Earlier than the Shelbys and Bosses arrived, the Ford Mustang Ok-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 Ok-Code, and reveals off this restored first-year instance.

The Ok-Code went on sale together with the Mustang itself within the 1964 calendar 12 months, however later sufficient that the primary automobiles had been registered as 1965 fashions, which is why you will hear the convertible proven on this video and different first-year Mustangs known as “1964 1/2” fashions. Ford supplied the Ok-Code possibility for each the coupe and convertible physique kinds, in addition to the fastback when that physique model arrived later in 1964.

Choosing the Ok-Code possibility netted a sportier model of the Mustang’s non-compulsory 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 shipped to the rear-wheels by way of a 4-speed guide transmission with the identical ratios used within the later Mustang Shelby GT350.

Ford made some suspension modifications as nicely, with enter from racing legend Dan Gurney. Curiously, after driving prototypes, Gurney most well-liked the heavier, less-rigid Mustang convertible to the coupe, in keeping with McMullen. That is as a result of added bracing (sourced from the Thunderbird) gave the convertible a decrease heart of gravity. 

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

The automobile proven right here is among the many first manufacturing Ok-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 has been restored as near authentic 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 facility high quality. So it is the right educating instrument for an vital a part of Mustang historical past.