Vehicle Description
1965 K Code Mustang Coupe
I purchased this vehicle from the selling dealer in Akron, Ohio.
The car was previously restored. The selling dealer reported that
the original owner purchased the car in California. After many
years in California, he moved to Ohio where the car remained until
my purchase. The original owner eventually passed away and the car
was then restored by his son. The son ultimately sold the car to
the dealer from whom I purchased it. This is all hearsay with no
documentation, but the VIN and door plate show this is an original
San Jose built car which was delivered to Los Angeles, California.
It is listed in the K code registry as last residing in Ohio so the
story fits what is documented.
The paint on the vehicle is a terrific Highland green with a deep,
high gloss clear coat that shows extremely well. It is a real head
turner that get a "thumbs up" from drivers all day long and starts
conversations and receives complements at every gas stop.
The vehicle is a 271hp K code Hipo 289ci coupe. It is not a GT
optioned car. Only one in 10,000 1965-66 Mustangs received the K
code engine, the same engine used in the Mustang Shelby GT350. The
left inner fender VIN matches the door data plate. The engine has
the matching VIN stamp as does the transmission. The cylinder heads
are date code correct Hipo heads, 4L18, appropriate for a March
1965 built car. The intake manifold is a new, Shelby Cobra Hi-rise
aluminum piece that is a period correct upgrade and performs better
than the factory cast iron unit. The carburetor is a correct
Autolite 600cfm manual choke 4bbl carb but is not a Hipo part
number carburetor. For better reliability and drivability, the
distributor is a mechanical advance pertronix unit with a high
output coil, the coil top painted yellow to mimic the original. The
engine was rebuilt prior to my ownership. It runs strong without
issue. It blows no smoke. I replaced the rear main seal and set the
valves for the solid lifter camshaft. The harmonica balancer is the
original oversized Hipo piece. The aluminum water pump is new. It
has a reproduction Hipo fan. The fan shroud and radiator are
original. The radiator is recored. It has the oversized alternator
belt pulley. The exhaust is correct for a late March 1965 build
date with Hipo exhaust manifolds, 2" pipes, dual mufflers and
exhaust resonators. Turn down tips are correct for a non-GT K code
vehicle.
All 1965 K code Mustangs received the Ford 4 speed top loader
transmission. The VIN stamped on the case. The transmission is
resealed, the shifter rebuilt. The clutch linkage is rebuilt, no
clutch slippage. The rear end is the correct 9" housing with narrow
spring mounting ends. It maintains the correct 3.50 open
differential.
Wheels are styled steel rims with correct 6.95 dual redline biased
tires, same as original. It has manual 4 piston front disc brakes
with correct single reservoir master cylinder. Suspension is tight.
Steering is tight. Original manual, quick ratio with no slack in
the steering box.
Interior is standard black interior. The Rally Pac is a new
reproduction. The passenger side view mirror is not original but
improves safe drivability.
This vehicle is the perfect blend of rarity and drivability. The
car attracts attention because the paint is stunning, but only the
knowledgeable Mustang enthusiast will appreciate the high
performance fender badge that signifies the Hipo K code engine
under the hood. It is special enough to be a true, rare collector
piece, but still accessible enough to be a regular driver that you
can be comfortable taking to a local show or cruise-in.
Estimate: $38,000 - 42,000
