If you’re looking for an early Ford Mustang to drive with some TLC or to restore back to its former glory, could this be the one? We suspect it was a barn find because of the combination of parts that have been replaced, and it has a 289 cubic inch V8 sporting some bling. Located with a dealer in Dallas, Texas, the faded “pony car” is available here on eBay, where the current bid is only $1,025. That’s not enough to trigger the reserve, so who knows if this deal will be a bargain or not.
We all know the success story that was the 1960s Ford Mustang. Based on the compact Falcon, the sporty Mustang debuted at the New York World’s Fair in April 1964. It was an instant hit, and people were reportedly camping out at Ford dealers to buy one. Fast forward to the end of the 1966 model year, and Ford had delivered 1.3 million Mustangs in about 30 months. A lot of overtime pay must have been pocketed by assembly line workers in 1965! The seller has a ’65 example with what may be left of original Poppy Red paint and a two-tone interior.
The history of this pony is not divulged, but we assume the C-code 289 (2-barrel) is original at 55,000 miles. With an automatic tranny, we surmise the little car runs, but the seller doesn’t choose to use those words. As the gas tank, fuel sending unit, fuel pump, carburetor, alternator, and battery are all new, it should be functional. It also appears to be complete, so it could soon be a driver (how about the tires?).
While the paint is well-used, the body looks good, and some repair work may have been done above the driver’s side rear wheel well. The interior is odd (to me) in that the seats are black and the rest of the passenger compartment is red. I didn’t know Ford did mlx-and-match interiors on Mustangs in those days. The interior of my ’66 was all-black. As a sales inducement, the seller is offering free shipping anywhere in the Continental U.S. A tempting project indeed!
When I was buying my first car, my choices came down to a 65 Mustang much like this one, or a 65 F-85 2dr post with 330 4bbl and factory dual exhaust. Both had about 60,000 miles and either one was $500. I chose the F-85. A good friend of mine ended up buying the Mustang, and if my memory is correct its interior was as pictured. The metal surfaces were red like the exterior, and the upholstered carpeted surfaces were black. However, I grant it has been over 50 years ago.
Wow JW, about 50 years ago I bought a ’65 Cutlass with a 330 4bbl, 4spd, as my first (running) car. I got in to Mustangs before I got out of high school, but I miss that Cutlass.
My F-85 was burdened with a two speed automatic, but was still quite fast if you could launch without sending one rear tire up in smoke.
I think we all miss our first, but I don’t miss mine as much as the 67 RS/SS 350 Camaro that came about 4 cars and trucks later.
It needs more than just paint – look closer. I agree the interior looks goofy, and I don’t ever remember two tone interiors such as this is. 1966 fuel cap, both bumpers are bent and the headlight surrounds do not line up. Who broke off the crossbars? Dents, dings, scratches… but how is it underneath? Definitely need to see the floor pans. Could be a good buy depending on the reserve
My Dad had one exactly like this 3-speed manual and it sat mostly even though it ran but it needed a battery but before school my buddies would push me to pop the clutch and we’d joy ride some before school. I was 12
Now at 6K + and still below reserve.
Ended, $9300.00, Reserve not met. How surprising.