This 1965 Mustang Convertible spent many years sitting in a barn in North Carolina. The current owner purchased it, did the work required to get it moving under its own power again, and then proceeded to drive it from North Carolina, through to its current location, in Anoka, Minnesota. The Mustang is said to have handled the 1,200-mile trip with no problems at all. Unfortunately, recent ill health means that the owner has been forced to list the Mustang for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $18,100, and with the reserve now met, that new home is just around the corner for the classic Ford.
The Mustang is largely original, although it has received a repaint in its original Caspian Blue at some point in its life. The white power top has markings that suggest that it was changed in 1977. The owner does admit that while the car looks clean, there are some rust issues under the skin which will need to be addressed. It comes as no surprise to learn that the torque boxes will need work, as will some areas in the floors, although how extensive these issues are isn’t clear.
The blue interior trim looks to be quite good, and it doesn’t look like the next owner is going to be spending huge amounts of money to bring it back to its best. The covers on the front seats are stretched, but it doesn’t look like there are any problems with seam separations or tears. The most pressing item that will need to be addressed will be replacing the carpet. It’s looking pretty faded, and it also appears to be stained on the driver’s side, so a new carpet set will be needed at some point. The original radio is still mounted in the dash, and I don’t see any aftermarket components or accessories anywhere.
It’s when we start looking under the hood that things become truly interesting with the Mustang. The original owner was apparently a Lincoln/Mercury dealer, and it seems that he knew exactly what he wanted in a Mustang. As a result, the engine bay is home to an A-code 289ci V8, which is matched to a 4-speed manual transmission. After the car had been sitting for years, the current owner dragged it out of a barn and did the work that was required to get the car up and running again. This included a new fuel tank, some new fuel lines, a new master cylinder and wheel cylinders, four new tires and a wheel alignment, along with a full service and coolant flush. The result of these efforts is that the Mustang runs and drives nicely, and recently undertook the 1,200-mile trip that I described earlier with no issues. As if the news can’t get a lot better, the Mustang has a genuine and documented 15,700 original miles on the odometer.
This Mustang Convertible might not be perfect, but it does remain pretty impressive for a survivor that has been stored away for years. It seems to be in decent mechanical health, and it sounds like the rust issues that are present aren’t likely to break the bank being fixed. With its documented low mileage, this is a classic that should provide plenty of enjoyment for its next owner for many years to come.
Seems to have picked up another 1000 miles since it was featured on 7/19.
Considering what is noted as rusting (torque boxes?) and various items of wear seen, I highly doubt the claim of 15,700 miles.The faded carpet alone tells me that’s not true. The reserve has also been met at $18,100.? Kinda LOW for a `65 Mustang cvt. with 15K original miles don’t you think? I bet aficionados of `65 models would agree.
I wish owners would be more honest in their ads. When so much is in question, it doesn’t reflect well on the seller. Caveat Emptor, folks…………
Rust in the torque boxes isn’t a good indicator of mileage in an early Mustang. The inner surfaces of the cowl were bare metal and rusted quickly. This allowed water into the interior and rusted the front floors and torque boxes. It’s more a function of how the car was stored than how much it was driven.
Rust on the front frame rails or at the tops of the shock towers is a better indication of mileage, since those areas only saw moisture when the car was driven.
Sure looks great in the pics, but like any other rustang, full inspection necessary. If the torque boxes are shot, you are looking at lots of other rust where you might not expect. Pics of the underbelly would have been nice. hate to be negative, but this could be well polished turd. Buyer beware. Good luck and looker over and under good. Don’t forget to check the cowl plenum.
Cheers
GPC
I would like to own it!
However I have had the dreaded cowl plenum leak, water on the floor boards before in a similar car that the body looked great on!….. no fun.
This car looks fairly original to me and I still would want it!
Truth be told, these cars were built like garbage, just like Corvettes with horrible water leak issues. Ever see the top of the top of a windshield and bird cage on a C3 Corvette that was washed every week or sat outside in the weather. It ain’t pretty. That car was wet more times than not. The new owner could be in for a ton of work.
My wife has wanted one of these for a long time. V8 4 speed convertible, I need not let her see this or we’d probably be trying to buy it and then have someone address all body rust issues. I think I’ll keep quiet on this one.
God bless America