When Ford introduced the Mustang in April 1964, it took the world by storm. Ford projected less than 100,000 units would be sold in the first year but in only 18 months Ford had built over 1 million Mustangs! The Mustang created a new class of car deemed the “pony car” - an affordable, stylish vehicle with a performance image.

Due to the timing of 1965 model’s introduction in the middle of the 1964 production year, the 1965 Mustang was produced for 17 months. The cars from the first 5 months are often referred to as 1964 1/2 or early 1965 models. The cars produced during the regular 12 months of production are then either referred to as 1965 or late 1965 models. Regardless of the popular designation, all models were marketed by Ford as 1965 models. Even so, there are actual differences between the early and late models. When the start of the normal 1965 production year began, Ford changed the engine lineup, introduced the 2+2 fastback body style in addition to the hardtop and convertible body styles, and also made available the GT option.