Decoding Your 1965 Ford Mustang's Data Plate & VIN - Fantastic Mustang Fastback Decoded Here

Whether you're on the hunt for a 1965 Ford Mustang or you already own a '65, it's important to know how your Mustang was originally built, when it rolled off the Ford assembly line. Should you be looking to buy an old Ford pony car, how the Mustang was originally equipped is a big key to establishing her value. Knowing this upfront can be used in negotiating a fair price, or deciding whether or not you wish to make an offer in the first place. If you're already a Mustang owner and you're restoring her to factory new, you'll need her DNA of how she was born (built) from back in the day.

Data Plate Decoding - 1965 Ford Mustang GT Fastback

Above: The partial vin code below identifies this engine as a 289, 4v (A code) that has a four-barrel carb and is rated at 225-horsepower. Nice! On the firewall you can just make out the master cylinder brake reservoir. This Mustang appears to have been equipped from the factory with four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

If however, you're building a restomod or some sort of vintage track day machine, the Mustang's original provenance is not as important. For the purpose of this 1965 Mustang data plate and VIN decoding exercise, the selected subject Mustang is a super well restored specimen, 1965 Mustang fastback. The photos and data are provided courtesy of Mecum Auctions. This Ivy Green beauty recently crossed the Mecum Auction block and garnered six figures! So, it's a great example to examine and decode.

From the data plate above and the partial VIN just below it, we are able to learn how this 2+2 (code 09 - fastback) was equipped from the San Jose plant (R).

Assembly Plant

Body Style

The vehicle's data plate reveals that she is a 63B, which translates to a fastback with a luxury (Pony) interior that has bucket front seats. The interior code is identified as F8. By scrolling well below this text, you'll find the Interior Trim table that says F8 is White with Ivy Gold, Luxury (or Pony) interior.

Engine

Body Code

Paint Colors

At the risk of being redundant, we've already identified the exterior hue of this fantastic fastback as being a code R car, which translates to Ivy Green Metallic. As with most life size objects, the Ivy Green painted pony car looks better than the small paint chip just below.

Above: Ditzler PPG exterior paint hues are indicated above for the 1965 Ford Mustang, Fairlane, Falcon, and Galaxie.

Interior Trim

Build Date

The build date for this baby is 30R, or the 30th of April 1965.

DSO (District Sales Office)

The District Sales Office (DSO) is 72, which works out to be San Jose. That makes perfect sense, as the Mustang was built in San Jose.

Axle

The rear axle is a code 1, which means that this pony car has a rear axle that has a 3.00:1 final drive ratio inside its differential.

Transmission

The transmission, as the photo above and the code 5 just above reveals - this Mustang's 289-cubic inch V8 engine is backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Giddy up!

The vehicle's trunk looks exactly like it would have looked from the factory. Those double redline tires and the Style Steel GT wheels are outstanding.

Now that you know how to decode your 1965 Mustang's data plate and decipher her VIN tag, we have a big question for you. Are you going to restore your Mustang to factory fresh or transform her into a canyon carving, pro touring machine? Regardless of what your answer is just know that Parts Unlimited Interiors can help you find some must have interior items to make your build dreams a reality.