Being placed in a situation where you have to choose between two project builds sitting in your workshop would never be easy, but that’s a choice that the owner of this 1965 Mustang Fastback has faced. It was either this, or a Bronco build, and the Bronco won the day. That means that the ‘Stang needs a new home. Some of the restoration work is complete, but there’s an opportunity for someone to place their mark on this classic. If that’s sounding tempting, you will find the Fastback located in Memphis, Tennessee, and listed for sale here on eBay. Spirited bidding has pushed the price to $14,000, although this remains short of the reserve.

It seems that this Mustang has led a colorful life, quite literally. The panels currently wear black primer, but there’s evidence that it has also seen Candy Apple Red at some point. The Trim Tag indicates that it rolled off the line finished in Raven Black, but the next owner can pick whatever color takes their fancy with the vehicle in its current state. The panels look straight, and the seller indicates that he has done little to the car since it found its way into his workshop. The previous owner installed new rear quarter panels, and the work quality is pretty good. Less impressive are the patches in the floor and the repair to the front and rear frame rails. The owner suggests that it would be a wise strategy to redo the work, and given the importance that the frame rails play, that sounds like good advice to me. I also noted some rust in one lower corner of the driver’s door, but I believe that a simple patch would make that a memory. The rear bumper and wheels are in excellent order, but it isn’t clear whether the remaining trim pieces are present. The glass looks good, and the overall impression is that this project shows plenty of promise.

The previous owner told the seller that he had treated the 289ci V8 to a rebuild, but it isn’t clear whether that V8 is numbers-matching. While he hasn’t been driving the car, the owner kicks it into life weekly to keep the fluids circulating. The vehicle is also equipped with a four-speed manual transmission, a 9″ rear end, and power steering. It seems that the engine is in good order, the power steering operates as it should, and the car can be driven. However, it isn’t roadworthy due to some possible brake issues. The previous owner converted the Fastback to four-wheel power discs, and while the rears work, the e-brake isn’t connected. The fronts also operate, but the booster doesn’t want to play ball. The owner believes that this is new, so it might require further investigation. Otherwise, whipping the car into sound mechanical health doesn’t look like it would be complicated.

While most of the interior components are present, it will take more than a weekend of tinkering and cleaning in a home worship to whip it into shape. The seats are upholstered in three different shades of vinyl, while the rear trims are cut to house aftermarket speakers. The wheel is toast, the dash pad is tired, and the factory radio is missing. There is a factory console, and it looks like it is a strong candidate for restoration. Between the shredded upholstery and the missing items, returning the interior to its best will cost a few dollars. However, I believe that if the buyer is prepared to spend around $2,500, the interior will be in as-new condition.

I think it’s a shame that the owner will not have the chance to see this ’65 Mustang restoration to completion, but these situations occur occasionally. His loss will be someone else’s gain because this will be a striking car once the tools are put down for the final time. The Mustang has generated plenty of interest because there have been thirty bids submitted at the time of writing. There is still time left on the listing, so that gives you an opportunity to decide whether you want to make a play for this classic. If you do, I wish you luck.