1965 Ford Mustang Coupe K-Code Four-Speed

Description

Ford general manager Lee Iacocca chose “Mustang” over the planned name “Cougar” because “it had the excitement of wide-open spaces.” And Ford’s small, quick wild pony captured the imagination of the buying public like no automobile before or since: it was simply the greatest new car launch in history. When introduced on 17 April 1964, the Mustang was available in coupe or convertible versions with either six-cylinder or V8 power. But beginning in June 1964, Ford added the K-Code option, with a 289 V8 producing 271 horsepower (41 above the base V8), a standard four-speed manual transmission, 3:89 axle ratio, and the Special Handling Package.

Only 7,273 K-Codes were produced in the 18 month 1965 model year that saw a phenomenal production of 680,968 Mustangs, divided among coupes, convertibles, and the later fastbacks. This Rangoon Red coupe with matching vinyl interior was built on 8 June 1964, the first day of K-Code production, and is believed to be one of the first 12 assembled as reported by the K-Code Registry. It was also featured in Tony Gregory’s The 289 High Performance Mustang book. This is a historic day-one K-Code Mustang that is ready for the wide-open spaces. Highlights 

• Built on the first day of K-Code production, 8 June 1964

• K-Code 289 cu-in V8 rated at 271 hp

• Four-speed manual transmission

• The chassis number (5F07K161056) for this 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe decodes as:

  • 5 – 1965

  • F – Dearborn, Michigan plant

  • 07 – Two-Door Hardtop

  • K – 289 cu-in V8 271 horsepower

  • 161056 – Production sequence

• The body plate for this 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe decodes as:

  • 65A – 2-Door Hardtop, Standard Bucket Seats

  • J – Rangoon Red paint

  • 85 – Red Crinkle Vinyl with Color-Keyed trim

  • 08F – Built 8 June 1964

  • 71 – Los Angeles district

  • 8 – 3.89 gear ratio

  • 5 – Four-Speed Manual transmission

• 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe was originally fitted with options including:

  • K-Code High-Performance 289 V8 engine ($435.80)

  • Full-length center console ($51.50)

  • Backup lights ($10.70)

  • Pushbutton AM radio ($58.50)

Features 

• Correct K-Code, period correct engine built 9 days after the construction of the car

• 10.5:1 compression

• Solid lifters

• Dual-point distributor

• Autolite 600 cfm carburetor

• Four-Speed manual transmission

• 3:89 Axle

• Full wheel covers

• Wood-grained console

• Optional Rally-Pac gauges with 8,000 rpm tachometer and clock

• Special Handling Package includes:

  • Heavy-duty coil springs

  • Special shock absorbers

  • Larger-diameter anti-roll bar

  • 6.95 x 14 Red Twin Band tires on wider rims

  • Quick ratio steering box

Known Imperfections 

• This 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe K-Code is presented as a finely restored example and is said to be free from any substantial imperfections.

Included

• Keys

• Owner's manual

• Ford Registered Owner Plan

Ownership History  Built on 8 June 1964 at the Dearborn, Michigan plant for the Los Angeles sales zone, this special day-one K-Code is formerly part of the McMurrey Family collection of high-performance Mustangs. Additional Notes A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle.

Contact: Blake Wingrove  Phone: 616.822.8589  email: bwingrove@hagerty.com