1965 Ford Mustang Fact Sheet
1965 Ford Mustang Facts, Figures, and Specifications

Now the 1965 Ford Mustang line had three models: coupe, convertible, and fastback.
1965 Ford Mustang –
Only a Few Tweaks
The 1965 Mustang was a “continuation” of the previous car with minor changes. New, however was the fastback coupe, designated a “2+2”. Front disc brakes were a significant new option. An alternator replaced the generator.
General Year Information – 1965 Ford Mustang
One brand-new model and some very minor revisions were made in the 1965 Mustang line. The fastback body joined the hardtop and convertible. The most significant change for 1965 was the use of an alternator in the place of the generator. Engine choices remained the same as in late 1964, with one exception. The old workhorse I-block, 170 cubic inch engine, was replaced by the 200 cubic inch version as the base six-cylinder power plant.
Several small changes and some new options were seen on the 1965 models. The spacing between the letters in the lower body side nameplate was modified, now at five-inches – about 1/4 inch longer than before. The push-down door lock buttons were now chrome plated, which had been color-matched to the interior. Front disc brakes and the GT Package were added options.
Historical Notes
The 1965 Mustang was officially introduced on October 1, 1964. Model year production peaked at 559,451 cars. Of these, 53.6 percent were equipped with automatic transmission, 14.5 percent with four-speed manual transmissions, 64.4 percent with V-8 engines, 9.1 percent with air conditioning, 3.9 percent with dual exhausts and 2 percent with limited-slip differential. A total of 1.3 percent of all 1965 Mustangs, or 6,996 cars, were sold with the 271 horsepower V-8 (Code ‘K’) and all of these units had four-speed manual transmission.
Mustangs made in Germany were called “Ford T-5”, since the right to the Mustang name in that country belonged to another manufacturer.
1965 Ford Mustang Factoids
Click a Tab to See the Details
The GT model – an upgrade package was introduced this year. It was available with 225 or 271 HP V-8s only, included: dual exhausts; fog lamps; special ornamentation; disc brakes; GT racing stripes (rocker panel moldings deleted); and Handling Package.
Previous V-8 Mustangs went like heck, but stopping was problematic. On the urging of Carrol Shelby, who would be developing the GT 350 for FIA and SCCA racing, disc brakes were quickly added to the V-8 line. The were manually operated, but immediately added a huge difference in curve carving and safety. See a test of a disc brake Mustang HERE.
1965 Ford Mustang Facts – Models Offered
Click a Tab to See the Details
Model 65 A – The standard equipment list for 1965 was much the same as the 1964 1/2 cars, including heater and defroster, dual sun visors, Sports-type front bumpers, full wheel covers, vinyl upholstery, seat belts, padded instrument panel, automatic courtesy lights, cigarette lighter, front and rear carpets, foam-padded front bucket seats, self-adjusting brakes, and Sports steering wheel. An alternator replaced a generator on the 1965 series. The standard power plant was the 200 CID I-6. and the 289 CID V-8 replaced the 260 CID unit as the base V-8.
Model 63 A – This was a new model; fastback in design and called “2+2. The rear seat folded down to add additional luggage or storage space with a pass-through from the trunk.
The standard equipment list for 1965 was much the same as the 1964 1/2 cars, including heater and defroster, dual sun visors, Sports-type front bumpers, full wheel covers, vinyl upholstery, seat belts, padded instrument panel, automatic courtesy lights, cigarette lighter, front and rear carpets, foam-padded front bucket seats, self-adjusting brakes, and Sports steering wheel. An alternator replaced a generator on the 1965 series. The standard power plant was the 200 CID I-6. and the 289 CID V-8 replaced the 260 CID unit as the base V-8.
Model 76A – The standard equipment list for 1965 was much the same as the 1964 1/2 cars, including heater and defroster, dual sun visors, Sports-type front bumpers, full wheel covers, vinyl upholstery, seat belts, padded instrument panel, automatic courtesy lights, cigarette lighter, front and rear carpets, foam-padded front bucket seats, self-adjusting brakes, and Sports steering wheel. An alternator replaced a generator on the 1965 series. The standard power plant was the 200 CID I-6. and the 289 CID V-8 replaced the 260 CID unit as the base V-8.
1965 Ford Mustang Facts – Engines
Click a Tab to See the Details
Optional (late) Inline Six. (Code “T”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 200 CID. Bore and stroke: 3,684″ x 3.13″. Compression ratio: 9.2:1. Horsepower: 120 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 190 @ 2400 RPM. Seven main bearings. Hydraulic valve lifters. Camshaft Duration: Intake: 252 degrees, Exhaust: 252 degrees, Lift: 0.348″. Overlap: 28 degrees. Carburetor: Ford Autolite one-barrel (Manual Transmission – Emission) Model C50F-9510-E; (Automatic Transmission – Emission) Model C50F-95l0-F; (Manual Transmission – Non-Emission) Model C50F-95l0-N; (Automatic Transmission – Non-Emission) Model C50F-95l0-R.
Optional Two Barrel V-8. (Code “C” or Code “D”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 289 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.05 x 2.87 inches. Compression ratio: 9.3:1. Horsepower: 200 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 282 @ 2400 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 266 degrees, Exhaust: 256 degrees, Lift: 0.3684″. Overlap 40 degrees. Carburetor: (Manual Transmission – Emission) Ford Autolite 2-barrel Model C5ZF-9510-A; (Auto Transmission – Emission) Ford Autolite 2-barrel Model C5ZF-9510-B; (Manual Transmission – Non-Emission) Ford Autolite 2-barrel Model C5ZF-9510-G; (Auto Transmission – Non-Emission) Ford Autolite 2-barrel Model C5ZF-9510-H.
225 HP Optional V-8. (Code “C” or Code “D”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 289 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.005 x 2.87 inches. Compression ratio: 9.3:1. Horsepower: 225 @ 4800 RPM. Torque: 305 @ 3200 RPM Five main bearings. Hydraulic lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 266 degrees, Exhaust: 256 degrees, Lift: 0.368″. Overlap 40 degrees. Carburetor: (Manual Transmission – Emission) Ford Autolite 4-barrel Model C5ZF-9510-C; (Auto Transmission – Emission) Ford Autolite 4-barrel Model C5ZF-9510-D; (Manual Transmission – Non-Emission) Ford Autolite 4-barrel Model C5ZF-9510-J; (Auto Transmission – Non-Emission) Ford Autolite 4-barrel Model C5ZF-9510-K.
271 HP Optional “Hi-Po” V-8. (Code “K”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Displacement: 289 cubic inches. Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 2.87 inches. Compression ratio: 10.5:1. Horsepower: 271 @ 6000 RPM. Torque: 312 @ 3400 RPM Five main bearings. Mechanical lifters: Camshaft Duration: Intake: 282 degrees, Exhaust: 282 degrees, Lift: 0.4574″ @ .020″ lash. Overlap 54 degrees. Carburetor: (Manual Trans Only – Emission) Ford Autolite 4-barrel Model C40F- 9510-AL; (Manual Trans Only – Non-Emission) Ford Autolite 4-barrel Model C40F- 9510-L.
NOTE: 10.9:1 compression ratio available w/special order gasket. This engine not available with automatic transmission.
1965 Ford Mustang Facts – Chassis Features
-
- Wheelbase: 108.00″
- Overall length: 181.60″
- Height: 51.10″ (I-6) 51.00″ (V-8}
- Weight:
Hardtop: 2556 lbs.
Convertible: 2742 lbs. - Front tread: 55.40″ (I-6), 56.00″ (V-8)
- Rear tread: 56.00″
- Tires:
With I-6: 6.50 x 13 four-ply tubeless black wall.
With V-8: 6.95 x 14 four-ply tubeless
With271 HP 289 CID V-8: 6.95 x 14 four-ply tubeless Nylon-Dual Red-Line
1965 Ford Mustang Facts – Significant Options
-
- Accent Group, on hardtop and convertible ($27.70); on fastback coupe ($14.20).
- Air conditioner ($283.20).
- Backup lights ($10.70).
- California type closed emissions system ($5.30).
- California type closed emissions system ($5.30).
- Console for use with air conditioner ($32.20).
- Cruise-0-Matic transmission, with Six ($179.80); with 200 and 225 horsepower V-8s ($189.60).
- Deluxe retractable front seat safety belts ($7.55).
- Emergency flashers ($19.60).
- Equa-Lock limited-slip differential ($42.50).
- Four-speed manual transmission, with Six ($115.90); with V-8 ($188).
- Front disc brakes with V-8 and manual brakes only ($58).
- Full-length center console ($51.50).
- Heavy-duty battery ($7.60).
- Padded sun visors ($5.70).
- Power brakes ($43.20).
- Power convertible top ($54.10).
- Power steering ($86.30).
- Push button radio with antenna ($58.50).
- Rally-Pac instrumentation with clock and tachometer ($70.80).
- Red Band Nylon with V-8s except high-performance V-8 ($49.60).
- Rocker panel moldings, standard on fastback coupe ($16.10).
- Special Handling package, with 200 or 225 horsepower V-8s ($31.30).
- Styled steel wheels – 14 inch ($122.30).
- Tinted glass with banded windshield ($30.90).
- Tinted-banded windshield glass ($21.55).
- Vinyl roof, on two-door coupe only ($75.80).
- Visibility Group includes remote-control outside rearview mirror; day/nite inside rearview mirror; two-speed electric wipers and windshield washers ($36).
- Wheel covers with knock-off hubs ($18.20).
- Wire wheel covers – 14-inch ($45.80).
1965 Ford Mustang Facts –
Body Paint Color Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1965 Mustang
1965 Ford Mustang Facts –
Engine Options
-
- Challenger 200 horsepower V-8 ($108).
- Challenger four-barrel 225 horsepower V-8 ($162).
- Challenger 271 horsepower high-performance V-8 including Special Handling Package and 6.95 x 14 Nylon tires ($442.60).
1965 Ford Mustang Facts –
Power Train Options
Transmissions
-
- Three-Speed Manual Transmission Standard.
- Four-Speed Manual Transmission: Optional.
- Automatic Transmission: Optional.
Transmission Ratios
-
- Three-Speed Manual Transmission
I-6: First: 2.76:1, Second: 1.69:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 3.74:1
V-8: First: 2.79:1, Second: 1.70:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 2.87:1 - Four-Speed Manual Transmission
I-6 and V-8: First: 3.16:1, Second: 2.21:1, Third 1.41:1, Fourth: 1:1. Reverse: 3.35:1
Hi-Po V-8: First: 2.32:1, Second: 1.69:1, Third: 1.29:1, Fourth: 1:1. Reverse: 2.78:1 - Three-Speed Automatic Transmission
Low: 2.46:1, Second: 1.46:1, Direct 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.20:1.
- Three-Speed Manual Transmission
Rear Axle
-
- Manual Transmission: I-6
Three Speed: 3.20:1
Four-speed: 3.20:1
Automatic: 2.83:1 - Manual Transmission: 200 HP V-8
– Three Speed: 2.80:1
– Four-speed: 2.80:1
– Automatic: 2.80:1 - Manual Transmission: 225 HP V-8
– Three Speed: 3.00:1
– Four-speed: 3.00:1
– Automatic: 3.00:1 - Manual Transmission – 271 HP V-8
Three Speed: 3.89:1 opt 4.11:1 or 3.50:1
Four-speed: 3.89:1 opt 4.11:1 or 3.50:1
- Manual Transmission: I-6
1965 Ford Mustang Facts –
Related Documents
Downloadable files directly related to the 1965 Ford Mustang will appear below. Click to Download:
1965 Ford Mustang Print Advertisements
1965 Ford Mustang GT Print Advertisements
1965 Ford Mustang GT Oversize Print Advertisements
1965 Ford Mustang AMA Specifications Sheets
1965 Ford Mustang I-6 Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1965 Ford Mustang Hi-Po Coupe Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1965 Ford Mustang Hi-Po Coupe Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1965 Ford Mustang Hi-Po Road Test – Hot Rod Magazine
1965 Ford Mustang Hi-Po 2+2 Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1965 Ford Mustang Hi-Po vs Barracuda S Road Test – Speed & Custom Magazine
1965 Ford Mustang Disc Brake Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1965 Ford Mustang Production Figures
1965 Ford Mustang Facts –
Related Images
Related Images to the 1965 Ford Mustang Line will appear below
1965 Mustang Convertible
The 1965 Mustang Convertible was popular, but its $300 increase over the Coupe had buyers shying away. Even so a respectable 73,112 people chose this model in 1965.
1965 Mustang Coupe
The 1965 Mustang Coupe was the bread and butter of the line. An astounding 409,260 were produced in 1965 alone!
1965 Ford Mustang Rally Pac
The rally Pac was an optional gauge package offered from 1964 1/2 through 1966/ It contained a tachometer and a clock and bolted to the steering column.
1965 Ford Mustang GT Exterior
The GT option was released mid-year and was available on the coupe, convertible and the 2+2. External identification consisted of the road lights, the tripe and trumpet exhausts exiting through the rear valance.
1965 Ford Mustang GT Dash
The cars sold with the GT option, received a new dashboard, replacing the Falcon unit delivered with other Mustangs. This dash would become standard in 1966.
1965 Ford Mustang GT Equipment
Internally, the GT option was extensive: upholstery, dash, door panels, steering wheel, disc brakes, and more.
1965 Ford Mustang Bench Seat Option
In response to demand, the 1965 and all later years would be available with a front bench seat, allowing five passengers. Though not ordered in quantity, Ford continued to offer it to assuage the small demand – 14,905 hardtops; 5,338 and 2,111 convertibles were fitted with this option. It was not available in the 2+2.