1965 Mustang
The 1965 Mustang was of course a highly anticipated car because of the phenomenal debut success of the 64 model. However, some argue if 65 was truly the year that the Mustang had it’s debut, as the car was first rolled out in the middle of 1964. The Mustang was basically produced for about 17 straight months and while some purists say the ’64 Mustang is the original model year, Ford itself refers to all Mustangs created in that period as the 65 Mustang.
Both models had some big differences, specifically in engine types, and also the body styles and models available were different as well.
Some of the early 1965 Ford Mustangs were rolled out of the factory without being completely finished, because Ford execs were in such a hurry to get them to market. But many of them were taken back by unhappy customers to be finished.
What is noteworthy is that the chassis of the Mustang was basically borrowed from the Fairlane and Falcon models. It was suppose to be a two seater, but was later revised to be a four seater.
Sales for this rollout surpassed anything Ford had hoped to achieve and broke sales records not only for the company itself, but all manufacturers. This was of course aided by Ford’s massive publicity blitz to promote sales of the car, buying up major ad slots on prime-time network Television. Also, the car was made even more popular when it was featured in a James Bond movie in 1964.
Demand was so high that Ford produced an astounding 681,551 units in the 1965 model year!
1965 Shelby Mustang
One of the most desired classic muscle cars today (and even back in the 1960s) was the Shelby Mustang. Carroll Shelby was a successful race car driver, turned automotive designer. He partnered with Ford to help design the Shelby model from 1964-1969. These models were very limited and thus carry extensive value to collectors today (Only 562 where made in 1965).
With a 289 cubic in. V8, the 1965 Shelby GT350 really put the Mustang on the map and made this line highly desirable among the public (although few could afford one back then at a whopping $4500!
As far as the exterior/interior of the 65 Shelby Cobra, buyers had little choice as it came in a white exterior with a black interior.
Mustang enthusiasts and muscle car collectors rightfully point to 1965 as the year the true muscle car was born, and this was greatly aided by the Mustang.
