I wrote earlier this month about standing out from the crowd in a seemingly bottomless sea of first-generation Mustangs. This one may be less of a standout, but still in the more unique pool, nonetheless. This 1965 Ford Mustang was sent in by a Barn Finds reader who found it here on eBay in Marion, Indiana. Just 2 bids have been tendered and with the current bid price at $20,100, the reserve has not been met.
To say the 1965 Mustang was well received may be considered an understatement. There were well over a half-million Mustangs built for 1965, with roughly 2 out of 3 being the hardtop version as seen here. For engine options, the petite 170 cubic-inch straight-six was the entry level for the early 65s (1964½ to some), but at the top of that list was the K-Code 289 cubic-inch 271HP V8 as in this one.
The seller describes this Mustang as an unrestored “solid southern car.” There are two small rust holes noted, but overall, it looks decent for 55 years old. The paint is faded everywhere and there’s some paint peel too. Chrome doesn’t appear to be bright but looks all present. The vinyl roof looks ok from 10 feet. Standard wheel covers with spinners are wrapped with whitewall tires. Here’s some advice you didn’t ask for – my brother has owned two 1965 Mustangs and both were victims of significant hidden corrosion, so a thorough inspection should be in order.
The blue interior also looks decent. It could use a thorough cleaning and a carpet replacement, but the blue vinyl seats and door panels, although showing surface wear, look ready for driver use. Painted interior surfaces appear to show age.
Under the hood is what makes this 1965 Mustang stand out from others – it is equipped with the K-Code 289 cubic-inch 271HP V8. The seller has recently completed some work to the drivetrain, including “new gas tank, new heater core with blower motor, all hoses and belt, six blade water pump…date correct fuel pump…correct 4100 carburetor…ignition switch, correct radiator shroud.” Power is sent to the rear wheels by a 4-speed manual transmission with a shifter mounted in a full-length center console. Those looking for a driver may need not look further, as the seller does drive this occasionally, so it seems to be up to the task.
The K-Code equipped first generation Mustangs certainly have widespread appeal. This one being all original adds to that. I’d personally do an in-person inspection or request some detailed photos, but if you’re in the market for a such a Mustang, this one may be worth a look.
Interesting Mustang. Detail it and drive it. Not every car needs to be restored. This one looks like it could be enjoyed pretty much as it sits.
Steve R
Numbers matching block too.
Nice car. A sleeper like the original version of an LX 5.0. A 289 is a great engine, had one in my first car. I’d love to own this one
Being a coupe, with a vinyl roof, with whitewalls and wheel covers (but with the cool spinners), it looks like a basic model. But I kind of like that look, it does give it a sleeper vibe.
Being a #s matching “K” Code engine, bids should reach $30K even though not highly optioned.
It’s easy to see why the bidding is going up on this one, with the K code engine and 4 speed manual this was a really hot pony in its day. My brother in Georgia had one professionally rotisserie restored for his daughters high school graduation gift a decade or so ago. She still owns the car and drives it occasionally but doesn’t show it. This one is in much better condition than the one my brother started with. He spent approximately $30 grand restoring Meghans and it’s an automatic.
God bless America
I’d do same mods that Shelby did on GT350’s.
Looks really solid and has the right options ! A nice paint job and some cleanup in the interior would be on my list to be done
My BIL had one of these. His was Silver
with a Black interior. Like this car, it WAS
numbers matching til a faulty oil sender
caused him to cook the factory 289, which he was planning to rebuild at some
point down the road. Unable to find another 271 HP engine, he went to Monkey Wards (Montgomery Wards)
and ordered a ’70 Boss 302 engine from
their automotive department. It almost
bolted right in save for changing the motor mounts and the radiator support
brace. He kept the factory bellhousing
for the Toploader, added a set of Hooker
Headers, added an Edelbrock intake
manifold and topped it off with a 700
CFM Holley 4-barrel carb. After the swap,
he resprayed the car candy apple red and
kept the black interior. He would tell me later that the car would top out at 130
MPH or better. He’d go on to sell it later
to finance one of his many projects. This
car is quite nice for what you get and if
you’re my age, a great daily driver.
Same color and close to being the twin to my 65 K code convertible!! Same paint code but mine came with white interior!! Really nice car and believe me it will get up and go!!!
Polish and play to easy although the price doesn’t leave much room to play