person. 64 was the first year for the Buick Sport Wagon and Olds Vista Cruiser, and the first year for a Barracuda. It was the last year for the popular 61-64 Impala body style. The full size 64 Olds Jetstar and Starfire are probably the best looking full size Oldsmobiles ever built. The 64 El Camino was a great looking pickup in 64. Studebaker still had the Avanti in 64 and it was the last year for a Studebaker convertible, and 64-65 was the best looking of the Studebaker Wagonaire model with the sliding roof.
Yes, I would say 64 was a stellar year for automotive design in the US. For me, styling generally improved every year through the 50's and 60's, while in the 70's, 80's and 90's, the trend was reversed and went down hill fast.

 

I agree that there were some drivetrain differences on the first batch of cars, and even a slight change to the hood, however..
The Mustangs produced for the first six months or so were referred to as 1964 1/2 or early 1965 Mustangs. All of the VINs began with a 5, indicating model year 1965.


Jim.. I can see your point about some of the historically significant cars coming in '64..

But for me, the Cutlass looked better in 66-67 (and even better in 68), same with the Chevelle and Buick. The GTO hit the look I like in 67. The Riviera? 1966 and 67 are the best looking Rivs ever IMHO. (I've owned 4 of them so I may be baised)

I loved the 50 where every year cars would change and evolve and the interiors were fantastic.. by 62, 3 and 4 things were getting less 'futuristic' and boxier.. Some standouts aside my favorite years for US designs were 55 - 59 and 67 - 71

 

Oh my, the field is expanding. This would be a most practical option especially with the 170ci six...

mike

 

Amen!

This looks familiar. I love it.

 

Of course the logical choice for me would be the 1961 version of my first car the always popular 122s



mine was a 67 with 63 parts car. In retrospect I should have used the 67 as the parts car. The neat thing about these is that even though they were built into the early 1970s they had the 1950s style upright seating with the ease of egress and ingress that comes with it.

mike

 

:2_thumbs_up_-_anima

 

Since I'm a 61 model, it comes down to a choice of 2. A 61 Pontiac Bonneville Safari:



Or a 61 Mercury Monterey Commuter:

 

I am biased but I vote for the Merc.

mike

 

Normally I would agree, since I bleed Blue Ovals, but the car I grew up with was my Grandfather's 61 Pontiac Laurentian, and I always have loved those cars. I may just have to get both!

 

For me it would have to be a 56 Pontiac Safari, everyone has Nomads! Although I could probably live with a 56 Karmann Ghia...

 

The '61 Bonneville Safari, for sure. The '61 Pontiac was beautiful - very distinctive front end, with that split grill.

 

Wonder what my chances are of finding a Laurentian Safari, here in Canada. I do prefer that outside trim. Certainly not common.

 

1949 Packard Woody