The Mustang’s astounding success was not just due to this historic grand entrance and marketing campaign, but also the car’s affordability, performance, innovative look, and spirit of fun and freedom. The base model of the Mustang began at $2,368.00, making this first “pony” car accessible to many drivers. A total of 121,538 early ’65 (a.k.a.: “64 1/2”) Mustangs were produced between March and August of 1964, with an additional 437,913 were built as “late 1965” models. In June of 1964, the “Hi-Po” 289 V8 was unveiled. Engine choices largely mirrored the Falcon – a base 170-cubic-inch I-6 with 101 hp; a 164-hp, 260-cubic-inch V-8; and a 210-hp, 289-cubic-inch V-8. A high-performance 289, offering 271 hp, was added to the Mustang lineup in June of 64.
