9781422279601

M U S T A N G

cases, and more besides. Equipped with the High Performance 271 bhp, 289 V-8, introduced in June 1964, road tests of the fastback realized 0–60 times of 8.3 seconds, and a halfway decent quarter-mile time of 15.9 seconds at 85 mph. Compression ratio of the new engine was 10.5: 1. Speaking of the high performance V-8, Ford initiated other engine changes. The 260 cid, 164 horse V-8 disappeared in the fall of 1964 to be replaced by a 200 hp 289. Also replaced was the 170-cubic-inch, 101 bhp standard six. The new six displaced 200 cubic-inches and developed 120 hp. In Fall 1965, Ford decided it needed to create even more of a performance image around the Mustang to bring it more in line with the company’s Total Performance Program, which was paying healthy dividends in competition and, ultimately, in sales. Other manufacturers were jumping onto the performance bandwagon. There was the Chevrolet 409 and the intermediate Dodge and Plym- outh cars, powered with a second generation 426-cubic-inch hemi, that won race after race on the NASCAR ovals. The Shelby Mustang However, it was the Corvette, America’s only true sports car, that Ford decided to challenge. To do this, the company went to the one man who could create miracles in the sporting world, Carroll Shelby, creator of the fabulous A.C. Shelby Cobra. He agreed to build a high performance Mustang that could be homolongated for racing. There were unique differences that separated the finished Shelby Mustang from the standard production cars. First and foremost was the engine and mechanicals. Shelby specified the 289 High Performance engine which was given a better breathing, Cobra aluminum high-rise intake manifold, finned cast aluminum valve covers, and finned aluminum oilpan. A special Hol- ley center-pivotfloat, four- barrel carburetor, and steel tube Tri-Y exhaust headers completed the picture. Glass- packed, bullet mufflers were used with the exhaust pipes that exited forward of the rear wheels. The 271 bhp V-8 developed 306 horses, once the Shelby team had done their magic. To save weight, a glass fiber hood with a functional hood scoop was employed, and a grille without the chrome running-pony emblem. Racing style hood pins were standard fare. A racing stripe designated GT350 at the beginning, just behind the front wheel well, continued along the rocker panels to the rear wheel well. Wide twin racing stripes started at the front valence and ran over the hood and roof, ending on the rear deck. All 1965 Shelby Mustangs featured a small horse and bar on the driver’s side of the grille. The racing stripes were a dealer installed option, and came in a Guardsman Blue color only. The Shelby Mustangs were painted white in the beginning, with interiors only in black. A one-piece fiberglass shelf covered the area where the rear seat would have been and acted as a mount for the spare tire. Unlike the deeply dished Ford Mustang steering wheel, the Shelby version was flat with a wooden rim. Three-inch competition seat belts were standard. In contrast to the 13- or 14-inch wheels on the standard Mustang, Shelby Mus-

The heart of the matter, the Shelby modified 289 High Performance V-8. It developed 306 bhp, and had unique Shelby pieces, such as an aluminum Cobra intake manifold among other goodies.

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