The Ford Mustang had its coming out party at the New York World’s Fair on April 17, 1964. The car was met with such enthusiasm and success that the company would go on to sell nearly 1.3 million copies in the next two and a half years. This 1965 coupe has a six-cylinder engine and has been buried in a barn or a similar structure for many years. Once extricated a lot of work will be needed to make it a viable driver again. From Diana, Texas, this pony project is available here on craigslist for $8,000.
Mustangs built before the Fall of 1964 are sometimes called 1964 ½ models. But there were no such things as all built before the 1966s came out were titled 1965 automobiles. The seller’s car may be one of the earlier Mustangs given the seller’s indecision as to whether this is a 1964 or a 1965 edition. But to be clear, it’s a ’65. There were some minor differences from early on, like the use of a 260 rather than a 289 V8. But that doesn’t apply here, and this car is so dirty it’s hard to tell if any of the nuances of a ’64.5 are visible.
The seller talks about the Ford’s “beautiful turquoise paint job” but that’s being very optimistic. How can you tell with the layers of grime for which no attempt has been made to clean the car up? In fact, in the photos, the color looks to be blue, offering a decent amount of light. Considering its surroundings, you have to wonder has any damage has been to the sheet metal from rust or if the interior has been invaded by small woodland, which looks to be Parchment in color.
No title will come with this barn dweller; it was probably lost years ago. And if you want the car, you’d better bring help to pull it from its perch and load it onto a trailer. The seller thinks the engine may be okay (170 or 200 cubic inches?), but the starter was removed and is somewhere inside the Ford. And there may be oil still in the engine block. If you are looking for a deserving project, could this ‘Stang be it? It would be a more interesting find if it had a V8 engine instead of the six-banger.
Worth fixing?? I suppose, since even alley cats should be ‘fixed’…
Lots of first gen Mustangs in true barn find shape are “out there.” And most of them are base models, like this example. While they have been desirable to own (pretty much continuously since they were introduced), and will continue to be desirable to own, the ubiquitous-ness of barn find examples means they really aren’t that valuable. Not even as parts cars; parts are readily available.
Which leads to my main observation…. It must be disappointing when sellers eventually realize that just because it’s a Mustang, it doesn’t mean that the forlorn base model in the barn is worth a bunch of money.
This car’s horns are mounted on the radiator support, as opposed to the frame rails. That means this is unlikely to be a 1964 1/2 version. The air cleaner has traces of red paint, which is correct for 1965, but the valve cover has traces of blue paint, which wasn’t used for 6-cylinder Mustangs until 1966, so perhaps the engine is a transplant?
It’s worth fixing, but not anywhere close what to the seller is asking. The pictures look to show rust on top of the passenger side inner fender and a small amount on the drivers. That rust comes from the below and is a signal there will be more elsewhere.
A first generation 6 cylinder most likely 3spd manual isn’t particularly valuable or sought after even in running driving condition, less so as this one sits. The car is a couple of hours east of Dallas without any nearby population centers, they are going to have a hard time selling this car in its current condition for a fraction of the asking price.
Steve R
Well this is one of those cars that if it is a solid body would be worth making a restomod out of. Worth a factory restoration? No. Base model everything, 6 cylinder 3 speed standard interior, it would cost more than it’s worth to do a restoration. But you could do amazing things with it if you don’t have a ton of rust to deal with.
I have a 2-ton floor jack purchased new for $24.99 some years ago. It’s been sitting on a shelf in my garage just gathering dust since I bought a new one. Its provenance includes the fact that it was used to jack up 2 Corvettes, a Mustang, 3 minivans, and a ’78 rx7.
I figure it’s worth $80 now with inflation
Photos of it sitting on a darkened shelf (from 2 different angles) will be forthcoming.
Sadly. We, as a society, have moved on from reality when it comes to old car prices. “But but but! It’s what the market will bear!” Some will yell. The mere fact that somebody out there, may drop $8000 on this worn out heap? Tells you we’ve gone around the bend.
I believe it’s a ’65. The control knobs inside are chrome colored. On the first Mustangs they were white, straight off a Falcon.
Pull the damn thing out in the sun and wash it! Lazy, lazy, lazy. How do you determine anything when you can’t see the car. Very basic Mustang and basic components. $8k, wishful thinking. I thought classic car prices were starting to level off but there is still a few people out there that think they have a gold mine.
My best guess, the elderly owner who is incapacitated had a family friend throw this on Craigslist for them, not a matter of being lazy.
With the number of ’65 Mustangs still out there, I’m thinking not…now if it was a ’65 Barracuda or Marlin…
Parchment interior !
My 2 cents. You know I’ve appreciated straight 6s since I had a 2.2 SOHC Austin Kimberley down under way back in the day. They are smooth, torquey and very tweakable. I would leave this engine in it and have a damn good engine man have a very stern talk with it and demand it give more horsies than even the 289. Port and polished head, valve lifter upgrades, twin carbs, a header, even after market electronic ignition. Extra ponies also make A/C and power steering possible. Otherwise leave it looking stock and buff the living bejessus out of it and leave the patina. Think Ant Anstead’s Mustang. Looks straight and clean. That’s an entry level classic fun car right there folks for someone with even average skills.