Practicality sits high on the list of desirable attributes when some enthusiasts seek a classic to park in their garage. This 1965 Ford Mustang ticks that box, courtesy of its bench front seat. It will accommodate six people, and its overall condition and mechanical health might make it an ideal daily driver for its new owner. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Mustang listed here on eBay in Gray Court, South Carolina. The seller recently dropped the price from $19,000 to $17,500, making this classic worth a closer look.
The initial response to the Mustang’s release must have made those at Ford’s World Headquarters smile, and this would have become a mile-wide grin in 1965 as 559,451 buyers gave the company’s latest model a new home. Ford had achieved a feat dreamed of by many manufacturers, with demand far outstripping supply. The first owner ordered this 1965 example in Springtime Yellow, with the seller confirming that it has undergone a restoration. The timeframe for this is unclear, but the car’s overall presentation suggests it has not suffered abuse since work ended. The paint shines nicely, the panels are straight, and there is no evidence or mention of the rust issues that often plague these classics. The trim and glass look respectable for a driver-grade vehicle, and the Mustang rolls on its original steelies, fitted with factory wheel covers.
The ’65 Mustang can’t be considered a rare vehicle, but this car’s first owner helped it to stand out by ordering it with a bench front seat. Only 14,905 buyers ticked that box on their Order Form, representing a take-up rate of a mere 0.026% of total sales during that model year. This car’s Black vinyl is in good condition, with only a few minor flaws on the driver’s seat to prevent perfection. The carpet is free from significant wear, and the dash and pad exhibit no significant problems. There are no aftermarket additions, with the new owner receiving air conditioning and an AM radio.
The first owner equipped this Mustang with a 289ci V8, teamed with a three-speed automatic transmission and power steering. As the C-Code variant of the 289, it delivered 200hp and 282 ft/lbs of torque, providing unbeatable performance for the sticker price. The seller states that this classic’s odometer shows 20,488, readily stating their belief that it has almost certainly rolled over. Potential buyers seeking a turnkey classic will potentially be drawn to this Mustang because it appears to be ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel. That makes it ideal for a spot of immediate summer cruising.
One of the factors behind the overwhelming success of the First Generation Mustang was Ford’s willingness to provide a car that suited virtually every taste and budget. It would have been easy to market the car as a niche model, but options like the bench front seat made the Mustang a viable alternative for buyers with a young family. This 1965 example isn’t perfect, but its condition makes the seller’s price look pretty competitive. Is that enough to tempt you to pursue this classic further, or doesn’t this beauty tick the right boxes for you?
We had a ’65 convertible show up in our High School auto body class. Needed most everything redone but what gave me pause was when the gas tank was removed. It was the actual floor of the trunk! That along with the filler being dead center above the tiny bumper. NO THANK YOU
Which is why when I was restoring my 68 fastback, we welded a panel in that hole and bolted the tank underneath it. Am guessing many folks do that
best
bt
IDK, the way the seats are stitched they kind of look like buckets anyway, but I can’t imagine anyone sitting in the middle. Where’s the shifter at?
I had a 66 with the bench seat when I was a kid and one night while cruising central I was pulled over for having to many people in the car (6) and when I pointed out that it was a bench seat the cop didn’t know what to say and left. Definitely not a comfortable ride on the hump but when you are a kid that doesn’t matter.
You can see the base of the shifter to the far left of picture #3. I never knew a bench was even available in a Mustang.
Interesting post, Thank you. And something new every day – this is the first time I’ve seen a mustang with the bench seat option, nice color tho’
I had a ’68 fastback, 302-4V, 4 speed, heavy duty suspension, with the bench seat. The Marti report said there were 32 built with the same paint/trim code (B code, royal maroon; 8A code, black knitted standard bench seat). Rare option, and girlfriend didn’t mind riding that center hump. (cough,cough)
.026% on that year’s production would be more like 150 units?
Correct – Adam’s math is off. For 15,000 of 559,000 you can say .026 or you can say 2.6%, but .026% would indeed be about 150 vehicles.
But this is a really nice find so a little math error can be forgiven :-).
Same color as my 67′ FB i sold in 1992 and same color as my fully restored 66′ Hardtop my kids bought me last year,289/auto, duel exhaust with factory air.
Had a ’68 Mustang this color, currently have a ’77 Cougar this color. I hate yellow.
Hahaha. I’m sorry buddy. Fate seems to think you need a little yellow in your life
I like it , except the automatic and bench seat. Suppose it would be easy to change the seat. Save it of course for the next owner in case they want to but it back. But kinda stuck with the tranny. At least with my degree of mechanical skill
Other way around for me. LOTS of standard-transmission conversions available for relatively cheap cost. The bench seat is rare and unusual, that’s the ‘keeper’ part in my value system.
I agree it’s rare. I certainly wouldn’t toss it. Just store and use factory buckets. If I could. Bench seats go in a Galaxie, maybe a fairlane or even falcon. Not a mustang. Just my humble opinion . other wise I love the original “basicness” of this one. Those are my favorite. Actually prefer a 200 6 and 3 speed coupe. With the steel wheels and spiner wheel covers