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1965 Mustang - Arrival of the Fittest!
1965 Mustang Fastback 2 + 2
In 1965, the Mustang
2+2 fastback entered
the fray, reinforcing
the car’s racing image.
The GT package
would take that image
one step further,
sending notice to other
auto manufacturers
that Ford meant
business. (Photo
courtesy of Keith
Harrelson.)
As if the introduction of the new Mustang wasn’t exciting enough, 1965 would turn out to be just as
exciting. Three key model introductions in the pony car’s second year would make it one to
remember. Ford rolled out an all-new fastback model, introduced an exhilarating new GT (Grand
Touring) package, and the Shelby Mustang GT350 scorched the pavement for the first time.

On the other hand, Ford saw little need to alter the existing coupe and convertible models.
Technically speaking, there were a lot of small changes ranging from replacing a certain type of
screw here or there, but there were few major changes.
1965 Mustang at a Glance
Body Styles: Coupe, convertible, and fastback
Construction: Unibody
Engine Options: Engine Options: 200-ci inline six @ 120 hp, 289-ci
V-8 @ 200 hp, 289-ci V-8 @ 225 hp, 289-ci V-8 @ 271 hp, 289-ci @ 306 hp
Suspension: Independent w/coil springs on front; semi-elliptic leaf springs w/coils and shocks in rear
Units Sold: 121,538 total, 92,605 coupes, 28,833 convertibles
Retail Price: $2,320 coupe, $2,557 convertible
1965 Ford Mustang Coupe
Despite the excitement over
the new fastback, the coupe
was by far the best seller.
Virtually three out of every
four Mustangs sold in 1965
were little hardtops like this
one.
Body and Trim
On the body, the lead edges of the hood were reinforced by turning the skirts under, flush with the
hood, whereas these were simply turned under on the 1964-1/2 hood. The
“M-U-S-T-A-N-G” lettering on the front fenders (next to the tri-color badge) was lengthened from 4-
3/8 inches to five inches. In addition, the Mustang gas cap received a wire loop affixing it to the
body to deter theft.
1965 Ford Mustang Hood Reinforcement
Another almost indiscernible
modification to the 1965
model was this reinforced lip
under the edges of the hood.
The lip was not folded flush
on the original model.
Exterior color options for the 1965 Mustang were the same as the previous year, with the addition
of five new colors. Paint options (with Ford code numbers in parentheses) were as follows Raven
Black (A), Pagoda Green (B), Dynasty Green (D), Guardsmen Blue (F), Caspian Blue (H), Rangoon
Red (J), Silversmoke Gray (K), Wimbledon White (M), Poppy Red (3), Prairie Bronze (P), Sunlight
Yellow (V), Vintage Burgundy (X), Skylight Blue (Y), Chantilly Beige (Z), and Cascade Green (S).
The five new colors were Tropical Turquoise (O), Twilight Turquoise (5), Ivy Green (R),
Champagne Gold (I), and Honey Gold (C).
Interior and Trunk
The basic interior was unchanged for 1965 except for the addition of an adjustable front passenger
seat. In April 1965, the upscale Pony interior was introduced. This interior décor option featured
seats with embossed inserts showing a galloping horse. The theme was carried over onto the back
seats of coupes and convertibles but was left off of fastback models. Also included in the décor
group was the upgraded gauge cluster with round gauges, replacing the original Falcon cluster.
1965 Ford Mustang Interior 1965 Ford Mustang Pony Interior
Deluxe interiors on early-year Mustangs can
be easily spotted by wood-grain accents. This
would continue for many years to come. This
interior is heavily optioned with a console,
Rally-Pac gauges, and air conditioning as well.
Introduced mid-year, the upscale Pony interior
was incredibly distinctive for its time. A
stampede of mustangs was embossed into the
upper seat back inserts front and back.
1965 Ford Mustang embossed Pony interior seat pattern 1965 Ford Mustang Air Conditioning Unit
No leather here! This photo shows the
embossed Pony interior seat pattern up close.
A small chrome trim piece further accentuates
the seat panel.
Air conditioners were not built into the dash in
the early years. The outboard unit shown here
(with only fan and temperature controls) was
optional for a price tag of $277.20 – no small
chunk of change for the day.
1965 Ford Mustang Tachometer
Those wishing for a tachometer couple
opt for the Rally-Pac option. This
two-gauge unit, consisting of a tach
and an electric clock, straddled the
steering column.
Powertrain
The big change to all the engines was the switch from a generator to an alternator. This in turn
mandated an “ALT” warning light on the dashboard in place of a “GEN.” The V-8 engine lineup
remained unchanged, but the 170-ci inline six-cylinder engine was replaced with a 200-ci, 120-hp
horsepower engine. It’s interesting to note that the six-cylinder was quite popular among Mustang
buyers. Roughly 35 percent of all 1965 Mustangs sold had six-cylinder engines under the hood.

The top engine option was the 289 Hi-Po, and it’s no wonder this was the powerplant that Carroll
Shelby chose to drop into the Mustang GT350. For more information on the 289 Hi-Po see the
accompanying Power Points feature.
1965 Shelby GT350 289 Engine
Shelby’s involvement brought dealer-
installed goodies like aluminum Cobra
valve covers to bear. The cross brace
is another addition that originated on
the GT350.
Chassis and Undercarriage
The chassis and undercarriage on the 1965 Mustang were the same as on the 1964-1/2 model.
For more details and photos, see the previous chapter.

Wheels and Tires
The wheels and tires on the 1965 Mustang were the same as the 1964-1/2 model. For more details
and photos, see the previous chapter.
Power Points: The 289-ci Hi-Po Engine
If there is one engine that rouses the excitement of early Mustang lovers, it is the 289-ci Hi-Po. The
moniker “Hi-Po” was Ford slang for High Performance, and indeed this was the engine to have if
you wanted to really move your 1964-1/2 through 1966 Mustang down the road. This engine was
essentially a souped-up version of the base-level 289-ci Challenger V-8 (look for a profile of this
engine in the next chapter), goosed up with a Autolite 600-cfm carb, solid lifters, stronger
connecting rods, a 10:1 compression ratio, and freer flowing dual exhausts. All of this was good for
a horsepower rating of 271. It also came dressed up with a chrome air cleaner and valve covers. A
little-known fact is that Mustang owners could have their dealer install Cobra valve covers due to
Carroll Shelby’s involvement with the 289 in his own AC Cobra sports car and his subsequent
partnership in developing the Mustang GT350. Shelby, being the wizard that he was, took the Hi-Po
and squeezed another 35 horsepower out of it (for 306 hp total) before dropping it into the GT350.
Here’s a hint: any time you see an engine with a horsepower rating higher than its total cubic inches
— that’s a good thing!
Previous | Next


This has been a sample page from

Ford Mustang 1964 1/2 to 1973 Ford Mustang 1964-1/2 - 1973
by Pat Covert
Designed for the Mustang restorer & model car builder alike, this
book gives vintage Mustang enthusiasts the detailed information
and Illustrations they need to build highly accurate models or
restored full-size cars. The text covers what finishes, materials,
and parts were correct for each year, with information on
variations and options. Full-color photos show detailed views of
the car’s body and trim, chassis and undercarriage, drivetrain and
engine bay, and interior. Straight profile and front and rear views
are printed to scale to allow enthusiasts to accurately place
decals, stripes, and trim pieces. Sidebars cover production
numbers, performance figures, and paint, trim, and interior codes
and colors.

Most vintage Mustangs have been modified heavily over the last
40 years. This book will show you how your Mustang really was
originally, including accurate 1/24-scale photos and extremely
detailed color shots of the interior, suspension, chassis, engine
compartment and other hard-to-find angles! This book will prove
to be an indispensable resource for model builders, enthusiasts,
restorers, & owners.
Click below to view sample
pages of each chapter.
Chap. 1 - 1964-1/2 Mustang
Chap. 2 -
1965 Mustang
Chap. 3 -
1966 Mustang
Chap. 4 -
1967 Mustang
Chap. 5 -
1968 Mustang
Chap. 6 -
1969 Mustang
Chap. 7 -
1970 Mustang
Chap. 8 -
1971 Mustang
Chap. 9 -
1972 Mustang
Chap. 10 -
1973 Mustang
Chap. 11 -
Modeling
8-1/2 x 11"
112 pages
Softbound
Item # SP079
Price: $discontinued
Click here to buy now!
This is a great book that any Mustang enthusiast will love!


 
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THE RANGER AND BRONCO II V8 CONVERSION
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1969 FORD SHOP MANUAL SET
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1966 Ford Shop Manual CD
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1965 Ford Shop Manual CD
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