Winnipeg Free Press Newspaper Archives Jul 17 2015, Page 65

Winnipeg Free Press (Newspaper) - July 17, 2015, Winnipeg, Manitoba C M Y K PAGE F6 F 6 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS, FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015 AUTOS winnipegfreepress. com T HE Ford Mustang set the automotive world on fire when it was introduced at the New York World’s Fair in 1964. Posting astounding sales numbers of more than 419,000 units in the first year of production, it was an instant sales success. Available as a hardtop or convertible model, with either six- cylinder or V- 8 power and a base price under $ 2,500, Ford’s Mustang had a broad appeal and an even broader list of available options. For 1965 a Fastback model was offered, as was the addition of two new option packages. A deluxe Pony interior package added galloping horse seat inserts, upgraded instrument panel, simulated walnut panel trim and additional brightwork. The GT package added much- needed upgrades in performance and handling. The GT package included a 289 cubic- inch V- 8 with a four- barrel carburetor making 225 horsepower at 4,800 r. p. m. Models equipped with the K- Code Challenger V- 8 option were delivered with a true high- performance 289 V- 8 with a 10.5: 1 compression ratio, performance camshaft with solid valve lifters and a four- barrel carburetor that made 271 hp. The latter engine option required the addition of a special handling package with heavy- duty suspension and upsized 14- inch wheels and tires. The K- Code engine, along with some other added options, gave the buyer a nicely balanced and powerful street car. An interesting note is that when ordered with the K- Code option, the standard warranty of 24 months or 24,000 miles was dropped to only 90 days or 4,000 miles. For Terry Shwaykosky of Winnipeg, the early Mustang had been high on his acquisition list. “ I had several Mustangs over the years but I was in the market for an early convertible”, says Shwaykosky. While travelling to a Mustang meet in Vancouver in 2002 with a buddy, a gas stop in Kamloops found him speaking to the station owner who remarked that he had a car much like the one Shwaykosky’s friend was driving. After some small talk he found out the car was a 1965 GT convertible with the K- Code engine option and a four- speed manual transmission. While unsuccessful in buying the car that day, a telephone call in the spring of 2003 sealed the deal and the Mustang was soon in Winnipeg. Manufactured at the San Jose, Calif. Ford plant, the car was imported into Canada in the early 1990s. With just 69,000 miles on the odometer, it was in original condition except for a late 1980s repaint of the factory Wimbledon White. It still carried the original red GT rocker panel stripes. Nicely equipped, Shwaykosky’s ‘ Stang features a power top, deluxe blue and white interior upholstery, Rally- Pac ( steering column mounted tachometer and clock), push- button AM radio, centre console, visibility group, day/ night mirror, remote driver side- view mirror, passenger side- view mirror, full tinted glass, fog lamps, chrome exhaust extensions, back- up lamps, fourspeed manual transmission, 3.50: 1 Traction- Lok rear axle and 14- inch styled steel wheels. Another feature is the addition of a Shelby Cobra finned aluminium oil pan and valve covers, as well as a Tri- Power induction system. Offered by Ford dealers at the time through their Ford High Performance Parts Guide , the three 2- V induction kit included an aluminium intake manifold with three Holley two- barrel carburetors and progressive throttle linkage. Tailored for smooth power delivery it offered a power increase of 12 to 15 horsepower over the standard four- barrel. With the car back at home Shwaykosky installed a new clutch and rebuilt the engine. He also installed a new set of reproduction dual redline radial tires. Today, the 1965 to 1967 K- Code “ Hi- Po” Mustang is one of the most sought after classic Mustangs. With only 13,231 produced, the K- Code represents barely one per cent of total Mustang production. That makes the K- Code equipped cars rare. An even closer breakdown for the 1965 model is of the 7,273 built, only 270 were convertibles. This is one of them. Shwaykosky is a member of the Manitoba Mustang and Ford Association and invites enthusiasts out this Sunday for the club’s 20th annual Henry Ford Birthday Car Show. Running from 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. at Kildonan Place Shopping Centre on Regent Avenue, the event is open to all makes of classic and special interest vehicles. Registration is from 9 a. m. to 1 p. m. with a $ 10 entry fee per vehicle. Proceeds from the event go to the Movement Center of Manitoba. For more information contact Tim at 204- 298- 6917 or visit manitobamustang. com. classicdargis@ mymts. net RARE filly CLASSIC CRUISING LARRY D’ARGIS PHOTOS BY PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Terry Shwaykosky’s 1966 Mustang GT Convertible is both rare and powerful. K- Code equipped 1965 Mustang convertible one of only 270 produced The small block V- 8 with the K- Code option makes 271 horsepower. At right, local club decals grace the vent window. The dashboard instrumentation screams muscle car. F_ 06_ Jul- 17- 15_ PP_ 01. indd F6 7/ 15/ 15 6: 07: 53 PM