1965 Ford Mustang 'K Code' Fastback (LHD)

Description

One of the keys to the success of the Mustang, was the extensive list of options and powertrain combinations that allowed the buyer to personalise his or her car to unprecedented levels. The Mustang was the first in a new wave of personal sports compact cars and even coined the name "ponycar" used to distinguish them. From a relatively tame six-cylinder, automatic cruiser suitable for shopping or taking the kids to school through to a fire breathing V8 more suited to the racetrack, the Mustang was all things to all people from the time it was launched in 1964. Few changes were made to the first generation Mustang, such was the speed they were being snapped up by eager buyers. For 1965 the range of body styles was extended to include the original notchback coupe, convertible and new fastback 2+2, while minor detail changes were made for the following year. The ultimate powertrain package for 1965-1966 was identified by Ford as the K-code version of the classic 289-cid small-block, otherwise known as the HiPo motor with a four-barrel Autolite carburettor, solid valve lifters and 10.5:1 compression ratio to lift power to a respectable 271 hp at 6000 rpm. This turned the Mustang into a seriously quick motor car, capable of 0-100 km/h in around 7.5 seconds and turning in sub-16 second quarter-mile times. The K-code was the first really serious high performance Mustang, equally at home on the track or drag strip - the same package was found in the earliest Shelby Mustangs, which earned their stripes in serious competition. In 1964/5 just 7,273 Mustangs were equipped with the HiPo option.