1965 Ford Mustang Fastback
After releasing the Hardtop and Convertible at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, Ford later released the Fastback for the 1965 model year. It came with all the same options and features as the earlier models, but had a fastback design inspired by the cars like the Ferrari 250 GTO, Corvette Stingray and Jaguar E-Type.
At the time of sale, the Mustang was sold alongside the Falcon, Fairlane and Thuderbird as a more compact option. To cut down on production costs and maintenance, the Mustang borrowed many common components from the other Ford products.
The project was managed by Lee Iacocca who wanted a four-seater car, no longer than 180 inches that could sell for less than $2,500 USD and have multiple performance and luxury options.
The Mustang came with either a Thiftpower Inline-6 or a variant of the Windsor V8. The most powerful option was the HiPo 289 V8 which offered 271 bhp. Transmissions included a 3 or 4-speed manual with an optional Cruise-O-Matic 3-Speed automatic.
Colors for the model included Raven Black, Wimbledon White, Rangoon Red, Silver Smoke Grey, Guardsman Blue, Skylight Blue, Caspian Blue, Dynasty Green, Chantilly Beige, Vintage Burgundy, Prairie Bronze, Samoan Coral, Red Metallic, Padoga Green and Chrome Yellow with either Black, Red, Blue, Palomino or White interior.
A GT Equipment Package became available in 1965 that added grill-mounted fog lamps, rocker panel stripes, disc brakes and extra interior gauges.
In Detail
| type | Series Production Car |
| built at | Dearborn, USA |
| body stylist | Joe Oros, L. David Ash, Gale Halderman, John Foster |
| interior designer | Damon Woods |
| engineers | Donald N. Frey |
| engine | High Performance V8 |
| position | Front, Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| bore | 101.60 mm / 4.00 in |
| stroke | 72.90 mm / 2.87 in |
| compression | 10.5:1 |
| power | 202.1 kw / 271 bhp |
| bhp/weight | 198.97 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 423.0 nm / 312 ft lbs |
| body / frame | Steel Body over Steel Platform Chassis |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| wheel type | Steel Disc |
| front tires | 6.50-13 |
| rear tires | 6.50-13 |
| front brakes | Drums |
| rear brakes | Drums |
| front wheels | F 33.0 x 11.4 cm / 13 x 4.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 33.0 x 11.4 cm / 13 x 4.5 in |
| f suspension | A-Frame and Lower Arms w/Coil Springs, Anti-Roll Bar |
| r suspension | Solid Axle w/Leaf Springs |
| curb weight | 1362 kg / 3000 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2743 mm / 108 in |
| front track | 1407 mm / 55.4 in |
| rear track | 1422 mm / 56.0 in |
| length | 4613 mm / 181.6 in |
| width | 1727 mm / 68 in |
| height | 1295 mm / 51 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | 2.78:1, 1.93:1, 1.36:1, 1.00:1 |
Auction Sales History
1966 Ford Mustang GT Fastback K-Code 289/271 HP – did not sell for $70,000 From the McMurrey Family Collection. Rare Tri-Power carburetion setup. Rotisserie restoration using almost all NOS parts. Correct K-Code 289/271 HP engine. Factory color combination, codes T/64. Candy Apple Red with Parchment Pony interior. First Place winner in many shows. Auction Source: The Daytime Auction in Monterey by Mecum
