National Award Winning Mustang 289 K Code V8 4 Speed

When it comes to universal appeal, few American cars bring it quite like the Ford Mustang. While a lot of its competitors placed an emphasis on speed, style, or some other singular piece of the puzzle, the Mustang did its best to be everything to everyone. As the infamous Ford brand celebrates its 50th anniversary, it's a fantastic year to invest in a legendary Stang. Over the past few weeks we've seen numerous Mustangs sell here at RK Motors Charlotte as quickly as they arrived. And this award winning '65 Mustang is poised to join that long list. If you are in the market for an investment grade Pony car that will not disappoint, then it doesn't get much better than this documented K-code Mustang that appears as if it just rolled out of the Dearborn assembly plant.

Before we get too far though let's first decode the VIN and doortag.
VIN: 5F09K******
• 5: 1965
• F: Dearborn, Michigan assembly plant
• 09: 2-door fastback Mustang
• K: 289ci High Performance
• ******: Basic production number

Door Tag:
• Body 63A: Mustang 2-door Fastback
• Color J: Rangoon Red
• Trim 26: Black vinyl interior
• Date 10Q: March 1st assembly date
• DSO 11: Boston district code
• Axle 5: 3.50:1 rear axle
• Trans 5: 4-speed manual transmission

Buyers of the GT Equipment Package could add the K-code treatment to their new ride for an extra $276 back in 1965, but not many folks know that it was also available on the non-GT cars for $328. So many might wonder why build a K-code without the GT treatment, well this '65 fastback was built so early in production that it pre-dates the GT option. The product of a complete nut and bolt rotisserie restoration in 2011, its solid body was primed to a smooth canvas for a correct and glossy coat of Rangoon Red. We aren't the only ones who think this is one of the nicest '65 fastbacks on the planet. In 2011, MCA gave the car a Gold award. It racked up First Junior and First Senior awards from the Antique Automobile Club of America that same year. And it has since been invited to multiple concours events.

Take one glance at this '65 Mustang's super slick body and you'll see what high quality craftsmanship that is performed by a dedicated group of individuals truly looks like. Those individuals work at a place called Dennis Francis Restorations in Danville, North Carolina. Upon arrival in Danville it was clear that the 2+2 Stang had some drag racing background as it was equipped with reversed shackles, solid aluminum drag wheels and oversized tires. Much like many of Stangs, it also had rust issues that led to the floor pans being replaced and brand new quarter panels equipped. From there, the team opted to restore it to 100% factory conditions. You'll find all the right tags, overspray in the right locations, paint drips, and markings on the drivetrain to make it appear as if it rolled right off the showroom.

It's obvious that Ford has always sweated the details on the Mustang. This example sits today thanks to the highly detailed restoration, as a high quality Pony car that goes far beyond its flawless paint. At the front of the car, traditional halogen headlights anchor a 'bomber sight' grille between a “F O R D” branded hood, a gorgeous chrome bumper and bullet-style parking lamps. Behind that hood, pristine glass rides between bright stainless wipers, straight stainless frames and classy chrome mirrors. At the sides of that glass, a traditionally sculpted profile lays the groundwork for the famous Mustang emblems, classic chrome handles and the coveted coves that came with the fastback design. And at the back of that profile, another chrome bumper reflects fresh tail lights, a detailed fuel filler, small reverse lamps, a Tasca Ford emblem and polished exhaust tips .

Pop the solid steel hood and you'll find a period correct K-code 289 cubic inch Ford V8 that wears a correct C5AE-6015-E casting number. According to the second owner, the original K-code engine blew up during a drag race so they sourced the replacement from a donor K-code Mustang that wears a November '64 date code. Just because it displaces only 289 cubic inches, don't make the mistake of dismissing the potent V8 under the hood. Shelby used this engine in the early GT350s and dominated on the racetracks, and the 271 horsepower K-code 289 is only a step below the 306 horsepower race Shelbys. This particular 289 was rebuilt with a 331 stroker kit, and its clear when it roars to life, that this 289 easily makes more then the advertised 271 horsepower. At the top of the engine, the fully rebuilt Holley 4-barrel carburetor holds a correctly decaled chrome air cleaner, which is fitted with a cool Ford wing nut. At the base of that carburetor, the intake is bolted between the original stock heads. In front of those heads, a reliable points distributor sends fire through SX plug wires. In front of the block, cooling is provided by a radiator that appears to be the original, and comes complete with correct FoMoCo hoses and the correct Rotunda anti-freeze tag. Aesthetically, the great sounding small block sits in a completely restored engine bay which has been sprayed traditional flat black. And nice pieces like correct decals, a correct FoMoCo washer fluid bag and reproduction Autolite battery with correct tag provide the visual punch to match the cars highly detailed exterior panels. Plus details like the rubber strap holding the heater hoses give the engine bay a legit 1965 appearance.

What would an excellent restoration be without a great foundation? Take a look under this Mustang and you'll find solid, rust free floors that have overspray in all the right locations and is highlighted by serious restored hardware. Behind the hot 289, the original numbers matching Toploader 4-speed manual transmission which wears a matching VIN, turns the original tried and true Ford 9-inch rear axle equipped with 3.50 gears. At the ends of the car, a restored double A-arm front suspension which includes a factory front sway bar, has been lowered slightly in Shelby fashion. While at the rear, a leaf spring suspension has been completely restored. And at the corners of the car, manual front disc and rear drum brakes provide firm, fade-free stops. Step on the throttle and the aforementioned headers hurl exhaust into a true dual system which breathes through an H-Pipe crossover and correct chambered mufflers. Power is put to the pavement by great looking 14 inch chrome Ford Mustang wheels that are wrapped in a set of 45 year old redline Firestone rubber show tires. The sale does also include another complete set of street tires for those times where you just want to unleash this fastback.

Open the door to this pristine '65 Mustang and you'll find a fully restored standard black vinyl interior that provides an exceptionally attractive starting point. Keep in mind, this car was built with the sole purpose of laying down lightning fast times on the dragstrip. So the interior is modest, void of horsepower robbing distractions like air conditioning and power steering. The factory interior bucket seats wear new covers between new chrome hardware; and the original dash looks like it came straight out of the box yesterday morning. Inside that dash, a traditional black instrument panel holds a full assortment of fully rebuilt gauges between new chrome knobs for the cars accessories. Below that dash, the original tilt steering column houses an impressive chrome spoked steering wheel that spins the famous Mustang decal. At the bottom of the car, new black carpet is protected by heavy duty, Mustang branded floor mats. A factory black headliner stretches from the front of the car to its fully restored and correctly finished trunk. Operational tags hanging from the steering wheel and sun visor give the Mustang a showroom fresh feel.

Included in the sale of this Mustang are the judging sheets from its MCA Gold Award and a copy of the May/June 2012 issue of Antique Automobile Magazine.

There's simply nothing like keying up a legendary pony car. The sound, the feeling of the idle, and the relentless surge of torque as you power through the gears. It's very rare to find a restoration this extensive and this fresh, but this legit K-code Mustang is exactly that. And if you're looking for a highly desirable Pony car that is capable of claiming awards at major events, but also acts as a great investment, it's your kind of car!