Earlier than the Shelbys and Bosses arrived, the Ford Mustang Okay-Code was the height of pony automobile efficiency. On this episode of Jay Leno’s Storage, Mustang fanatic Scott McMullen explains the importance of the Okay-Code, and exhibits off this restored first-year instance.

The Okay-Code went on sale together with the Mustang itself within the 1964 calendar yr, however later sufficient that the primary automobiles had been registered as 1965 fashions, which is why you’ll hear the convertible proven on this video and different first-year Mustangs known as “1964 1/2” fashions. Ford supplied the Okay-Code choice for each the coupe and convertible physique kinds, in addition to the fastback when that physique fashion arrived later in 1964.

Deciding on the Okay-Code choice netted a sportier model of the Mustang’s elective 289-cubic-inch V-8, boasting a ten.5:1 compression ratio, a solid-lifter camshaft, four-barrel carburetor, heavy-duty valve springs, and a high-flow exhaust manifold. These components upped output to 271 hp, which is distributed to the rear-wheels by a 4-speed handbook transmission with the identical ratios used within the later Mustang Shelby GT350.

Ford made some suspension adjustments as effectively, with enter from racing legend Dan Gurney. Curiously, after driving prototypes, Gurney most popular the heavier, less-rigid Mustang convertible to the coupe, based on McMullen. That’s as a result of added bracing (sourced from the Thunderbird) gave the convertible a decrease heart of gravity. 

The Okay-Code was a real sleeper, with the principle giveaway being “Excessive Efficiency 289” badges on the entrance fenders. Ford hadn’t totally dedicated to advertising and marketing the Mustang as a efficiency automobile when it was launched. That will come later when govt Lee Iacocca introduced in Carroll Shelby to create the GT350, which might be adopted by a critical of ever extra muscular Mustangs, such because the Shelby GT500 and Boss 429, by the top of the Nineteen Sixties.

The automobile proven right here is among the many first manufacturing Okay-Code Mustangs. It was in-built June 1964 following a number of delays associated to components points and different elements, McMullen says within the video. It’s been restored as near unique situation as doable. Some physique panels wanted to get replaced, however McMullen consulted with the unique proprietor on the entire particulars, and even tried to not overdo the paint end past manufacturing unit high quality, so it’s the proper educating instrument for an vital a part of Mustang historical past.

This text was initially revealed by Motor Authority, an editorial accomplice of ClassicCars.com