BF Auction: 1965 Ford Mustang

• Seller: Joe P reston
• Location: Perkins, Oklahoma
• Mileage: 61,365 Shown
• Chassis #: 5R07T222027
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 6-Cylinder
• Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic

UPDATE – The seller has lowered their reserve!

Some cars appear on the market, barely creating a ripple. They will then disappear and aren’t even a distant memory. However, Ford’s First Generation Mustang rewrote the rule book. It created a sensation upon its release, and these classics are more desirable today than when Ford struggled to meet the initial demand. Our feature car is a 1965 Mustang with many positive attributes. It is a two-owner survivor with a genuine 61,365 miles on its odometer. It is rock-solid, and its overall condition makes preservation a viable option. The current owner feels the time has come for someone to experience the same pleasure that he has gained from this gem. Therefore, he has listed the Mustang exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

Ford struck a chord with buyers when it released the Mustang, with 559,451 people taking one home in 1965. It is incredible to consider that as impressive as that figure seems, it would be eclipsed in 1966. Our feature car rolled off the line in 1965, with the first owner ordering it in Wimbledon White. They remained its custodian until 2007, when it came under the care of its current owner. As an unrestored classic with fifty-nine years under its belt, it would be unfair to expect automotive perfection. However, as a survivor-grade vehicle, it is impressive. The original paint retains a pleasing shine, but it shows age in various locations. There are also a few panel bumps and bruises that have accumulated as its owners enjoyed the car as its creators intended. Performing a cosmetic refresh to return this gem to its former glory would seem an obvious step, but there is another alternative worth considering. The owner’s comprehensive series of photos in the gallery below show the Mustang devoid of the rust issues that often plague these cars. The lower extremities, floors, and torque boxes are rock-solid. Its overall presentation is tidy and free from major problems. Therefore, preserving this car’s survivor status is a viable option. It would command respect wherever the new owner takes it in its current form. The trim is very presentable for a classic of this vintage, and there are no significant issues with the tinted glass.

Lifting the hood reveals a large part of the secret to the Mustang’s success. Its styling was stunning, and people clamored to own one. However, it was challenging for some to justify the expense of such a purchase. Ford’s answer was to release its latest sensation with a six-cylinder powerplant occupying the engine bay. That allowed those who longed to buy into the Mustang lifestyle an affordable path to do so. This classic’s first owner teamed the 200ci T-Code motor with a three-speed automatic transmission. The six produces 120hp and 190 ft/lbs of torque, providing performance that virtually mimicked the more pedestrian Falcon Futura. The owner confirms that this Mustang has a genuine 61,365 miles showing on its odometer and that it is in excellent mechanical health. The video below includes a cold start-up and shows the Mustang in action. It springs to life immediately, running and driving exceptionally well. Potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition.

This Mustang’s interior gets a big thumbs-up from me, featuring beautiful Green and White pony trim. The upholstered surfaces are like new, and their condition is great. The paint looks surprisingly good for its age, with only a couple of minor wear spots. The only other issue worth noting is the cracked dashpad. The winning bidder could conceal the fault with a cover, but with high-quality reproduction pads retailing for under $250, a car of this caliber deserves nothing less than a replacement. The wood-rimmed wheel looks classy against the pony trim, and the retro-style radio relieves boredom on long journeys.

It is fair to say that for decades enthusiasts largely ignored First Generation Mustangs with a six under the hood. The only time they were interested was if they sought a base for a custom V8-powered build. However, these cars have come into their own recently as enthusiasts recognize the important role they played in the badge’s success. This 1965 Mustang is a genuine survivor with a known history and a low odometer reading. The winning bidder could choose between preservation and restoration because both approaches are valid. If you have long yearned for a first-generation Mustang to park in your garage, submitting a bid could make your dream a reality. After all, survivors of this caliber don’t come along every day.

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