From its introduction in April 1964, the Ford Mustang would become the hottest new car of the mid-1960s. They would sell nearly 1.3 million copies by the time the books closed on the 1966 model year. The seller’s nice (though imperfect) ’65 ‘Stang is the fastback edition, which may be the most sought-after body style 60 years later. Located with a dealer in Los Angeles, California, this apparent survivor is available here on eBay, where you’ll have to do better than $19,000 to crack the seller’s reserve.
When the so-called “1964 ½” Mustangs went on sale in mid-1964, only coupes and convertibles were offered. It wasn’t until the beginning of the official 1965 model year in the Fall that the fastback became available. When the curtain closed on “1965”, 680,000 Mustangs had already found homes, 77,000 of them being the swoopy new fastback like the seller’s car. This one sports what is probably Rangoon Red paint, though faded and chipped over the years.
This Ford has what was probably the best-selling Mustang engine of the period, a C-Code 289 cubic-inch V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor. The factory rating was 200 hp, ample power for a light automobile such as this. Though we’re told it drives well enough, there is a little lifter noise to be sorted out (perhaps from sitting?). The seller provides two odometer readings, 77,318 miles and 51,857, so which is it?
Rust seems to be limited to below the rear glass, and the rest of the sheet metal and chassis look clean. The black interior appears tidy, though the upholstery seems a little stretched in places. This Ford was treated to many options, including an automatic transmission, power steering and front disc brakes, and Rallye wheels. If the buyer is from California, they’ll get to use the CA “black plates” that date way back. Overall, a very nice ‘Stang that could be mostly original.
Nice car. Would be tempted to put a 4 or 5 speed manual box in it but as Russ said, either way it should be Fastback Fun.
One brake pedal pad, without disc brake trim/logo, $10.99 please.
Respray in resale red? Overspray over the white paint in the engine bay.
Definitely been resprayed, door striker has paint on it. Looks like a tow guy put his hook into the floor pan. I’m not seeing a survivor here.
What about the ’64 Ford pickup beside it?
I must add air conditioning to the options list that this car has. Altough in the engine bay I do not see compressor
It appears to have an aluminum intake which was not stock on a “C” code. That makes me wonder about the “lifter noise” comment as well. If the manifold (or engine) has been swapped I wonder if somehow it ended up with a solid lifter cam as well? It would be interesting to hear it run.
Missing the trunk lock cylinder and it has dual exhaust (fairly recently) Aftermarket intake. I think the engine ticking noise maybe the result of some “over” spirited driving. Old engines with new go fast parts means recent “too much fun”! Still a solid fastback Mustang. Current bid of $25k is about Tops to my thinking.
Beware that lifter noise is probably a bad risk pin on a piston. I bought a nice 66 and was told had a bad lifter. Was not.
sucks that any out of state buyers have to pay those ridiculous California fees. stick to a buyer anyway they can
Auction ended 8/12/2025 with a high bid of $25,600, did not meet reserve.
Steve R
Not surprising it didn’t sell. The more looking, the more is missing. A sloppy – and now crazed – paint job raises the stakes on refinishing, and the rust rot around the rear window is likely worse underneath. Where is the air conditioning system? Accelerator pedal, brake pedal, truck lock cylinder, all missing, along with the floor plugs; why are they gone? Where are the hood letters, and why didn’t somebody take the time to realign the grille bars?