The first generation Mustang rolled off the assembly lines and onto showroom floors in late 1964. The base model car was a hardtop and had a 170 cu in straight-6 engine and three-speed manual transmission and retailed for $2,368. The car's engine lineup was changed, with a 200 cu in engine that produced 120 hp. In 1965 production of the first generation 260 cu in engine was no longer available. It was replaced with a new 200 hp 289 cu in engine with a two-barrel carburetor as the base model V8. A 225 hp four-barrel carbureted version was next in line, followed by the unchanged "Hi-Po" 271 hp 289. Another change in the first generation was the DC electrical generator replaced by a new AC alternator on all Fords (the quickest way to distinguish a 1964&fraq12; from a 1965 is to see if the alternator light on the dash says "GEN" or "ALT").
The now-famous First Generation Mustang GT was introduced as the "GT Equipment Package" and included a V8 engine, most often the 225 hp 289. This first generation option had grille-mounted fog lamps, rocker panel stripes, and disc brakes. All first generation "GT" package cars had V8's but not all cars with aV8 had the "GT" package. A four-barrel carbureted engine was now available in the first generation with any body style. Additionally, in the first generation reverse lights were an option added to the car in 1965. The First Generation was originally available as either a hardtop or convertible and the 2+2 fastback made its debut in 1965. The standard interior features of the 1965 First Generation Mustang included adjustable driver and passenger bucket seats, an AM radio, and a floor mounted shifter. Additional interior options in the first generation car during the 1965 model year include the Interior Decor Group also popularly known as "Pony Interior" due to the addition of embossed running ponies on the seat fronts, and also included integral armrests, wood grain appliqué accents, and a round gauge cluster. Sun visors, a (mechanical) remote-operated mirror, a floor console, and a bench seat were also available. Ford later offered an under-dash air-conditioning unit, and discontinued the vinyl with cloth insert seat option, offered only in early 1965 models.
The 1965 and 1966 first generation Mustangs have differences in their exterior, despite similar design. These differences include the emblem on the quarter-panels behind the doors. In the first generation 1965 the emblem was a single vertical piece of chrome, while in the first generation 1966 the emblem was smaller in height and had three horizontal bars extending from the design, resembling an "E". The front intake grilles and ornaments were also different in the two first generation cars. The 1965 front grille used a "honeycomb" pattern, while the 1966 version was a "slotted" style. While both first generation model years used the "Horse and Corral" emblem on the grille, the 1965 had four bars extending from each side of the corral, while on the 1966, these bars were removed.
The first generation left a major impression on the American public and is still an icon today after 45 years.
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