Wow – how often do you see an unrestored 1965 Mustang Fastback? Even though it’s a six-cylinder, if this car is as solid as it looks, it is one helluva find. One thing concerns me – the bumpers, but that could be from years of outdoor storage in a wet climate & the sheet metal could be good. Enjoy!
History Of The 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback
The 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback is an iconic American automobile that was part of the first generation of the Ford Mustang lineup. Introduced in September 1964, the Fastback model was a complement to the hardtop and convertible Mustangs that had been released earlier in April of the same year. Its distinctively streamlined design offered a departure from the conventional coupé body, adding an element of sportiness and a sloping rear roofline that flowed seamlessly into the trunk. The Fastback’s design drew inspiration from European sports cars and was highly innovative for the American market at the time.
The Fastback was engineered for improved aerodynamics and was highly popular among consumers looking for sportier driving experiences. It appealed to a younger demographic eager for a combination of performance, style, and affordability. Mechanically, the 1965 Mustang Fastback was similar to its hardtop and convertible counterparts. It came with a standard inline-six engine, with optional V8 engines that offered higher performance. The standard engine was a 170-cubic-inch (2.8 L) unit, while the optional V8 engines ranged from a 260-cubic-inch (4.3 L) to a 289-cubic-inch (4.7 L) variant. These engines were paired with either a 3-speed, 4-speed manual, or a 3-speed automatic transmission.
Ford’s Mustang, including the Fastback model, was instrumental in defining the “pony car” class—compact, stylish coupés with long hoods and short rear decks. The 1965 Fastback featured 2+2 seating with a fold-down rear seat, enhancing its utility. It also offered improved weight distribution due to its design, making it a more balanced and agile vehicle compared to its hardtop counterpart.
Notably, the 1965 Fastback also had various trim options that allowed buyers to customize the car to their liking. The base model was already well-equipped, but additional packages like the GT Equipment Group offered upgraded features. This package included front disc brakes, a special exhaust system, fog lights, and GT stripes. The interior was also customizable with various options such as air conditioning, center consoles, and upgraded upholstery.
The introduction of the Fastback model was not just a commercial success but also had a significant impact on motorsports. The Shelby GT350, a high-performance variant of the Mustang Fastback developed by Carroll Shelby, made its debut in 1965. This car was designed explicitly for racing and participated in various competitions, establishing the Mustang as a legitimate sports car. The Shelby GT350 came equipped with a modified version of Ford’s 289-cubic-inch V8 engine, producing a much higher output and delivering remarkable performance on the track.
Overall, the 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback is a landmark vehicle in the history of American automobiles, embodying a blend of design innovation, performance, and cultural significance. It laid the groundwork for the Fastback models that followed in subsequent generations and remains a celebrated icon in automotive history.
