General Year Information

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.

Models Offered

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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).

Body Paint Color Codes

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1965 Mustang

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).

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.

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