The 1964 1/2 and 1965 Models
The first Mustang rolled off the production lines in March 1964. The first year resulted in some confusion over the model year and it has subsequently been called the 1964, 1964 ˝, and 1965 models. For clarification purposes this article will discuss the later 1965 Mustang, i.e. the Mustang produced in the latter half of the year that had options the first production run of the Mustang early in March did not have. This Mustang is frequently referred to the 1964 ˝ model. There were changes to the 1964 ˝ model so that is why the model year is frequently broken into halves. It helps to determine what type of 1965 Mustang is being referred to. Some of the changes midyear include the 260 engine being replaced by the 289 cid V8, adjustable driver seats, revised spare tire brackets, an alternator instead of a generator, and other changes as well.
More than 500,000 Mustangs hit the streets the first year out, the three factories had difficulty meeting demand, and consumers were literally bombarding Ford dealerships in search of a Mustang.
The Mustang lineup did change for the second half of the model year, so it is also important to note these differences.
1964 Mustang Lineup
The 1964 ˝ model or later year 1965 Mustang offered the same choice of four engines, however the engine choices changed a bit mid year. The 1964 ˝ engine choices included the one barrel carburetor 200 c.i. engine with 120 horsepower, the two barrel carburetor 289 c.i. with 200 horsepower and 9.3:1 compression, the four barrel carburetor with 289 c.i. at 225 horsepower with 10:1 compression, and the four barrel carburetor with 289 c.i. at 271 horsepower with 10.5:1 compression. The 1964 ˝ lineup was more varied than the first half of the year with hardtops, convertibles, and fastbacks available.
Powertrain and Performance
The later model 1965 Mustangs did not see too many changes, but there were some made. Perhaps the biggest change Ford made to the Mustang was the introduction of the new fastback. The fastback was the beginning of the Shelby GT 350.
Other power and performance changes that occurred later in the model year related to the engines. The variety of engines were still available, they were just changed a bit. The 170 cid 6 cylinder was replaced by the 120 horsepower 200 cid six cylinder engine. The 260, 2 valve was replaced by the 289-2V which boasted a V8 with 200 horsepower. Mustang upgraded the 289-4V to 225 horsepower and the 289-4V hi-po engine was neither replaced, upgraded, or changed.
The Mustang experienced some other changes later in the model year as well. These included replacing the generator with an alternator, smaller horns and an oil filter that were relocated, a gas cap with wire ring and a power steering pump with reservoir. The majority of the 1964 ˝ Mustangs sported a remote mounted reservoir.
The GT equipment group was introduced in April of 1965 that was an extra option Mustang lovers appreciated. The GT equipment group was available with one of the two available four barrel engines, five dial instrumentation, larger sway bars, dual exhaust, disc brakes, enhanced steering ratio, lower body side stripes, and fog lights on the grill.
Exterior
Throughout the 1965 model year the exterior remained the same. Of course, the addition of the GT model and Shelby Mustangs later in 1964 had some design features all there own, but in general the Mustang's exterior was the same as early '64 Mustangs.
The muscle car sported a longer hood and shorter deck than the 1963 prototype Mustangs. The scooped fenders were a great touch and really made the exterior of the Mustang look like a pony car that was stylish, cool, and ready to rumble. Throughout the model year the exterior paint was not exactly applied in the best fashion nor were the body panels spaced perfectly, but for a production year of over 500,000 Mustangs not too much could be expected! And, consumers didn't seem to care since they were buying up Mustangs as soon, and sometimes before, they reached the dealerships.
The later Mustang lineup had more than just the coupe and convertible available. Now there was a fastback and a GT model, too. The bumpers were wrapped in chrome, the wheels sported wheel covers, and a running horse on the grille.
From early 1965 Mustang models to the later models there were changes in exterior colors. The earlier models were available with the following colors: Chantilly Beige, Skylight Blue, Cascade Green, Silversmoke Gray, Caspian Blue, Guardsman Blue, Pagoda Green, Poppy Red, Prairie Bronze, Phoenician Yellow, Raven Black, Dynasty Green, Rangoon Red, Wimbledon White, Sunlight Yellow, Twilight Turquoise, Vintage Burgundy, and Skylight Blue. The later model 1965 Mustangs were available in the following colors: Champagne Beige, Honey Gold, Caspian Blue, Dynasty Green, Midnight Turquoise, Prairie Bronze, Ivy Green, Poppy Red, Raven Black, Silversmoke Gray, Rangoon Red, Silver Blue, Sunlight Yellow, Tropical Turquoise, Springtime Yellow, Vintage Burgundy and Wimbledon White.
Some of the exterior colors remained the same throughout the 1965 production of Mustangs while others were eliminated or added as the model year progressed. With more than half a million Mustangs on the road consumers loved the wide range of exterior colors to choose from.
Interior
The 1965 Mustang's interior was advanced for the time period. The AM radio provided music and talk shows for drivers and passengers to enjoy. The completely carpeted interior, up the rocker panels and sill plate, was stylish and appreciated by consumers. The front bucket seats or front bench seats were options and the backseat was a standard bench seat. However, the new fastback had no backseat. The full headliner and floor mounted shifter were other interior features.
When it came to safety Mustang passengers were ready to buckle up with their non-retractable waist seat belts. There was a large console for storing items at the base of the dashboard yet there was not much space in the center console. The vinyl covered dashboard was very popular because it was stylish and not metal like so many other dashboards of the time. The concave deep steering wheel was a safety feature many drivers were unaware of and they simply noticed its style. However, the style of wheel allowed it to protect the driver in accidents in similar ways to the future collapsible steering column.
Mustang was new on the streets, however there were plenty of luxury options to tailor the vehicle to personal tastes and budgets. There was air conditioning, power brakes and steering, deluxe wheel covers, power operated convertible top, and many more. For the later 1965 models a new option was available for the interior. This was the interior décor group which was called the pony interior. It had running horses across the back of seat covers and a wood grain steering wheel with an instrument panel with wood grain trim. The door panels were special, too, with arm rests and door handles with pistol grips. The five gauge instrument panel, and glove box.
The first Mustang's interior stayed pretty much the same throughout 1965 from early models to late models, however new options and packages became available making the Mustang even more versatile and desired by the public.
Final Thoughts
The demand for the 1965 Mustang was outstanding. Ford had three plants producing Mustangs for the public and they could not keep up with demand. The Mustang was truly a success and the more options and models available to the Mustang made it even more desirable. Everyone wanted a Mustang, it was the new "in" thing. The appearance of the Mustang in the James Bond movie "Goldfinger" only served to increase its popularity. Its appearance on the silver screen proved the Mustang truly was a symbol of pride and style, and gave even more individuals reason to desire their very own.
