Description
The Ford Mustang GT with 271 horsepower was one of the most respected performance versions of the first-generation Mustang, powered by the famous 289 cubic inch High Performance V8, better known as the “K-code.” Introduced in 1965, this engine gave the Mustang true muscle car credentials and transformed it from a stylish personal coupe into a car with serious performance potential. When combined with the GT Equipment Group, the 271-horsepower Mustang became a well-rounded driver’s car, capable of delivering excitement both on the street and on the track.
Externally, the GT package distinguished the car from standard Mustangs with several key features. Fog lamps were integrated into the grille, GT emblems were added to the body, and dual exhausts with chrome tips gave the car a more aggressive look and sound. Styled steel wheels and optional side stripes further emphasized its performance character, while buyers could choose from coupe, fastback, or convertible body styles. The GT’s subtle enhancements ensured it stood out without resorting to the flashier looks of later muscle cars.
Inside, the Mustang GT offered a sporty yet practical cabin. Bucket seats and a floor-mounted shifter came standard, while the optional deluxe “Pony” interior added embossed seat designs, wood-grain accents, and a more upscale feel. Buyers could also specify Rally-Pac gauges, which mounted a tachometer and clock to the steering column, underscoring the car’s performance intent. Like all Mustangs, the GT retained its versatility, offering room for four passengers and a wide range of comfort and convenience options.
The heart of the car was the 289 High Performance V8. Featuring solid lifters, a hotter camshaft, heavy-duty internals, a four-barrel carburetor, and a 10.5:1 compression ratio, it was officially rated at 271 horsepower but was widely considered underrated. Paired with a four-speed manual gearbox as the most common choice, the Hi-Po 289 was known for its willingness to rev and its strong midrange power. The engine gave the GT brisk acceleration, with 0–60 mph times of around seven seconds and quarter-mile runs in the mid-15-second range, making it competitive with many muscle cars of the day.
To match its performance, the GT package also brought mechanical upgrades. Front disc brakes came standard, along with stiffer suspension and quicker steering. These enhancements made the GT sharper and more controlled than non-GT Mustangs, giving it better stopping power and improved handling balance. While still not as precise as European sports cars, the Mustang GT was lively and engaging to drive, particularly when ordered with performance gearing.
On the road, the Mustang GT 271 HP was a car that could do it all. It offered everyday usability, attractive styling, and serious performance in one package. It was more refined than bare-bones racers but more exciting than the base six-cylinder or two-barrel V8 cars, making it an ideal choice for buyers who wanted something truly special without stepping into the far more expensive Shelby GT350.
Today, the Ford Mustang GT 271 HP is among the most collectible of the early Mustangs. The K-code engine was relatively rare, especially when combined with the GT package, and surviving examples are highly sought after. Collectors value them for their blend of style, performance, and historical importance, as they represent the first time the Mustang was truly taken seriously as a performance car. Restored examples highlight why the 271-horsepower GT is still considered one of the purest and most desirable expressions of the original pony car formula.