In America, the 1960s was truly the start to a new era, one of hope, technological triumph, war, and civil rights. More than anything though, the decade represented freedom. The right to express yourself was at the forefront of the nation and leading the charge in this bid for self-expression, the motor world was dominated by big-block muscle cars that were accessible to the everyman and an incredible amount of fun.
The cars that came out of this era are some of the rarest most sought-after pieces of history out there, with modern car enthusiasts wishing they could go back in time and buy that incredibly specific trim of car from their dreams. Some of the most heavily desired cars came from star-studded automaker Ford, with the Mustang definitely being the people’s choice. In 1967, Ford sold 472,121 Mustangs, an absurd number of cars. So, in that slew of vehicles, what makes the 1967 K Code GT one of the rarest Mustangs to ever be made, and what makes this specific K Code one of two ever made?
The Unicorn Of Mustangs
Mustangs have one of the biggest fan clubs in the world, with millions of people adoring car. Yet even with this giant fanbase, so few people have actually seen a non-Shelby 1967 HiPo motor Mustang in person. This is because most of the HiPo motor during this time were sent to Caroll Shelby for the production of his GT350 model conversions, meaning that very few made it into non-Shelby Mustangs.
In 1965 and 1966 the K Code engine was extremely prominent in Mustangs, with 12,742 with the engine designation being built between these years. In comparison, in 1967 there were 498 and this is combining the coupe, convertible, and fastback trims. All this combined makes the 1967 K Code Mustang an incredibly rare car in of itself, being nearly impossible to find.
Of this miniscule number in a pool of hundreds of thousands of Mustangs built in 67’, only 319 were non-Shelby Fastbacks, 205 of those fastbacks had a four-speed manual transmission, and only two of those had the beautiful Dark Moss Green pictured above paired with the added option of competition suspension. That puts this specific Mustang in the realms of one of the rarest cars ever produced.
K Code Performance
This particular K Code Mustang, as stated above, came with the special competition suspension package. This was the most expensive model of the 67’ Mustang and was also one of the rarest, with only 195 Mustangs coming factory fitted with this option. The option came with race suspension, adjustable sway bars and shocks, tires rated for 170 mph, and 15-inch wheels. This tight and agile suspension made, paired with the HiPo motor and the four-speed transmission make this car an absolute racing machine.
Beyond its stock, straight from factory options that make this car so special, it also comes with some added extras. Ford put out ‘day-two’ Shelby brand updates for a selection of their mustangs, the '67 K Code included. This update comprised the carburettor and fuel intake used in the Shelby GT350s. Both of these upgrades were racing level upgrades designed to insure top-tier performance.
In an era of big block muscle cars and traffic light to traffic light races, this Mustang not only shook up the norm but also brought that race experience to the everyday driver.
The Condition And The Looks
This specific K Code has been incredibly well taken care of, and who wouldn’t know that it is one of only two like it in the world. A small level of restoration has been done to upkeep the car but great effort was put in to keeping it original and true to the foundational stylings of the car. The Dark Green Moss paintjob is glossy and shines triumphantly in the light alongside the chrome trims of the car. Further, the interior is immaculate. The car looks like it has been moved through time, straight of the dealership floor in 1967.
All of the exterior and interior trim look to be completely factory. Mechanically, it is also incredibly sound, starting up with ease and running like a dream. Finding a 50-year-old mustang in this condition is a rare enough find, even ignoring the extra race configuration and HiPo engine. The cost of a restoration like this is immense to ensure that all components are kept intact and remain factory stock could cost anywhere between 70,000 and 100,000 dollars. It would be incredibly timely two, taking a minimum of two years to complete. It almost makes it too beautiful to drive…
This K Code has undergone extensive tests to ensure its authenticity, with each component being verified, particularly the engine. The only abnormality identified being that the engine block is not stamped with the VIN number. However, there are multiple notable collectors Mustangs with this problem, and it is known that not all classic engines were stamped. This means that this car has been inarguably verified as being a true rarity.
Being one of only two cars in the world like it, this car is a gem and a piece of history. The K Code Mustangs truly represent the era, with the air of freedom and loud self-expression, and Ford truly managed to bring its racing pedigree to the consumer. The special nature of this car, being the last model with the K Code designation, and the absolutely stunning preservation of it makes it an incredibly important piece of automotive history.