Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

A Unicorn? 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback

Ford built about 560K Mustangs in ’65 and another 120K or so that were referred to as ‘64.5s even though they’re ’65s for titling purposes. And of that total, it would seem that we’ve covered every one of them that’s still in existence. I don’t know what that says exactly other than that’s a lot of Mustangs. So, let me pile on with another, this one’s a Fastback 2+2 and it caught my attention due to its original and not modified, or messed with, bearing. Listed as a “Barn Find” which is later admitted to actually being a driveway find, this C-code pony is located in Peoria, Illinois, and is available, here on craigslist for $28,000.

The seller suggests that this Fastback 2+2 is a unicorn but there doesn’t seem to be anything of legendary fantasy about it as it’s one of 77K fastbacks assembled in ’65, and it possesses the base V8 engine and an automatic transmission. It’s a nice find in that it’s original and not modified, and other than a faded, peeling, and dirty finish, it still looks fair. The seller mentions the presence of some underside surface rust but there doesn’t appear to be anything seriously corrosive going on. He further mentions, “planning on doing a Resto-Mod Coyote and Turbo conversion but got so much backlash on do not butcher a stock car…” Good move! The only non-factory aspect that I can denote is the installation of Cragar S/S wheels and they are certainly period-correct.

The 200 gross HP, 289 CI “Challenger” C-code V8 engine is a non-runner though it is stated that it does turnover by hand – good to know. It appears to be an untouched, and original, Windsor powerplant absent the incongruous yellow spark plug wires. An automatic transmission makes the rear wheel hook up.

This Mustang’s brightest spot may be it;’s interior. It’s a black vinyl-clad environment and is in nice shape – it regals in its sixties simplicity. I’m looking for a problem but don’t see one. This is an A/C equipped car but the belt is off the compressor so I’d assume it’s a no-go in the cold air department. The seller mentions that he has a clutch/brake pedal assembly for the previously considered conversion to manual shift status.

Like movies and novels, I tend to think that the first iteration is the best as something is frequently lost in sequels. This Mustang is rather decent as is, assuming that the finish and non-running status isn’t a deal breaker. What does jam a wrench in the works is the price, $28,000? I’m not feeling it, how about you?

Comments

  1. DA

    This was on BF previously, I distinctly remember the yellow cord on the ground and a woman in the pictures. No, it is not worth $28,000, but it looks “better” than the white I6 listed.

    Like 11
  2. GT500

    There is nothing “unicorn” about it. It is a standard C-code fastback, no it is not worth $28k. Also, it is not a “AX equipped” car, definitely aftermarket.

    Like 14
    • Michael Freeman Michael Freeman Member

      Yep, A/C compressor should be, I believe, on the driver’s side. The power steering pump had a longer neck too if it came with air.

      Like 6
      • Mitch F

        That A/C system is an aftermarket, Sears or Montgomery Ward? My grandfather has a bunch of various ’60s Ford parts stored in his old milk house, including a similar aftermarket A/C he had taken off a full-size Ford.

        Like 0
  3. Tiberius1701

    It does need a replacement dash pad, but they are relatively inexpensive.

    Like 4
    • Shuttle Guy Shuttle Guy Member

      Like everything it’s the cost of labor that kills a guy. (unless you’re a DIY’er)

      Like 1
      • Midway

        You are absolutely right I put 400 hrs in My 68 f250, this will need 3K under the hood plus 10K body paint will be worth maybe 40K

        Like 2
  4. RMac

    The photos are date stamped October 2021?
    Nice base car to restore but double what it’s worth in the condition it’s in

    Like 8
  5. Davey Boy

    The wheels are actually Keystone Raiders. Paint it. Repair the drivetrain and make sure it stops. Make the air work just because. A new dash pad and drive it. Maybe a 4 barrel carburetor and some horsepower parts inside the motor just for fun. Make sure the rear end will handle the new hp. Oh and most of all. Only pay half. Unless this is running and driving it’s just not worth what they’re asking. But then someone will probably “PONY” up 😆 Just had to throw that in. GLWTS!

    Like 21
    • bobhess bobhess Member

      Perfect summation Davey Boy.

      Like 8
    • Timothy Vose

      Ha! Pony up!

      Like 6
    • jim

      You will need traction bars these wheel hop like crazy without them

      Like 5
  6. David

    I do like mustangs, drove one in high school, the front ends are not very good, floaty, and can take a lot of money to fix. I agree with the others, not a 28k car, the seller is dreaming

    Like 16
  7. BillB

    It will be well worth his time and effort to at least get it running since it turns by hand to begin with. Underneath pics needed as well.

    Like 7
  8. Bud Lee

    Yep it’s another Mustang.

    Like 4
  9. Chris

    My “65” 2+2 fastback has a Gen light and I have the generator 😂

    Like 1
  10. 19Tiger65

    $28k? This is another pipe dream. What is going on with the collector car hobby? Maybe half at best considering the money to get back in descent shape.

    Like 16
    • RexFox Member

      Well, someone paid $21,000 for a stripper 2 wheel drive Isuzu pickup on BaT yesterday, if that tells you anything. The bidders had their reasons, but still, $21k?

      Like 4
      • Eric B

        “Bring Another Thousand”. Love BaT, but also don’t love what it’s become. I’ve been on there for about 12 years, before deep pockets and flippers who see the classic car market as a fun game infiltrated it. Everything good eventually changes or ends, unfortunately.

        This pony would certainly get it’s asking price on there. The other interesting thing to consider on that site is when you see the final sale price, you also have to track on the 5% buyers fee and the expense of getting it home if you’re not local.

        Like 1
  11. mainlymuscle

    Sorry to burst your pre-historic bubbles , but rust bucket fastbacks sell for
    $15K everyday .If the corrosion is indeed limited to “surface ” ,he’s not far off.

    Like 6
    • Eric B

      Exactly. It’s almost always the same comments every time regarding mustang prices. There is also the fact that this is a private sale, not an auction so you can haggle some.

      The market is certainly ridiculous, but that’s what sets prices and not what a random person thinks it’s worth. I only wish I could buy it for 12. Maybe 20 years ago.

      Like 4
  12. jim

    I would say its worth 12 max engine is froze up and to restore correctly would cost dearly

    Like 4
    • Jake

      According to the article the engine turns by hand.

      Like 5
      • Ed

        Yes, but reading is a skill not everyone has these days.

        Like 2
    • Eric B

      Exactly. It’s almost always the same comments every time regarding mustang prices. There is also the fact that this is a private sale, not an auction so you can haggle some.

      The market is certainly ridiculous, but that’s what sets prices and not what a random person thinks it’s worth. I only wish I could buy it for 12. Maybe 20 years ago.

      Like 0
      • Dusty Rider

        You can say that again…

        Like 0
  13. Kurt Meyer

    I love classic cars, but I don’t have deep pockets so I’ve had to be frugal in making any purchase. Finally bought a rust free C 3 Vette in almost showroom condition last fall (took me over a year to find it and only $20,000 or $8,000 less than the asking price for this Mustang. My new purchase is now a Sunday driver only, resides in a garage with a dust cover and runs as smooth as a Swiss watch. My point here is to be as knowledgeable as possible by looking at many offerings over time and knowing a good deal when you see one. Every once in awhile you’ll find a gold nugget.

    Like 8
    • Gary James Lehman

      Rust-free Corvette–go figure.

      Like 4
      • RMac

        Gary James Lehman did you respond to the right barn find? this is a mustang not corvette and besides that rusted frames and birdcages are notorious on corvette’s

        Like 2
      • Gary James Lehman

        I am referring to Kurt Meyer above who said he purchased a rust free Corvette

        Like 6
      • Ed

        Frames rust, so do the birdcage on a Corvette. I own and have owned many. First thing I look at as my 63 split with a rusty birdcage was a pain to fix. Hey, but you do you with the unnecessary uneducated snarkiness.

        Like 3
  14. Gerald Derenberger

    Growing up my sister had a ’65 Fastback and my mom had a ’67 convertible . Fun times when I could talk one of them into leanding me their car, usually my mom. lol

    Like 5
  15. Jody R Dudley

    Very Early Fastback with the Eaton Power Steering Pump ! Would love to know the Build date /Def early !!
    Have the Sister car to it /Build date 10/13/64 Ford started building them Late August /Then had a shut down then resumed (was told a strike) I was only six so may be wrong As for the AC/ Mine had Ford AC The Original Owner had some much trouble with it /She Got Sears to do a unit /Which worked good until I restored it 2010 /Went back with all Ford /One note Mine had Cast Iron Crank and Water Pump Pullies that I thought were wrong Changed to steel Then found out the Cast ones were very early and rare ?? Showed it a couple of times No body noticed ?? Thanks

    Like 4
  16. Jackie R. Hollingsworth

    Sellers of cars like this have have watched too much Barrett-Jackson.I don’t know what they think they have.

    Like 5
  17. Glenn Mitchell Griffith

    I agree with you 100% . They all think they have the gold at the end of the rainbow.

    Like 1
  18. scottymac

    I can see the hinge for the fold down rear seat, but where are the seat latches? IIRC, when I put one in my ’68, the fiberglass side panels had to be changed out because the toggles came through them.

    Like 0
  19. Dwayne Wilson

    I bought one of those straight off the show room floor, think it was around $3500.

    Like 2
  20. stillrunners stillrunners Member

    Sorry…I was wrong again…..I said a million Mustangs I thought the first year when actually it was a little over a million for the first body style of 1965/66.

    That said this looks like my old Stang that was stolen twice but had a three speed in the floor and a white inside. Sold it after getting it back and after I but a 351/3sp back in it…..running driving with extra 8″ posi and disk brake set up for $8500 back in….don’t remember think it was the 90’s but it did help me buy a 1939 Ford coupe which is what I really wanted.

    This might be high but that’s a flipper for ya….new wheels is like red paint….

    Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.