- Seller: Karl S
- Location: Nevada City, California
- Mileage: 79,800 Shown
- Chassis #: 5F09A318634
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 289
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
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. Its excellent mechanical health, tidy interior, and the owner’s decision to retain the original mechanical parts that were removed are the icing on the cake. 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.
Bid On This Auction
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.
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.
Just because it may be from California doesn’t mean it has no rust.
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.