We see some interesting project cars here at Barn Finds, and with some of them, the backstory can be just as interesting as the car itself. That is the case with this 1965 Mustang 2+2 Fastback. It wears its current matte black paint because the owner couldn’t stand the sight of it looking patchy. He hasn’t attempted to hide its dents and scars, so potential buyers can see what they’re getting for their money. The owner has decided to part with the unfinished project, so he has listed it for sale here on eBay. It is located in Gilbert, Arizona, and while the bidding is sitting at $12,900, the reserve hasn’t been met.
When the seller purchased the Mustang, its previous owner had commenced stripping the paint in preparation for a repaint. The seller states that since he is slightly OCD, he couldn’t handle the patchy appearance. He did some essential prep work and applied the Matte Black. He hasn’t attempted to hide this car’s flaws, but there aren’t that many of them. The rust that you see in this quarter panel is the only rust in the entire vehicle. The owner is including a repair panel so that the buyer can address this. The other quarter has a decent dent at the bottom, so a replacement panel for that is also included. In addition, both front fenders have been replaced, as has the rock screen and the rear valance. There are a few photos of the floors and other prone areas under the Mustang, and these look perfect. The bumpers are new, and the remaining trim looks presentable for a driver-grade car.
It isn’t clear whether the Fastback is a numbers-matching classic, but we do know that it comes equipped with a 289ci V8 and a 3-speed manual transmission. The owner also doesn’t indicate which version of the 289 this is, which means that it should be producing at least 200hp. As part of the restoration process, the wheels, air cleaner, and valve covers have been powder-coated gold. Once the wheels returned, the owner fitted new tires. The Mustang runs and drives, but it isn’t currently roadworthy. The owner has installed a new master cylinder, but the brakes require more attention if they are to work correctly. He also advises that a front-end rebuild should be performed. Once these tasks are complete, the wide-open roads will be beckoning for this beauty.
The Mustang’s interior is partially restored, and the buyer will need to complete it. The front seats have been treated to new foam and covers, while the floors have received a new carpet set. There is still plenty to do if the rest of the trim is to be brought up to the same standard, but at least the required parts are plentiful and affordable. A dash pad and glove compartment door will be high on the shopping list, but how things proceed from there will be a matter of personal preference. The original radio remains in its rightful place, so at least the dash hasn’t been cut. Aftermarket additions include a wood-grain wheel and a Hurst shifter for the 3-speed transmission.
Buying a half-finished project car can be fraught with danger because most times, you can’t be sure of what you have purchased. This ’65 Mustang 2+2 is a different kettle of fish because the owner appears to have disguised nothing. He retains a sense of humor, and that inspires confidence for potential buyers. Completing this project should not be difficult, and it could potentially be undertaken in a home workshop. If you are hunting for a Mustang project, this one might demand a closer look.
Never buy a car in primer.
Oddly that’s the only thing I liked about it.
That comment reminded me of a story from my childhood. I restored a 1970 Cuda at 15 years old with a lot of rivets and bondo. The car was from the midwest and it had a lot of rust…. For a 15 year old I thought I did a pretty good job. I finished the body work and primed it. And then promptly sold it. I ran into the buyer a year later and he was not very pleased with me…. As “junkman” said, “never buy a car in primer…” Or, from a 15 year old with questionable body work skills.
yup. It means it has had bodywork, and you can’t tell if it was even done well since the mat finish hide a whole bunch. I work for an equipment manufacturer. So many times, something jumps out like crazy with gloss paint that was completely invisible with just primer or bare steel.
Very nice. Complete. Great project or get her running & leave her as is ! Probably should go for $20k easy
Are you kidding? It’s only worth 5 grand…..is what everyone will eventually tell you in the forthcoming comments ; )
You’re correct, ppl still believe it’s only worth $5,000. You see, some of us remember paying $500 for cars in this shape.
Which is why it’s so annoying. How is that relevant in any way to what something is currently worth? I remember when my parent’s bought me a lego set in 1985 and I bet it was around $10. I just sold it for $120.
Why is a car like this commonly referred to as “in primer”?
When its been painted, its not “in paint”.
Just askin.
Current bid is now at $20k (it is worth what someone is willing to pay). Really not much information on the condition of the engine (unless I missed that). As for the paint, it is very common to shoot a sealant primer to protect the metal while working on long term projects. Alternating between colors can also aid in finding imperfections.
A good friend of mine bought a very similar car in the early ‘70s for $800. 289/3speed with disc brakes. Kind of a funny metallic avocado green- which is probably why he got it that cheap- but back then early Mustangs were a dime-a-dozen. I remember the fastbacks being less popular back then-and you could hardly give away a rag top. Things have changed just a bit.
I double dated for a while with a guy with one of these. The back seat was uninhabitable for two full size people, but with the seats folded down, two could lie in the back and go as far as she was willing. We claimed that there was no back seat, and that was that, take it or stay home, and nobody ever refused, no seat belts, of course, and he drove fast. Survived to tell the tale.
You can buy a Brand New Dynacom body for 13,500 why take a chance on a unit body rust bucket?
Get a donor car and build a brand new one.
Dynacorn
in case anyone is searching for their website.
By the way, Dyncorn lists the ’65 Fastback body for $17.5k. You still need everything else on top of that. Not a cheap route, but a very nice end result.
Right, it’s literally just a bare shell, so it’s basically a kit car only you have to buy everything else. And when you’re done, it’s not a “real” mustang, in the sense that it’s vintage. I think the steel may be better quality, so that’s a plus. And if prices continue to get more insane, it may be a good, cheaper option for some
I love when people whine about the price. The deflated dollar is beyond comprehension I guess. Ya gotta pay to play!
SOLD. $26,300. Nice. Great, original complete car
As I was saying. $20s easy ;-)