In the beginning, the first series of Mustangs built between March and August 17th, 1964 have been coined the 1964 1/2 Mustang. However, these are actually referred to as early 1965 models. Those built after August 17th, 1964, were considered late 1965 models.

How can you differentiate between an early 1965 from a late 1965 Ford Mustang?

For starters early 1965 models used generators which were easily identified by the dashboard ‘GEN’ warning light; a stationary passenger seat; large horns; and a small transmission shifter handle. Mustang script on front fenders is 4-3/8″ in height.

The later 1965 models were easily identified by the dashboard ‘ALT’ warning light. Mustang script on front fenders was slightly larger at 5-inches.

Early 1965 Ford Mustang Engine Options:

  • A choice of four different engines.
  • 170 c.i. @ 105 h.p. w/9.1:1 compression and a one barrel carburetor. Engine code ‘U’
  • 260 c.i. @ 164 h.p. w/8.8:1 compression and a two barrel carburetor. Engine code ‘F’
  • 289 c.i. @ 210 h.p. w/9.0:1 compression and a four barrel carburetor. Engine code ‘D’
  • * 289 c.i. @ 271 h.p. w/10.5:1 compression and a four barrel carburetor. HiPo Engine code ‘K’
    * (Built in June 1st, 1964 and mated to a four-speed manual transmission, only 7,273 were ever built for both early and late 1965 models. Models with the ‘K’ code 271hp 289 HiPo V-8 had the Special Handling Package (SHP) and came with a 9-inch rear end)

    Late 1965 Ford Mustang Engine Options:

  • A choice of four different engines.
  • 200 c.i. @ 120 h.p. w/9.2:1 compression and a one barrel carburetor. Engine code ‘T’
  • 289 c.i. @ 200 h.p. w/9.3:1 compression and two barrel carburetor. Engine code ‘C’
  • 289 c.i. @ 225 h.p. w/10.0:1 compression and a four barrel carburetor. Engine code ‘A’
  • * 289 c.i. @ 271 h.p. w/10.5:1 compression and a four barrel carburetor. Engine code ‘K’
    * (Built in June 1st, 1964 and mated to a four-speed manual transmission, only 7,273 were ever built for both early and late 1965 models. Models with the ‘K’ code 271hp 289 HiPo V-8 had the Special Handling Package (SHP) and came with a 9-inch rear end)

    Early 1965 Ford Mustang Body Styles:

  • 2dr. Hardtop (65A) – 92,705 built
  • 2dr. Convertible – (76A) 28,883 built

Late 1965 Ford Mustang Body Styles:

  • 2dr. Hardtop (65A) standard bucket – 372,123 built
  • 2dr. Hardtop (65B) luxury – 22,232 built
  • 2dr. Hardtop (65C) bench seats – 14,905 built
  • 2dr. Convertible (76A) standard bucket – 65,663 built
  • 2dr. Convertible (76B) luxury – 5,338 built
  • 2dr. Convertible (76C) bench seats – 2,111 built
  • 2dr. Fastback (63A) standard bucket – 71,303 built
  • 2dr. Fastback (63B) luxury – 5,776 built


Early 1965 Ford Mustang Exterior Colors:

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    • Raven Black – Code A
    • Pagoda Green – Code B
    • White (Pace Car Only) – Code C
    • Dynasty Green – Code D
    • Guardsman Blue – Code F
    • Caspian Blue – Code H
    • Rangoon Red – Code J
    • Silversmoke Gray – Code K
    • Wimbledon White – Code M
    • Prairie Bronze – Code P
    • Cascade Green – Code S
    • Sunlight Yellow – Code V
    • Vintage Burgundy – Code X
    • Skylight Blue – Code Y
    • Chantilly Beige – Code Z
  • Poppy Red – Code 3
  • Twilight Turquoise – Code 5
  • Phoenician Yellow – Code 7