It is candid, muscular, and attention-screamer. It is the 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback.

Surely, there are quite no words that can perfectly describe this ride. It is the product of long line of innovations and meticulous modifications from its makers. The year 1965 was a 360-degree turn around for this car.

It was the decade when the Mustang took a new face. The biggest buzz was created when the company has introduced the new fastback model which, by the way, was the basis of the structure of Carroll Shelby's GT350 model. The most impressive alteration was seen under the hood. A 120-horsepower 6-cylinder engine with 200 cid took over the old 6-cylinder engine with merely 170-cid.

And the enhancements were unstoppable: the 289-2V V8 with 200 horsepower has replaced the 260-2V; then this 289-2V was later upgraded to 228 horsepower. The 289-4V that sprung soon after remains unfazed until this day.

This is how drivers know the 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback at present: a car with an alternator instead of a generator, a relocated oil filler, a maximum power steering pump and an impressive reservoir. The gas cap has a wire retaining ring; the horns were smaller and at an unconventional placement; and the interior carpet is extended to the sides of the rocker panel.

But there is more to the specs of this ride that can make every car enthusiast a run for the road.

The 1965 Ford Mustang takes three different bodies: the hardtop, the convertible and the fastback. All three models of Mustang are 181.6 inches long, 51.1 inches high, and 68.2 wide. The total wheel base is at 108 inches. But the Mustang fastback model comes with the most ideal weight which is 2,621 pounds (as compared to the 2,562 lbs of the hardtop and the 2,740 lbs of the convertible model).

The Mustang fastback model is built with a 16 gallon fuel tank, but the oil capacity of the car also depends on the engine size. The 6-cylinder engine can contain up to 4.5 quarts while the 8-cylinder engine is capable of holding five quarts of gasoline.

There are two engine options for the Mustang lovers. The 200 cubic inch 6-cylinder is standard under the hood, as it produces 120 horsepower. The 289 version of the V-8 engine, on the other hand, comes with three different power ratings.

The Challenger is capable of producing 225 horsepower, while the Challenger Special can rev the car with 271 horsepower. Ultimately, it is the Challenger High Performance that makes the Mustang a king of the road. This variant is equipped with solid lifters and exhaust headers - making it distinct from the other 289's which merely come with exhaust manifolds and hydraulic lifters.

Ranges of options and flexibility of choices may also be enjoyed in the selection of transmissions. Car enthusiasts can choose among the four different transmissions of the 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback. The three-speed manual transmission is standard with the 6-cylinder engine. The stick shift can be mobilized in an H pattern. Hardcore riders, nonetheless, may find the stronger three-speed manual transmission more pleasing as it comes with the Challenger engines. This option gives a more powerful run and an amiable fuel efficiency.

The four-speed manual transmission is yet another sound option. It is the only version that is compatible with the Challenger High Performance engine.

The three-speed automatic transmission is compatible with all the types of engine, save for the Challenger High Performance. It is more pleasing to laidback drivers who are after the enjoyment of the "Cruise O Matic" feature. This is where the T-bar handle mounted on the floor of the car can be used for a relaxed and enjoyable road cruising.

Just as its name suggests, the 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback is streamlined for a speedy cruise on the road. Still, it does not fall short in satisfying the demand of many drivers for a worry-free ride. Given its long line of history, one can rest assured that it came right out from the genius of its makers.

It may have been developed few decades ago, but it still comes at par with the quality of modern cars from modern showrooms. The 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback serves as the best vehicle to drivers who want to veer away from the convention and have an investment that no contemporary car can ever beat.

1965 Ford Mustang Fastback Photo Gallery