Ford Mustang, The Original Pony Car

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A look back at the 1965 Ford Mustang

The original pony car, the 1965 Ford Mustang, was the first car to receive the Tiffany Award for Excellence in American Design. The award was well deserved. The original mustang carried a low sticker price that appealed to a broad market. The flexible and all encompassing option package allowed purchasers to customize their new car. Each 1965 Mustang was as unique as their owners.

European Challenge?

The Mustang was designed with the intention of providing customers a sporty but practical alternative to the European sport car craze. Buyers sought upbeat, exciting cars, and these buyers were delighted to be able to participate in tailoring the Mustang with specific accessories. The Mustang convertible was a very popular model of the 1965 production line. The Mustang trademark was that the auto looked expensive, provided sporty performance and features including several engine choices while offering above average trunk space and a low sticker price. Boasting of economy and steadfast Ford quality, the 1965 Ford Mustang truly had something for everyone.

The 1965 Ford Mustang offered three V-8 engines with capability of 271 horsepower, a four speed transmission, quick ratio steering, limited slip differential an innovative suspension system and classic sport tires. Luxury models were equipped with power steering, power brakes, air-conditioning and convertible or hard top options. Purchasers could select their options and still have seating for five. The 1965 Mustang options were loaded with affordable promise.

Pizza Huts first commercial 1965 Mustang JR

“Putt Putt to the Pizza Hut” was the first national television commercial for Pizza Hut in 1965. It features a 1965 Mustang JR gas powered promotional car Made by the Powercar Comany of Mystic CT. These were made with the cooperation of the Ford Motor Company for use in dealer promotions and other uses. Mustang JRs were made in 1965, 1966 and 1967 and changed each year to match the full size cars. If you want to learn more about Mustang Juniors check my other videos!

1965, or 1964 ½ Mustang?

In response to the advanced interest in the 1965 Pony Car, Ford released what has become known as the 1964 ½ Mustang. Amazingly 97,705 coupes and 28,833 convertibles sold almost immediately. Models with V8 engines exceeded sales of the standard six cylinder models by almost 300%.

Ford Motor Company production of the 1965 Mustang immediately went into high gear. Mustang sales and production soared. 1965 Ford Mustang sales surpassed 550,000 models. 73,112 convertibles 77,079 2+2’s and 409,260 coupes sold in 1965. Over the first two and a half years, Mustang sales topped 1,288,557 units.

Mustang vs Corvette…

In 1964, Carroll Shelby, an experienced and prominent Texas auto racer, believed that the mustang could mount a racing challenge to the Corvette. Federal regulations required Ford to construct a minimum of 100 two seat models by January of 1965 in order to qualify the Mustang to race against the Chevy Corvette.

Shelby modified 100 Mustang 2+2’s and developed the GT 350 Mustang. By removing the rear seat, Shelby added oversized front brakes, a fiberglass hood while lowering the suspension and installing oversized tires. The Shelby modified Mustangs were built through 1970. Each of the Shelby models is identified by a Shelby VIN number. Even today the Shelby Mustangs have tremendous appeal to driving enthusiasts and collectors.

The 1965 Ford Mustang, the original pony car, is unmistakable. The hard tops, the convertibles, the 2+2’s and the Shelby Gt 350 have been a major contributor to the history and development of the American auto industry. The notoriety is well deserved.

Phote: sarowen

* In Mississipi, contact Darryl Your Car Guy at Russ Mullin Ford Lincoln Mercury in Gulfport, MS Phone: (479)-283-7147