From sporty car to sports car

Some major changes to the Mustang occurred at the start of 1965 model year production, a mere five months after its introduction. First was an almost complete change to the engine lineup. The 170 in³ (2.8 L) I-6 engine made way for a new 200 in³ (3.2 L) version. Production of the 260 in³ (4.2 L) engine ended with the close of the 1964 model year with a new, 200 horsepower (149 kW), two-barrel 289 in³ (4.7 L) taking its place as the base V8. A 225 horsepower (168 kW), four-barrel 289 in³ was next in line followed by the unchanged "Hi-Po." The DC generator was replaced by a new AC alternator on all Fords and the now-famous Mustang GT was introduced, available with either four-barrel engine and any body style. Originally, the Mustang was available as either a hardtop or convertible. During the car's early design phases, however, a fastback model was strongly considered. When the 1965 model year production began in September, 1964, the Mustang 2+2 fastback, with its swept-back rear glass and distinctive ventilation louvers made its debut as well.

This was the body style that car builder and former race driver Carroll Shelby would convert, with Ford Motor Company's blessing, into a special model designed with only two things in mind, namely winning races and beating Chevrolet's Corvette. Designated simply as "GT-350", these purpose-built performance cars started as "Wimbledon White" fastbacks with black interiors shipped from the San Jose, California assembly plant and fitted with the 271 horsepower (202 kW) V8, four-speed manual transmission and front disc brakes but less the hood, rear seat and identifying trim. These few cars were converted to street, road racing and drag trim in Shelby's plant at Los Angeles International Airport.

Modifications to both the street and racing versions included a side-exiting exhaust, Shelby 15 inch (380 mm) magnesium wheels (though some early cars were fitted with the steel wheels they were shipped with), fiberglass hood with functional scoop, relocated front control arms to reduce understeer and neutralize handling, quicker steering, Koni shock absorbers, a limited slip "Detroit Locker" rear end with Ford Galaxie drum brakes, metallic brake linings at all four corners, rear-mounted battery, rear anti-sway bar with beefed-up front anti-sway bar, dash-mounted gauges, a fiberglass parcel shelf and spare tire holder where the rear seat was intended to be and considerable engine work, boosting output to 306 horsepower (228 kW).

Even the car's basic body structure was stiffened up front with an angled brace intended for the export models and so-called "Monte Carlo" bar triangulating the underhood shock absorber towers. Though Shelby's influence on the car diminished as Ford's influence grew, the 1965-1970 GT-350 and its big-block brother, the 1967-1970 GT-500 are among the most highly sought-after automobiles in the world. So too are the high-performance models offered over the years by other automotive tuners following in Shelby's footsteps...see the "Mustang Club of America" link at the bottom of the page to learn more.