Introduced in April 1964 at the New York World’s Fair, Ford’s Mustang quickly became a sensation, marking the most successful new-car launch in history. It created a new market segment that inspired every American automaker to develop competing models. The Mustang’s early popularity was largely driven by its affordable price and wide range of features and options, making it accessible to many buyers.
Available in notchback coupe, convertible, and 2+2 fastback styles, the Mustang also gained fame as the foundation for Carroll Shelby’s high-performance GT350, which dominated the SCCA racing scene and became a symbol of Ford’s “Total Performance” campaign in the 1960s.
One of the most coveted Mustangs was the K-code model, identified by the letter K in its VIN. This version featured a high-performance 289 V8 engine, producing 271 horsepower—a significant boost over the standard V8’s 210 horsepower.
Some K-code Mustangs were further enhanced with triple 2-barrel carburetors, a popular dealer-installed option. The iconic Cobra valve covers and finned air cleaner on these cars signaled their extraordinary performance.
Today, the K-code engine remains highly prized among collectors, cementing its status as a key component of Mustang lore, a fact that was highlighted by Joe Raiti in a recent video from Raiti’s Rides on YouTube.
