Featured here is the ever popular 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible. The new Mustang model was touted to be sporty and affordable. As a result, the Mustang became the fastest selling new car in history.
The Origins of the Ford Mustang
There were two concept cars put together in 1962 and 1963 which would eventually lead to the production model Mustang. The original 1962 Ford Mustang I was a two seater concept car followed by a four seater in 1963. Ford used the four seater to pretest how the public’s interest would be in the first production Mustang.
The Ford Mustang Advertising Campaign
The advertising campaign when the Ford Mustang was first introduced to the public was nothing short of massive. Many might contend that it was the largest advertising campaign of any automobile.
The Mustang came out during mid year 1964. Beginning in April 1964 the Ford Motor Company flooded television with Mustang commercials on all three major networks at the same time. The Ford Mustang commercials aired at 9:30P reaching what was estimated to be 29 million viewers. Ford’s media blitz for it’s new Mustang continued throughout the weekend with ads in over 2,000 newspapers.
The 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang
Car enthusiasts refer to those Ford Mustangs produced from April through July 1964 as 1964 1/2 models. You will see them advertised today as 64 1/2 models. Those produced after July were referred to as 1965 Mustangs.
For VIN and registration purposes all of these models were identified as 1965 Ford Mustangs. To be sure there were refinements that came to the later produced 1965 Mustangs. Two such differences were in the leading edge of the hood and with changes in interior carpeting. There were some others. Also note that no Mustang Fastbacks were produced during the early months.
The 1965 Ford Mustang Design
The original first generation Mustangs used the 1963 concept car as it’s foundation. The long hood and short deck were the most eye catching elements of the new automobile. Fastbacks that first came out during the second half of 1964 were also new. The Ford Mustang’s roots go back to the Ford Falcon platform and they were first built on Falcon chassis.
As mentioned above, the goal in all of this was to make a good looking sporty car and have it be affordable. The Ford Mustang was a car you could take out and enjoy on the weekends as a sports car and also have no trouble using it as a daily driver to and from work. Mustang’s European flair could be traced to designer Roy Lunn, who had worked for Aston Martin, ex-Packard engineer Roy Misch and Ford stylist Eugene Bordinat.
1965 Ford Mustang Convertible Specifications
The standard engine for the 1965 Ford Mustang was a 200 cubic inch six cylinder and produced 120 horsepower. There was a 289 cubic inch V-8 engine available with either 200 horsepower, called the “Challenger,” 225 horsepower, called the “Challenger Special,” or with 271 horsepower, called the “Challenger High Performance.”
A three speed manual gearbox was standard. A stronger three speed manual was standard with the V-8 engines except the High Performance engine had a four speed. Three speed automatics were available with all engines with the exception of the Challenger High Performance.
Brakes for the 1965 Mustang were four wheel hydraulic drums.
Dimensions included a 108.0 inch wheelbase, overall length 181.6 inches and a width of 68.2 inches. Mustang’s curb weight was on the light side at 2,740 lbs.
See these additional Auto Museum Online articles on the links below…
Reference material for this article included Ford Mustang: America’s Original Pony Car by Donald Farr…Speed Read Mustang: The History, Design and Culture Behind Ford’s Original Pony Car by Donald Farr…Ford Motor Company Archives…Mustang Magazine
The 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible Collector Car
The Ford Mustang has been and still is one of America’s most popular automobiles. The 1965 Mustang is very special representing the first year of production. Convertibles like the one featured here are even more special. Since its mid 1964 introduction, the Mustang has always been sold as a coupe and usually a convertible as well.There are many car enthusiasts who would love to have a classic Ford Mustang in his or her collection.On an historical note, the Ford Mustang was the first car to feature the now iconic stallion logo, therefore the term “pony car.”
Values for the 1965 Ford Mustang range from about $10,000 to $30,000 ranging from fair to Museum quality condition.
Below are photos of another great looking 65 Mustang Convertible..
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)