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289 V8 Project: 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible

Other than a Shelby, the two most sought-after early Mustangs are no doubt the fastback and convertible. Which should no doubt add to their value over the coupe. There isn’t a lot of history provided on this old Ford so we must assume it’s been sitting for a very long time – and outdoors given the deterioration of the interior and sheet metal. Located in Albemarle, North Carolina, this first-year Mustang convertible is available here on eBay where the no reserve auction stands at $6,100.

Mustang production rose quickly in 1965 and the first full year’s assemblies would total 559,451 units. Of those, 65,663 were “standard” convertibles (i.e., those without the luxury interior). The seller’s car should be one of these and he believes the odometer reading of 91,000 is correct. But this car has not likely been registered for highway use for some time and will be a major project for anyone looking to restore it.

Finished in Silver Blue (Code Y), the car has had at least one repaint. But corrosion has become its primary nemesis as both quarter panels will need replacing and the floors and trunk are at the least going to need some patching. The doors don’t look particularly solid either, although we’re told they open and close properly. Outback, the rear bumper may be pushed up just a teensy bit. The convertible top is toast, and the windshield is MIA.

The condition of the interior suggests Mother Nature has had direct access to it. When you find surface rust on the metal in the dashboard, you know things were not buttoned up. The top is power-operated, but its condition is questionable. The gauges in the dash all need repair, including replacing some cracked lenses. On the plus side, the seller is providing a nearly-new set of seats though the upholstery looks to be cream-colored rather than white.

This is an “A” code Mustang meaning it left the factory with a 289 cubic-inch V8 with the desirable 4-barrel carburetor, good for 225 hp. Add to that an automatic transmission, power steering and brakes, and a Rally Pack set, this was a well-equipped pony car. The motor is not stuck and will turn over, so that’s a positive note. The seller does not have keys to the car or the title, so the transaction will have to be completed with a Bill of Sale.

Comments

  1. Avatar David Galuhn

    Hmmm – No Keys or, Title? Exposed to the elements? The deterioration is just a tip of what we can’t see. $6,100 is just too much for this Paperweight.

    Like 7
  2. Avatar Dennis

    Looks pretty ratty for the price.

    Like 10
  3. Avatar ERIK

    Did buyers of such cars fail math class let alone never take an economic class? By all means every part is available for a vintage Mustang because there are zillions of the out there, but from the start the numbers quickly add up to a major negative sum when it comes to initial purchase price, parts, fabrication, body, paint, drivetrain, interior, upholstery, top, and on and on and on. Apparently there are still people with more money than brains out there or utilize easy credit at low rates to spend more without realizing in the end they still are way more in the red than in the black.

    Like 9
  4. Avatar david R

    Who would buy a car with no title?

    Like 5
  5. Avatar Johnmloghry

    Unfortunately this darling old car has been subjected to an unhealthy environment for far too many years. It’s a I don’t love this old car, so I’m just going to let it rot. It would take $30,000.00 or more to bring this one back. It’s a sad story, but it’s just not economically feasible. This is a case where money isn’t the issue, but rather just a love and desire to save this once beautiful car from the crusher.
    God bless America

    Like 7
  6. Avatar CCFisher

    With so much surface rust on the dash and interior surfaces, there’s no doubt that this thing sat outdoors with little or no protection for a long time. That rust running down the dash on either side of the radio came from water running through the dash pad. I bet this car is full of nasty, rusty surprises.

    Like 3
  7. Avatar Rustytech Member

    Sold for $6600, a little steep if you ask me. Somebody is going to have some buyers remorse.

    Like 6
  8. Avatar Bob

    Why on earth would someone pay $6600.00 for this rust bucket??? Talk about being upside down when finished??????

    Like 2
    • Avatar walter mcclurg

      Mopar morons pay $10,000-15,000 just 4 a Vin #tag & the whole car is rotted out [even in the frame], this is a deal !

      Like 1
  9. Avatar RICHARD WILLIAMS

    In my opinion this rust bucket isn’t even a parts car. A rust bucket is more like it. I feel sorry for the person that paid that kind of money. Total loss.

    Like 1

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