1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop Coupe Vehicle Profile

With the Mustang, Ford set an all-time sales record for first-year of any new model. The Mustang was first presented at the New York World's Fair in 1964. Lee Iacocca, then head of the Ford Davison, felt that a compact, sporty model would be just what baby boomers and the public wanted. Ford did have the European Cortina and the Falcon, Chevy had the Corvair and Corvette, Dodge had the Dart, and there were a handful of foreign cars to meet the new demand from the younger generation. But, Iacocca thought Ford should produce a compact, lightweight, bucket seat sports car. And, have it priced at less than $2,500.

The Mustang was based on the Falcon platform. Originally thought to be two-seater, Ford decided to abandon that idea and went with the four passenger layout. Engine choice ranged from a six-cylinder to the 289 cubic-inch placement Ford power plant. In 1965, Ford introduced the 2+2 Fastback. Though it gave up some trunk space, it made up for it in styling. The car was offered with an automatic or manual transmission, and had a long list of options that included air conditioning, rally pack, and bucket seats among others. It is said that Ford created the 'Pony Class' of American automobiles with the introduction of the Mustang.

This Mustang 2+2 fastback is a two-owner car. The second and current owner is the Ford Design Director for the Americas.