Yeah, It’s Got a Six

“Hey, is that a ‘65 Mustang?  What-cha got under the hood?”

Those are the most common questions I get when I’m out in my Mustang. Most people don’t care when I tell them the car has a six cylinder engine, but a good number of people seem disappointed.  

Known as the Thriftpower or Falcon 6, the engine displaces 200 cubic inches (or 3.3 liters) and produces 120 horsepower and 200 lb. feet of torque. It offers acceptable performance with good drivability - so much so that the engine was used into the 1980s and powered in a variety of Fox body vehicles, including the early 3rd generation Mustang.

For people looking for more power there are a number of options including swapping out the one barrel Autolite 1100 carburetor for any variety of two barrel options or fuel injection.  Additionally, there are a range of exhaust headers, electronic ignition, cams and cylinder head modifications. Choices range from mild improvements for daily driveability, all the way to wild options like an Offy tri-carb setup and turbocharging.  

Early on, the six cylinder Mustang got an undeserved reputation as a “secretary’s” car.  But a Mustang with a six cylinder and manual transmission compares very favorably to many European cars of the same era.  Look at the performance specs for the Austin Healy 3000, Porsche 356C, or similar 2 + 2 coupes - the Mustang is either within striking distance, or puts up better numbers.

Best of all, a first generation, six cylinder Mustang has balance.  It is a throwback that provides equal doses of fun and practicality.  You can drive it daily and it is rewarding to drive across town on errands or cross country. You can work on it with a basic set of tools and a general understanding of auto mechanics. It can be your weekend car, or your only car.  It is approachable, doesn’t ask for much, but in return gives a purely analog driving experience.  

There are faster cars.  There are better cars, with more of everything.  But there are few cars that convey the joy of unbridled youth, of turning 16 and getting your license, and hitting the road on a spring day, with the windows down and the radio on.