Well I have a 1964 421 HO engine (code 45B, manual trans HO) in my Le Mans so 1965 definitely was not the first production year for the 421. 1964 421 block casting number is 9773157. All 1964 V8s had a 3 character engine code, 2 numbers followed by a letter.
Your 421 block casting number 9778791 is an early 1966, 9782611 is a late 1966 421 which was the last year of the 421 production.
The 1963 421 HO is basically the same as a 1964 HO, both have the same 9770716 heads.
Then there’s the 1961 (over the counter only), 1962 and 1963 421 SD engines as well.
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1964 Tempest Coupe LS3/4L70E/3.42
1964 Le Mans Convertible 421 HO/TH350/3.08
2002 WS6 Convertible LS1/4L60E/3.23
1966 VW Type 2 Single Cab Pickup 140hp 2276
1956 VW Type 2 Panel Van 36hp 1200
1957 VW Type 1 Beetle 180hp 2276
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