Apart from a solitary repaint and an aftermarket stereo, this 1965 Ford Mustang 2+2 Fastback could be considered a survivor with 59,000 miles on the clock. It has no rust issues, and with its minor cosmetic shortcomings addressed by its new owner, its presentation would be first-rate. However, since those issues are insignificant, they don’t require the buyer’s immediate attention. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Mustang listed here on Craigslist in Edmonds, Washington. The seller set their price at $37,500, although it appears that there may be room to move on that figure.
The seller is candid in their assessment of this Fastback. They admit that it was repainted in its original Candy Apple Red in the 1990s and now exhibits patina from age. I noted a dent in the driver’s side front fender, which isn’t severe. Addressing that shortcoming would be straightforward and would lift the appearance to a tidy driver standard. Perhaps this Fastback’s greatest strength rests in its rust-free status. Many First Generation Mustangs are victims of the dreaded tin worm, but this car has avoided such dramas. The trim and glass are in good condition, and the damage-prone wheel covers appear to be virtually perfect. So far, this Mustang looks to be a winner.
Lifting the hood reveals why the First Generation Mustang was such an enormous sales success. The engine bay houses the T-Code 200ci six, generating 120hp and 190 ft/lbs of torque. The first owner teamed the T-Code with a three-speed automatic transmission, choosing not to power-assist the steering or brakes. The mechanical specifications make it one of the least potent variants available in 1965, but also one of the most affordable. Buyers struggling to justify spending more than they typically would on something more mundane could buy into the Mustang lifestyle without breaking the bank. The seller doesn’t mention evidence verifying their mileage claim, but the Fastback’s overall condition makes it plausible. They state that the car runs, drives, and stops without revealing how well it performs any of those tasks. The indications are quite positive, but with many owners performing a V8 transplant on Mustangs of this type, I wonder if that fate may befall this car.
Trimmed in Black vinyl, this Mustang features a Sport Deck rear seat, a factory AM radio, and an underdash aftermarket stereo. If I were to mark it harshly, I would say that the slightly faded carpet might prompt the buyer to source a replacement carpet set to improve the overall appearance. The only other fault that the buyer may choose to address is the visible deterioration of the gauge fascia. This problem is common with age, but with reproduction fascias retailing for under $100, replacement would seem a no-brainer. Otherwise, it appears to have no urgent needs. The vinyl is excellent, with no wear, splits, or other problems. The rear seat plastic trim has avoided scratches that typically accumulate with age, and the dash is spotless.
Ford hit a sweet spot with its First Generation Mustang, selling 559,451 vehicles during the 1965 model year. The tally would climb significantly higher in 1966 as the buying public warmly embraced a car that perfectly combined stunning styling with affordability. That means that this 1965 Mustang 2+2 Fastback isn’t rare, which may prompt the new owner to replace its existing six with a more potent V8. If the buyer pursues that path, they wouldn’t be the first to do so. Although I prefer originality, I understand the lure of extra power and torque. Do you think this Fastback will remain unmolested, or will a new motor form part of its future?
Nicely written up on an interesting car. I think it’s value would not be helped by ditching originality and changing engines.
If the 200 generated 120 HP gross, what was the net figure? Squirrels in a cage level?
Nice ‘stang, I would leave it exactly as it is!
Having owned a ’65 with 6 cylinder and 3 speed, and a ’67 with a 390 auto, i have to say the 390 was a 1000% more fun. I’m not sure this one, in original form, will ever appreciate to large dollar value, so i’d opt to make it more enjoyable to drive. A 250hp 289 would be a game changer.