Collector’s Originality Guides- The ’64 1/2 -’66 Mustang and Ford Model A
Although you might not think so, the Ford Model A and First Generation Mustang have a lot in common. Both cars represented an entry into an uncharted category for the Blue Oval.

The launch of each benefited from a enormous ad campaign, and when finally available at dealerships, they were greeted by massive crowds. In New York, the mounted police had to be called in for crowd control at the debut of the Model A, and thirty six years later, Mustang buyers chose to sleep in their cars lest someone buy it out from under them while the paperwork was being approved. Finally, both cars engendered the anointment of a feminine persona- the A, nicknamed Henry Ford’s Lady, and, of course, who can forget Mustang Sally?
The similarities end of course, and even within the short model run of each car exists a wide range of differences between year, and even sometimes month. If you happen to be an aficionado of either car, or are just curious about what made each unique, then two books from the Collector’s Originality Guide series will be critical additions to your library- Mustang 1964 1/2 – 1966 by Colin Date, and Ford Model A by Jim Schild.
Collector’s Originality Guide: Mustang 1964 1/2-1966
This book represents the definitive guide to the first generation of Ford’s pony. When launched in April of 1964, the Mustang used as much from the Falcon parts bin as possible because frugal Ford didn’t yet know what a runaway success the car would become.

As the Mustang galloped into the sales record books, it warranted bespoke upgrades – such as replacing the plain chrome seatbelt buckles from the Falcon with its own color coordinated latches – and Date has documented in detail each of these minute differences. Did you know that initially the Mustang came with shining chrome wipers, but that complaints of glare forced the change to stainless steel in ’66? Date knows, and you would too if you happen to peruse this guide.
In this paperback reissue, author and photographer Colin Date walks through all the minutia of the Mustang’s 2 1/2-year initial model run. If you’re fanatical about the marque, or are like me, called to judge these cars in Concourse events, this level of detail is invaluable. Filled with color photographs, and side-by-side comparisons of the differentiating factors Date clearly conveys even the tiniest of model changes.


Collector’s Originality Guide: Ford Model A
The 20^th century is strewn with many a Car that Saved Ford. One such savior was the 1928 – 1931 Model A. Successor to the ubiquitous Model T, the A was both much more sophisticated, and shorter lived than Henry’s Tin Lizzy.
Debuting in 1928 to an advertising blitz the Advertising Club of New York called “the most soundly coordinated advertising campaign in America’s advertising history,” the A stood in stark contrast to the simplistic T. With over 800,000 orders placed by spring 1928, the A became the Ford that fit your needs, rather than the other way around. The car-buying public had grown weary of the simplistic Model T, and demanded a car with more creature comforts and features. With Chevrolet outselling Ford for the first time in 1927, the Model A couldn’t come soon enough for both the Blue Oval, and car buyers.
Jim Schild’s comprehensive guide to the marque contains over 275 color photographs, year by year production charts and detailed descriptions of the model changes, which occurred at a break-neck pace. In 1930 alone the A could have been purchased with one of six different jacks! Want to know the correct species of wood for your 1928 Woody wagon’s framing? This paperback tome will tell you. (It’s maple, by the way)

The A has been popular with the Hot Rodders for years, but authentically restored cars are equally valued, and are much more difficult to achieve. Jim Schild’s Collector’s Originality Guide: Ford Model A will make sure that yours isn’t so hard.