- Seller: Karl S
- Location: Nevada City, California
- Mileage: 79,800 Shown
- Chassis #: 5F09A318634
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 289
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
UPDATE: A video of the engine starting and running has been added.
UPDATE: The seller has provided videos showing a closer look at the underside of the car and water being poured into the cowl. Additional photos have also been added to the photo gallery. And they would like to clarify that they have owned this car since 1997!
First Generation Mustangs from certain areas will always command plenty of attention from potential buyers. This 1965 2+2 Fastback ticks the desirability box because not only is it one of the earliest examples of the Fastback to roll off the line, but it has spent its life in California. That makes its rust-free status unsurprising. It also features engine upgrades that will unlock additional performance. It requires a cosmetic restoration, but with no significant issues, that process will be straightforward. The owner feels it deserves that chance to really shine, listing the Fastback with us at Barn Finds Auction so it can find a new home.
This Mustang rolled off the production line in November 1964 and retains its original paint and trim combination of Raven Black and Red. The paint holds a decent shine from a distance, although the close-up shots included in the image gallery reveal a selection of cracks and imperfections. These aren’t signs of deeper issues but result from poor preparation by a paint shop that performed a refresh. Stripping away the problems could be easy for someone wishing to be hands-on, with the process costing more time than money. What the winning bidder won’t face is a mountain of rust repairs. This beauty is said to be rock-solid, with any corrosion restricted to the non-penetrating surface variety. The owner admits a couple of surfaces contain Bondo, but since it is no deeper than ⅛” anywhere, it doesn’t represent a significant problem. The glass and trim look excellent for a new owner planning a driver-grade restoration, and although the wheels are a later addition, they suit this classic’s character perfectly. Returning the exterior to its former glory should be easy and inexpensive.
The first owner ordered this Mustang powered by the A-Code 289ci V8 that produced 225hp and 305 ft/lbs of torque. They selected a four-speed Top-Loader manual to perform shifting duties, with that combination offering excellent performance. The V8 occupying this Fastback’s engine bay is still a 289, wearing cylinder heads from a 302. It inhales deeply through a Summit 650cfm four-barrel carburetor, and the breathing improvements should have unlocked additional ponies. The owner recently rebuilt the original Top-Loader, with the Mustang also featuring front disc brakes, rear air shocks, ’64 Falcon Wagon adjustable strut bars, and a rear sway bar. It is worth noting that any removed original components have been retained and will be included for those planning on a return to its factory specifications. The hard work and expense are justified, with this Ford running and driving perfectly. The motor is strong, and potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition that will provide immediate motoring enjoyment.
There is something undeniably classy about combining Raven Black paint with Red interior trim. That is the case with this Mustang, with the interior having very few needs. The dash pad has cracked, and there are minor carpet marks that would respond to a deep clean. Otherwise, there is no evidence of wear or abuse, and nothing preventing the winning bidder from enjoying this classic immediately. The interior is also the location of this car’s only structural change. The owner lowered and moved the seat towers back 1″ for improved legroom. As with any other changes, reversing this shouldn’t pose many challenges. The first owner didn’t go overboard with factory options, but by selecting “Rally-Pac” gauges, they ensured the interior ticked the right boxes for most enthusiasts.
One of the greatest battles facing enthusiasts seeking a First Generation Mustang project is locating one that isn’t riddled with rust. That is one characteristic that makes this 1965 2+2 Fastback so attractive. The icing on the cake is its excellent mechanical health, tidy interior, and the owner’s decision to retain the original mechanical parts that were removed. Returning this Mustang to its former glory represents an entertaining and productive way to occupy the upcoming winter months. The process should be straightforward, so this classic deserves a closer look.
UPDATE: The seller has added a photo of where the water is dripping into the interior. They believe it’s a bad gasket on the wiper arm.
Bid On This Auction
Vtown bid $26,350.00 2024-10-03 11:59:23
Hotrodtodd bid $24,000.00 2024-10-03 11:57:19
hotrod75 bid $22,500.00 2024-10-03 11:47:46- Hotrodtodd bid $22,000.00 2024-10-03 10:58:23
- hotrod75 bid $20,000.00 2024-10-03 08:10:06
Admiral bid $18,750.00 2024-10-02 23:40:53
Steve bid $17,775.00 2024-10-02 21:42:33- Admiral bid $17,525.00 2024-10-02 20:31:43
RJsox bid $17,275.00 2024-10-02 19:35:59
Cruz38man bid $17,025.00 2024-10-02 19:34:04
Jeff C. bid $16,775.00 2024-10-02 19:04:14- RJsox bid $16,500.00 2024-10-02 18:24:05
- Cruz38man bid $16,250.00 2024-10-02 18:10:01
- hotrod75 bid $16,000.00 2024-10-01 10:39:03
Teday55 bid $15,250.00 2024-10-01 09:54:21- Admiral bid $15,000.00 2024-10-01 09:21:41
It's mine bid $14,250.00 2024-10-01 09:18:31- Admiral bid $14,000.00 2024-10-01 08:42:06
- Teday55 bid $13,750.00 2024-10-01 07:59:38
- Admiral bid $13,500.00 2024-10-01 00:38:52
- Teday55 bid $12,250.00 2024-09-30 16:29:41
Alexander1 bid $12,000.00 2024-09-30 15:52:38- Teday55 bid $11,000.00 2024-09-30 13:03:22
Alt Deutschlander bid $10,750.00 2024-09-30 11:05:24- Teday55 bid $10,500.00 2024-09-29 12:43:26
- Steve bid $10,250.00 2024-09-28 21:54:34
- Teday55 bid $10,000.00 2024-09-28 00:21:26
Mfb65 bid $9,750.00 2024-09-27 23:08:16- Steve bid $9,500.00 2024-09-27 21:47:56
- Teday55 bid $9,250.00 2024-09-27 16:59:23
ddh2153 bid $9,000.00 2024-09-27 16:15:38
CDC bid $7,500.00 2024-09-27 14:14:37- Teday55 bid $6,755.00 2024-09-27 11:17:28
- Steve bid $6,500.00 2024-09-27 11:12:19
- Teday55 bid $5,250.00 2024-09-27 11:06:05
- Steve bid $5,000.00 2024-09-27 09:14:56
- Teday55 bid $4,250.00 2024-09-27 09:13:59
- Steve bid $4,000.00 2024-09-27 09:09:38
- Teday55 bid $1,000.00 2024-09-26 17:03:22
1. There was no manufacturing done in San Diego. Maybe that was the DSO.
2. Air shocks have got to go.
3. It appears to be missing the front crossmember in the under-engine pic.
If there truly is no structural rust, I’d be all over this if I had space.
BF: “…it has spent its life in California.”
Maybe not. The white license plates are of around 1995-96 vintage and are not indicative of a car that has spent its life in CA. A 1965 California car would have had black plates originally and those plates typically would have stayed with the car when it was resold if it remained within the state. In CA the plates stay with the car on resale. The exception would be if the originals were replaced by personalized plates at some point (many years later; no personalized plates in ’65) and the owner wanted to keep the personalized plates when the car was sold. In that case new plates would be issued to the new owner.
Thanks for addressing one my pet peeves with cars stating they’ve always been in California!!! Then where are your black plates??!!!
By 1965 the black plates were starting with “S” and “T”. You’re right, those are late ’90’s CA plates.
Be better if the owner just gave a bit of history. BF gives sellers a lot of space to tell their story.
It’s easy to lose original plates. I have a 70 Nova that sat in the owners garage for over 7 years until it dropped out of the DMV’s computer. When it was re-registered the DMV wouldn’t let them use the original plates even though they were still on the car. They came with the car when I bought it and still have them but can’t get them reissued. If someone ever had personal plates and the old owner kept them or the new owner didn’t want them the DMV issued you new plates. Same goes if one of the original plates was ever lost it damaged, the DMV issued new plates for that too.
The car may or may not originally be from California, but the plate, by itself isn’t proof of anything.
Steve R
I bought a ’68 Triumph in 1980 that never left California. It wasn’t running and hadn’t been registered in several years. It only had a rear plate, so DMV made me get two, new, blue plates.
No black plates means nothing, other than it’s probably not the original owner.
I have the original black/gold plate. DMV issued me a new one assuring me I could come back in and use the old one. Then they said I couldn’t use the old plate anymore when I went back in.
You could have insisted, its a classic! You get a different answer at every DMV.
They prefer us to use the reflectorized plate but NOT mandatory.
I have gone through the hassle of getting black plates back on some of my cars. The car I am having problems getting it done with left California for 2 years and now back in California but they will not let me put the plates back on that match 58 years of registration?
I bought a black plate CA car years ago, shipped it to TX and still use the plate when photographing my projects for sale (sometimes out of necessity as that area of the car often has the most well-preserved, original paint and can be distracting). I adorn my garage with classic plates but leave this one on a car while working on it because it gives me flashbacks of where I used to call home. No personalized ’65 CA plates but I knew a guy who went to the DMV, asked how many more plates until his initials and engine size was issued, then showed up and got it.
If I were bidding, I would be wary of the “rust-free status.” You can actually see some penetration in some of the undercarriage shots. Additionally, it’s wearing a cowl cap, which suggests that water is leaking into the cabin through the cowl. Since the inner cowl area was unpainted, even cars that are otherwise rust free can have major issues in the cowl.
It’s a removable cap that keeps the debris out and makes it so it’s re-circulate mode with the heater.
That’s one use for the cowl cap. As I indicated, they were also used to keep your feet from getting wet once the cowl rusted through. I’ll also point out that with the cap on, it’s difficult to know if there’s rust in the cowl, since you can’t see it and there’s no water getting in. If it’s truly rust-free, you might want to remove that cap to eliminate the question.
There is absolutely no “penetration” surface rust only
Just because it may be from California doesn’t mean it has no rust.
I thought you were dead? :)
That was my great great grandfather, Arch Stanton Ist.
Be helpful if there were photos of the engine bay, VIN on the fender apron, or of the data plate on the door.
The seller is going to take photos of the engine and the data plates. We will add them to the auction as soon as they send them over!
This Mustang has rust, it just isn’t as readily apparent as some are. For one, it has been repainted, and the preparation process was substandard. That means it will be a complete strip, and this is where the fun begins.
If the money is right on the sale, the buyer may do well. But if said buyer wants this to return to the days of yore condition wise, that’s going to be a major outlay of cash. The prior comment about the cowl in indeed valid.
That rght quarter panel shows more than 1/8 inch of nutty putty..like restoring an-old house, when you open-it up a plethora of issuesare revealed.
Posting pics with pennys in that area for reference.
The International truck auction that ended yesterday should be used as an example for other sellers presentations. They didn’t have videos, which I feel should be an absolute requirement (who bids on or even buys a vehicle without seeing it run or drive?!), but plenty of great photos. That needs to happen here, espdcially of the undercarriage, along with a video showing a hose running into the cowl to quell any rusty cowl concerns. If solid, the water will run out the bottoms of the fenders and if not there will be a sopping wet carpet. A mustang fastback at no reserve could be a good opportunity, but you should still know exactly what you’re getting, or it potentially won’t be.
As requested, the seller has added videos of the underside and of water going into the cowl.
Yep….coastal car will always have rust….it’s a beach man…..
How far inland do you consider coastal?
I’ve lived my entire life in the SF Bay Area, on the peninsula south of San Francisco, there are many areas within a mile of the ocean where rust isn’t an issue. Rust isn’t an issue within feet of the bay itself.
Steve R
Sorry I upset you Steve…..I guess LA is different…..
Cowl vent is rotten, judging by the cover over it. That’s a very expensive and involved repair. You have to remove the hood, fenders and windshield, and drill out 250 spot welds to get at it to repair it.
And if that’s rusty, then there’s a good chance that the floor is too because that’s where the water goes.
No, this is a rust bucket that’s already overpriced. The more the ad tries to assure me otherwise, the red flags wave more vigorously.
The seller has provided video of the underside and of water being poured into the cowl. The water exits through the drains, as it should, and doesn’t appear to be entering the interior.
It is. The seller shows the wet spot on the carpet on the trans tunnel. Water drips can be seen at 1:25 and 1:45. It’s probably minor and if it were my car I’d just leave the cover over the vent and call it a day.
A couple of things…the DSO on the door tag is Washington, I assume that is Washington DC, all other DSO’s are cities, so must be.
The description states that the engine block is “still” a 289 with 302 heads, no problem with that but is it the original numbers matching 289 block?
A video would be fantastic but I understand it’s not always that easy to do, depending on the cars location.
So much negativity in the comments, can imagine seller has 0 fun listing a car this way..|
Seller is making quite some effort showing all these ‘know it all’ s wrong about rusty cowl vent, rust problems, etc
If you don’t like the car don’t buy or bid and just move on to the next car to whine about
Proclaiming matter of factly that the cowl IS rotten just because it has a cover on it, along with the other words in that particular comment is indeed negative and uncalled for. Barn Finds needs to bring back the flag comment feature.
ASKING for video to show it’s
functionality, however, and for any additional videos, photos or info of a 60 year old car is completely reasonable.
As far as the cowl area goes, there is a rust perforation issue because the video shows water dripping on the floor under the dash, in front of the shifter, about in line with the accelerator pedal top edge. There is a dark mark in the carpet and the drips hit about the center of that, with water droplets reflecting light on the surface of the carpet.
While this may not be a deal breaker, it does indeed show that water does come in through the cowl area, and it will require repair in the future.
Indeed. I think I would just leave the cover over the vent and drive it as is.
The seller has provided a photo of where it’s dripping.
It’s just the gasket
Great buy at 16 k.
Common exposure rust, but nothing that can’t be handled. You gotta start somewhere.
California and other license plates get retired and kept, or replaced by DMVs when ownership is transferred from sellers, to buyers and next owners, so that’s a weak argument. At $16-$18k this Fastback is priced very well. Haven’t looked at videos of water poured thru the cowls. And yes Cowl replacement can be pretty, costly. Glad it is in California.
Just wanna say, kudos to the seller! A great job of addressing potential buyers concerns and shutting down the negative comments. Thank you!
At least the seller was honest enough to bring up concerns about water intrusion into the cowl area. Pretty common problems with first Gen Mustangs. Before Mustangs Unlimited went belly up, they sold pretty decent, cowl covers to prevent future leakage. I think CJ Pony parts still sells them now.