Kansas City, MO — The Kansas City Automotive Museum (KCAM) is proud to announce the donation of an exceptionally rare 1964½ Ford Mustang by Grant Martin, the vehicle’s original owner.

Among the very first Mustangs produced by Ford, this early-production 1964½ model is powered by the scarce 260 cubic-inch V8 and represents a pivotal moment in American automotive history. Fewer than twenty-five known early 1964½ Mustangs are believed to have remained with and been driven by their original owners, making this example especially significant.

Mr. Martin purchased the Mustang on May 25, 1964—just weeks after it left the Dearborn assembly plant—for $2,795. Over the next 41 years, the car was continuously driven in all conditions, traveled across much of the United States and Canada, and accumulated more than 613,000 miles. Retired in 2005, the Mustang was later restored while retaining its original engine.

“This Mustang tells an extraordinary story, not just of automotive innovation, but of dedication and stewardship,” said Butch Papon, Director of Collections for the Kansas City Automotive Museum. “An original-owner, early-production 1964½ Mustang with this level of documentation and mileage is virtually unheard of. We are deeply grateful to Grant Martin for entrusting KCAM with preserving its legacy.”

Donated to KCAM in December 2025, the Mustang will become part of the Museum’s permanent collection, preserving an extraordinary story of longevity, ownership, and automotive innovation for future generations.

The Kansas City Automotive Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to preserving Kansas City’s rich automotive history. Located in Olathe, Kansas, the Museum features a rotating collection of over 30 vehicles and regularly hosts educational programs and special events. Since opening in 2014, it has become a central hub for car enthusiasts and a key contributor to the local community. 

For more information, visit www.kansascityautomuseum.org. For additional information about the museum or to arrange an interview, please contact our media relations team at media@kansascityautomuseum.com or 913-322-4227.