“Mustang Kaya, think you better slow your Mustang down..”

The call has gone out for owners of first year Mustangs and, sure, there are still lots examples of the original “pony car” out there. Ford cutely designated it as a 1964½ in recognition of the fact it was introduced on April 17, 1964 in an era when new model years traditionally began in October. But we’re talking about original owners: folks who have owned, or inherited, the same car they’ve been driving for the past 49½ years. Yes, two can play this fractional game.

According to Autoweek’s Mark Vaughn, Mustang enthusiast Kathy Miller is looking to put together a conclave, in celebration of Mustang’s 50th anniversary, of those who have had an enduring relationship with their respective ‘Stangs during all that time.  We just love the idea, don’t you?  So far, she’s found 11 people who have had their cars since back then and 10 more who own a hand-me-down from their parents.  She’d like to assemble as many of these cars and owners together for the upcoming anniversary, presumably, in 2014½.  Are you one such owner?  Let her know: originalowner@me.com and check out her website.

We’re pretty sure that Kaya, the back seat occupant of this neat 64½ convertible, wasn’t around back then but she does dress up the car quite a bit, matching the Prairie Bronze paint treatment in a most subtle way. The car is certainly not in as “ruff” condition as this one that seems to have endured an incomplete bumper transplant.

FeralCars fan Ed Merlis found this more tidy, but a bit rusty, first year example in Northern Virginia the other day.

Lee Iacocca gets credit for the idea of transforming Falcon underpinnings to create a 4-seater coupe and convertible in rapid response, only 18 months of development time,  to the sporty Monza version of Chevy’s ill-fated Corvair.

Mustang’s sister-under-the-skin

In light of this we couldn’t resist throwing one of these in here.  It’s the same basic vintage as its sister-under-the-skin but somewhat less adorable.  Maybe if Kaya hopped in we’d change our opinion.

“The car that dreams are made of” was unveiled at the 1964 New York World’s Fair as seen in this commercial. It was a sensation then and still is after 50 years.

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Include your name, location of the car and some thoughts about the vehicle and we’ll look into getting it posted.