1965 Ford Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1965 Ford Galaxie 500 XL Convertible
1. 427 CID 425 HP More Potent
2. LTD Model Debuts
3. New 240 CID I-6 Engine Now Available
4. Rear Suspension Moves to Coil Springs
5. 15" Wheels Replace 14"
Check out this companion article by Martyn Schorr: “1965 FORD 427 GALAXIE – Car Guy Chronicles“
A Clean, New Design for 1965
Completely restyled once again, the full size Fords possessed crisp, clean styling with very sharp, square lines, and almost no curves. Model names were dropped for 1965, in favor of designating the car by its body style. For example, “Club Victoria” became “two-door Hardtop,” and “Sunliner” became “Convertible”. The 427 CID V-8 got new heads and intake.
1965 Ford Resources
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1965 Ford Facts – Shop Manual
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1965 Ford Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
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1965 Full Size
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1965 Ford Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1965 Ford Full Size Car
The 1965 Ford full Size car was an all-new design, featuring vertically stacked dual headlights. The new top-of-the-line designations were the Galaxie 500 LTD and Galaxie 500 XL. The LTD and the XL trim package were accessory upgrades from the base Galaxie model. The 1965 full size Fords were billed as the “Newest since 1949”. Luxury and comfort were featured with the big Fords. ‘Silent Flow’ ventilation systems were standard on four-door hardtops. In keep ing with the new luxury image, the Galaxie 500 LTD interior trim option was offered for the first time, in two and four-door hardtops.
The new grille featured thin horizontal bars which followed the leading edge contour of the hood and was framed by the new vertical dual headlights. From the side, a single, horizontal feature line divided the less prominent beltline and lower body lines. As in 1964, all full size Fords carried the engine designation logo on the front fender behind the front wheel, for the larger, optional V-8 engines.
Suspension on the 1965 models was redesigned. Replacing the former leaf-spring rear suspension was a new three-link system, with coil springs. Inside, interiors featured a new instrument panel, as well as two-way key vehicle access: the introduction of two keys was for valet parking, where the rounded head key would only open the trunk or locked glove compartment, while the squared-head key would only unlock the doors and the ignition.
Engine choices were the similar too 1964, except for an all-new 240 CID six-cylinder engine replaced the 1950s-era 223 “Mileage-Maker Six. Another upgrade was that the 352 CID V-8 was now equipped with dual exhausts and a four-barrel carburetor.
1965 Ford Factoids
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The all-new 500 LTD was designed as a luxury-oriented vehicle, offering many features of more expensive vehicles under the lower price of the Ford nameplate. It featured a plush cloth interior with wood grain accents, along with contoured seats and door panels not found on other full size Ford models. Options included power windows, power driver’s seat, power brakes, power steering, air conditioning, and a full or half-vinyl top. The car was offered in two body styles: a 2-door hardtop and a 4-door hardtop. See more detail in the Brochure HERE.
The new 240 CID I-6 was improved over the 223 CID version introduced in 1963. Seven main bearing, thin-wall casting, larger valves and shorter stroke. It also used stamped steel rocker arms as found on the 260-289 V-8. The new 150 HP engine was standard in the Galaxie. See the engine Chart below for more information.
In a successful attempt to improve ride quality and quietness, Ford moved to rear axle coil spring suspension. In conjunction with a new frame, they were able to achieve ride and handling and remove noise by isolating the axle from the body more.
1965 Ford Facts – Models Offered
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Custom Series. The Custom series was the base trim level full size Ford for 1965, and included chrome windshield and rear window moldings, two sun visors, a chrome horn ring, arm rests on all doors, and the “Custom” name on the front fender. The taillights were round lenses in a rectangular housing. The Ford name appeared in block letters across the front of the hood and on the vertical section of the trunk lid.
The Custom was only available as a 2-door sedan and 4-door sedan.
Custom 500 Series. The Custom 500 was the upper trim level of the base-line Custom series, and included chrome windshield and rear window moldings, nylon carpeting instead of the rubber mats used in the Custom models, arm rests, with ash trays, on all doors, two sun visors, and all the trim used in the Custom models, plus a short horizontal chrome strip along the front fender and front door.
The Custom 500 was only available as a 2-door sedan and 4-door sedan.
Galaxie 500 Series. The Galaxie 500 was the intermediate trim level for 1965, and included all the Custom trim, plus a chrome hood ornament, a Ford crest in the center of the trunk lid, chrome window frames, a Ford crest on the roof “C” pillar, “Galaxie 500”, in block letters at the front of the front fenders, chrome rocker panel trim, with hexagonal taillights inset with a chrome cross, and backup lights. Two-tone vinyl trim was used on the inside of the doors and on the seats.
The Galaxie 500 was available as a 4-door sedan, 4-door hardtop, 2-door hardtop, and convertible.
Galaxie 500XL Series. The Galaxie 500XL was the “sport” version of the Galaxie 500 two-door hardtop and two-door convertible, and included all Galaxie 500 trim, plus bucket seats and floor-mounted shift lever, polished door trim panels with carpeting on the lower portion of the doors, dual-lens open door courtesy lights in the door panels, rear reading lights in hardtops and “Galaxie 500XL” emblems on the rear body exterior. The 200 horsepower, 289 CID V-8 engine and Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission were standard in both “XL” body styles.
The Galaxie 500XL was only available as a 2-door hardtop and convertible.
Galaxie 500 LTD Series. The Galaxie 500 LTD was the new top model for 1965, and included all the Galaxie 500 trim plus, 200 horsepower, 289 CID V-8 and Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission standard. Additional standard features were thickly padded seats, with “pinseal” upholstery, simulated walnut appliques on the lower edge of the instrument panel, Gabardine finish on headliner and sun visors, front and rear door courtesy lights, courtesy lights in the rear roof interior pillars, and also under the instrument panel, as well as glove box and ash tray lights, and a self regulating clock.
The Galaxie 500 LTD was only available as a 2-door and 4-door hardtop.
Station Wagon Series. The Ranch Wagon was once again the base trim level Station Wagon for 1965, with the Country Sedan models be1ng the intermediate level and the Country Squire models being the top trim level. The trim levels paralleled the Custom 500, Galaxie 500 and Galaxie 500 LTD models of the regular cars.
The Ranch Wagon was only available a a 6-passenger model, whereas the Country Sedan and Country Squire were offered in both 6- and 8 passenger versions.
1965 Ford Facts – Engines
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- 150 HP 240 CID I-6
- 200 HP 289 CID V-8
- 250 HP 352 CID V-8
- 300 HP 390 CID V-8
- 330 HP 390 CID V-8
- 410 HP 427 CID V8
- 425 HP 427 CID V8
240 CID I-6. Engine Code “V”. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Seven main bearings.
Displacement: 240 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.18 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.2:1.
Horsepower: 150 @ 4000 RPM.
Torque: 234 @ 2200 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: (Intake) 254°, (Exhaust) 268. Overlap: 40°; Lift: (Intake) 0.376″, (Exhaust) 0.400″.
Carburetor: NOTE: The following carburetors are listed without application as appropriate for the 1965 engine: Autolite 1100 one-barrel C5AF-9150 U; Autolite 1100 one-barrel C5AF-9150 V; Autolite 1100 one-barrel C5AF-9150 Y; Autolite 1100 one-barrel C5AF-9150 BN; Autolite 1100 one-barrel C5PF-9150 A; Autolite 1100 one-barrel C5AF-9150 AG; Autolite 1100 one-barrel C5AF-9150 T; Autolite 1100 one-barrel C5AF-9150 AF.
289 CID V-8 2-Barrel V-8. Engine Code “C”. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 289 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 X 2.87 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.3:1.
Horsepower: 200 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 282 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve Lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: (Intake) 266°, (Exhaust) 256°, Overlap: 40°. Lift: (Intake) 0.368″, (Exhaust) 0.380″.
Carburetor: Holley two-barrel Model (manual transmission) C4AF-9510-B, (automatic transmission) C4AF-9150-C.
352 CID V-8 V-8. Engine Code “X” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 352 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.50 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.3:1.
Horsepower: 250 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 352 @ 2800 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 270°, Exhaust: 270°, Overlap 44°, Lift: 0.408″.
Carburetor: (manual transmission) Ford 4-barrel Model C4AF-9510 N, (automatic transmission) C4AF-9510 R.
NOTE: This camshaft has the same overall duration as the 390 CID V-8, but the opening and closing events are at (intake) 22°/68° and (exhaust) 68°/22°.
390 CID V-8 300 HP V-8. Engine Code “Z” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 390 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.05 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.6:1.
Horsepower: 300 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 427 @ 2800 RPM Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 270°, Exhaust: 270°, Overlap 49 degrees, Lift: 0.408″.
Carburetor: Ford 4-barrel Model (manual transmission) C3AF-9510 BU; (automatic transmission) C3AF-9510 BV.
NOTE: This camshaft has the same overall duration as the 352 CID V-8, but the opening and closing events are at (intake) 26°/64° and (exhaust) 67°/23°.
390 CID 330 HP “Police” V-8. Engine Code “P” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 390 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.05 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Horsepower: 330 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 427 @ 3200 RPM
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 282°, Exhaust: 282°, Overlap 54°, Lift: (intake) 0.408″, (exhaust) 0.440″.
Carburetor: Ford 4-barrel Model (manual transmission) C3AF-9510 BY; (automatic transmission) C3AF-9510 BZ.
427 CID 410 HP V-8. Engine Code “Q” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 427 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.23 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.9:1.
Horsepower: 410 @ 5600 RPM.
Torque: 476 @ 3400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 324°, Exhaust: 324°, Overlap 112°, Lift: 0.500″.
Carburetor: Holley 4-barrel Model R-3228A C2Ae-9150B.
427 CID 425 HP V-8. Engine Code “R” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 427 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.23 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.9:1.
Horsepower: 425 @ 6000 RPM.
Torque: 480 @ 3700 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 324°, Exhaust: 324°, Overlap 112°, Lift: 0.500″.
Carburetors: Two Holley 4-barrel Model (Front) C4AF-9510-CV (Rear) C4AF-9510-CU.
1965 Ford Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 119.0 inches.
- Overall length: 210.0 inches.
- Overall width: 77.3 inches.
- Overall height: Station Wagons 56.7 inches, Convertible: 54.8 inches, 2- and 4-door sedans: 55.6 inches, 2-door and 4-door Hardtop 54.7 inches.
- Front tread: 62.0 inches.
- Rear tread: 62.0 inches.
- Tires: I-6 and V-8: 7.35 x 15, Wagons: 8.15 x 15, 427 & Police Interceptor: 7.75 x 15 Tubeless BW; White walls optional.
1965 Ford Facts – Powertrains
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6: 1st – 3.02:1, 2nd – 1.81:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 3.10:1 (1-2-3 all synchronous).
- 289 V-8: 1st – 2.99:1, 2nd – 1.75:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse -3.17:1 (1-2-3 all synchronous).
- 352, 390 and 427 CID V-8: 1st – 2.42:1, 2nd – 1.61:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.33:1 (1-2-3 all synchronous).
- Three Speed Overdrive Manual Transmission Ratios
- I-6 & 289: 1st – 2.801, 2nd – 1.69:1, 3rd – 1:1, Overdrive – 0.72:1, Reverse – 3.80:1 (2-3 synchronous).
- 352 and 390 CID V-8: 1st – 2.59:1, 2nd – 1.60:1, 3rd – 1:1, Overdrive – 0.72:1, Reverse – 3.17:1 (2-3 synchronous).
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 352, 390 and 427 CID V-8: 1st – 2.32:1, 2nd – 1.69:1, 3rd – 1.29:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.32:1.
- 390 and 427 CID High Performance V-8: 1st – 2.22:1, 2nd – 1.43:1, 3rd – 1.19:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.22:1.
- 390 and 427 CID High Performance V-8: 1st – 2.32:1, 2nd – 1.54:1, 3rd – 1.23:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.32:1.
- Automatic Transmission Ratios
- I-6 and 289 CID V-8: Cruise-O-Matic: 1st – 2.46:1, 2nd – 1.46:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 2.20:1.
- 352-390-427 CID V-8: Cruise-O-Matic: 1st – 2.40:1, 2nd – 1.47:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 2.00:1.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- I-6 & 289 CID V-8: 3-Speed SMT – 3.00:1, Optional – 3.25:1, 3.50:1, 3.89:1.
- I-6 & 289 CID V-8: Overdrive SMT – 3.50:1; 3.89:1.
- I-6 & 289 CID V-8: AMT – 3.00:1, Optional – 3.25:1, 3.50:1, 3.89:1.
- 352 CID V-8: 3-Speed SMT – 3.00:1, Optional – 3.25:1, 3.50:1, 3.89:1.
352 CID V-8: AMT – 3.00:1, Optional – 3.25:1. - 390 CID V-8: 3-Speed SMT, Overdrive SMT: 3.00:1, Optional – 3.25:1, 3.89:1.
- 390 CID V-8: 4-Speed SMT – 3.25:1, AMT – 3.89:1.
- 390 CID V-8: AMT – 3.00:1, Optional – 3.25:1.
- 390 CID V-8 Police: 3-Speed SMT, Overdrive SMT and 4-Speed SMT – 3.25:1, Optional – 3.89:1.
- 390 CID V-8 Police AMT: 3.00:1, Optional – 3.25:1.
- 427 CID High Performance V-8: 4-Speed SMT – 3.50:1, Optional – 4.11:1.
- Equa-Lock optional.
NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 2.89:1 to 4.56:1. For more information See the 1965 AMA Specifications Sheets for V-8 engines, found HERE.
1965 Ford Facts – Powertrain Options
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- 289 cubic inch V-8 engine ($109).
- 390 cubic inch V-8 engine ($205) in Custom and Galaxie, ($108) in LTD and 500XL.
- 390 cubic inch V-8 engine ($246) in Custom and Galaxie, ($137) in LTD and 500XL.
- 390 CID 330 HP Police V-8 with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts.
- 427 CID 410 HP High Performance V-8 with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts.
- 427 CID 425 HP High Performance V-8 with two 4-bbl carburetors and dual exhausts.
- Equa-Lock differential ($42).
- Transmission, Cruise-O-Matic with V-8 Only ($189).
- Transmission, FordOmatic with six-cylinder ($180).
- Transmission, FordOmatic with V-8 ($190).
- Transmission, four-speed manual – required with 410 horsepower or 425 horsepower V-8 ($188).
- Transmission, three-speed manual with overdrive ($108).
NOTE: Base 289 CID V-8 included in base V-8 model pricing.
1965 Ford Facts – Significant Options
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- Air-conditioning, Polar Aire with eight-cylinder ($276).
- Air-conditioning, Select Aire with eight-cylinder ($365).
- Backup lights, optional Custom ($12).
- Battery, heavy-duty, 70-amp. ($9).
- Crankcase ventilation system ($7).
- Electric clock, optional Custom & Galaxie 500 ($15).
- Heater and defroster ($25 deduct option).
- Luggage rack, chrome station wagon ($42).
- Manual seat, four-way ($18).
- Padded dash and visors ($25).
- Power brakes ($43).
- Power seat ($64).
- Power steering ($86).
- Power tailgate window ($32).
- Power windows, front and rear ($102).
- Radio, push button and antenna ($58).
- Seat belts, front ($21).
- Tinted glass ($40).
- Tinted windshield ($22).
- Tutone paint ($22).
- Vinyl trim, except convertible ($26).
- Wheel covers ($19).
- Wheel covers, deluxe ($26).
- Windshield washer and wipers, 2-speed ($20).
1965 Ford Downloads and Images
1965 Ford Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the Ford Full-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1965 Ford Full-Size Car Print Ads
1965 Ford Full-Size Performance Car Print Ads
1965 Ford Full Size Car AMA Specifications Sheets
1965 Ford 427 CID Performance Improvements – Car Life Magazine
1965 Ford Galaxie XL500 427 CID Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1965 Ford Galaxie XL 500 427 CID Road Test – Hot Rod Magazine
1965 Ford Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the Ford Full Size Line will appear below
1965 Ford LTD 2-door Hardtop
The 1965 Ford LTD 2-door Hardtop was an all-new offering for 1965. 37,691 were produced.
1965 Ford LTD 4-door Hardtop
The 1965 Ford LTD 4-door Hardtop was the new flagship for the Ford line. It was sought after, with 68,038 sold.
1965 Ford Galaxie 500XL Convertible
The 1965 Ford Galaxie 500XL Convertible was the luxury/sport convertible in the line. 9,849 were delivered, about only a third of the regular convertible sales that year.
1965 Ford Galaxie 500XL 2-door Hardtop
The 1965 Ford Galaxie 500XL 2-door Hardtop was considered the performance big Ford and could be equipped with the 425 HP 427 CID V-8. 28,141 found buyers.
1965 Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible
The 1965 Ford Galaxie 500 Convertible was the sales leader in the convertible line with 31,930 sold.
1965 Ford Galaxie 500 2-door Hardtop
The 1965 Ford Galaxie 500 2-door Hardtop sat in the sales sweet spot in 1965. 157,284 were produced.
1965 Ford Galaxie 500 4-door Hardtop
The 1965 Ford Galaxie 500 4-door Hardtop always sold well. 49,982 found buyers.
1965 Ford Galaxie 500 4-door Sedan
The 1965 Ford Galaxie 500 4-door Sedan was a great seller with 181,183 sold!
1965 Ford Custom 500 4-door Sedan
The 1965 Ford Custom 500 4-door Sedan was an inexpensive alternative to the Galaxie 500 version. 68 828 were sold. Its 2-door sister sold 19,603 units.
1965 Ford Custom 2-door Sedan
The entry level 2-door full size Ford was the 1965 Ford Custom 2-door Sedan. 49,034 were delivered. Its4-door sibling was more popular with 96,393 produced.
1965 Ford Country Squire Wagon
The 1965 Ford Country Squire Wagon was the most upscale wagon, trimmed like a Galaxie 500. It was available in both 6- and 9-passenger versions and 54,810 were sold.
1965 Ford Country Sedan Wagon
The 1965 Ford Country Sedan Wagon was the mid-level wagon in 1965, available as a 9-passenger only. 32,344 were sold. The Ranch Wagon, the entry-level version was only available as a 6-passenger and was about as popular with 30,817 produced.