Authentic Mustang GT Identification

One of the most common questions of prospective Mustang buyers is how to correctly identify early GT Mustangs. Some new buyers assume that it's in the VIN (it's not). Some think that the more obvious GT parts, dual exhausts or disc brakes, are givaways - Which almost no single GT piece is, as most items in the GT package could be ordered individually or at the very least, dealer installed. Add into the mix 40+ years of alternations, upgrades, and changing hands, and it can be tough to really know for sure.

'65 and '66 shared GT features

• All were A or K code cars, in any bodystyle
• GT production didn't start until late Feburary of 65
• Dual exhaust through the rear valance with trim rings was standard, and had a few accompanying items (Which were also on K-code HiPo cars)
  • Reinforcement exhaust hanger plates were on the inside of the car behind the rear seat
  • Factory bolt plate inside the rear frame rail, just ahead of the shackle for the rear hanger
  • Rear brake hose located further outboard to clear pipes
  • Rear bumper guards deleted, and mounting holes in trunk plugged
• Rocker panel trim and quarter ornament deleted
• Regular Mustang badges were deleted form the front fenders (Except engine designation)
• Special rocker panel stripe with "MUSTANG" lettering on front fender
• GT badges on front fenders
• "Special Handling Package" standard on GT (Also on K-code HiPo cars) consiting of:
  • Quicker 16:1 ratio steering box with tag reading either HCC-AX or HCC-AW
  • Larger diameter sway bar (13/16")
  • Heavier front and rear springs
  • Heavy duty shocks
• Front 4-piston disc brakes and larger master cylinder

1965 GT-Specific Features

• 5 dial instrument cluster similar to 1966 standard (Pony package cars had similar dash in woodgrain, GT or not)
• Dash structure has a round "moon" stamped into it to clear the round speedometer
• Flat 1965-specific glove box door (Pony package cars had similar door in woodgrain, GT or not)
• Fog lamps and unique grill trim to accomodate it brought a number of distinct features
  • Fog lamp switch (Unique to 65, 1 male/2 female) with wiring integrated into main harness and will also turn on tail lights
  • Fog lamp switch located either on bottom of dash panel or on face under wiper switch (Face-mount had chrome nut)
  • GT grille has fog lamp mounting bars rivetted in place
  • Fog lamp wiring routed through holes in the radiator support (Both punched and drilled; some have RH wiring thru battery vents)
  • Circuit breaker for fog lamps usually mounted on the right side of the pedal support
• Leading edge hood trim standard

1966 GT-Specific Features

• GT cars had unique "GT" gas cap
• Fog lamps again standard but with changes for 66
  • Fog lamp switch wiring reversed from 65 with 2 male and 1 female connector
  • All lamp switches face mounted in lower left corner (Some exceptions for Metuchen power-top convertibles where switch was on dash bottom)
  • Circuit breaker moutned on the wiper motor bracket
  • Standard grill was used and had brackets added on (As well as blacked out without chrome leading edges)
  • Radiator support now punched for lamp wiring

A few things to keep in mind when identifying GT cars

The GT option group did not include the Pony interior - GTs can have a standard interior (but 65s will have the unique dash), and not all Ponies were GTs. The same is true for the styled steel wheels, rally packs and most other "upgrade" options. It's not uncommon for the GT cars to be well optioned but it's not a necessity. The "deleted" trim items missing from GT cars (emblems, quarter ornaments, rocker trim) will not have any factory holes in the panel. However, bear in mind that most reproduction fenders and quarters will not come with these holes pre-drilled - So if the panels have been replaced the holes would likely not be there anyway. Both the "A" and "K" code engines were available independant of the GT package, not all "K" cars were GTs. Most every GT option or part was sold through the dealer - In fact it was popular for Ford dealers to upsell the GT items, right down to the badges.