Some sellers will shoot themselves in the foot by advertising a classic with poor photos or a limited description. The current owner of this 1965 Mustang ticks both boxes, but potential buyers don’t see these shortcomings as deterrents. The auction action has been quite spirited since the seller listed the Mustang here on eBay in Graham, Washington. Eight people have submitted nineteen bids, and while the listing opened at $100, it has already scorched to $6,100, with time remaining for interested parties to make their play for this classic. However, they may need to work for this one because the current bid is below the reserve.
The Mustang took the world by storm when officially unveiled at the 1964 World’s Fair, and it is fair to say that Ford had no idea of the monster they had just unleashed. Demand massively outstripped supply as eager buyers sought their slice of the Mustang lifestyle. This forced Ford to devote further resources to Mustang production to satisfy the growing catalog of customer orders. By the end of the 1965 model year, 559,451 buyers had handed over their cash to park what would become one of the motoring world’s classics in their driveway. Our feature Mustang is one of those cars, but its history is a mystery. It wears Wimbledon White paint, and with the seller’s description stretching to precisely one word, it is unclear whether it is a genuine survivor. Its presentation is acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle, with no significant flaws visible in the panels or paint. It is impossible to determine whether there are rust problems, and potential buyers would be wise to pose that question to the seller before committing their funds to this Ford. The trim and glass generally look presentable, although one hubcap is missing. There are some additional parts in the trunk, and I assume they are included.
While many enthusiasts focus on First Generation Mustangs with a V8 under the hood, Ford’s volume-sellers were those powered by a six. This car features the 200ci T-Code powerplant that sends 120hp and 190 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. There is no way to sugarcoat this, but that configuration was the least potent offered in 1965. The ¼-mile journey should take 18.8 seconds, and holding the pedal to the metal will reward the driver with a top speed of 100mph. However, that misses the point of cars like these because buyers handed over their cash for the looks and to become part of the Mustang lifestyle. I know you will have many questions about this classic, and I cannot answer them. Whether this beauty is roadworthy, mechanically healthy, or numbers-matching is unclear. The engine bay looks remarkably clean, and while the air cleaner is missing, I can’t spot evidence of long-term fluid leaks or other problems. It seems the list of questions requiring answers grows with each photo.
One aspect of this Mustang that makes a generally favorable impression is its interior. The Red vinyl upholstered surfaces present well, with only minor stretching on the driver’s seat and slight damage to the door trim. The dash is in good order, and the pad appears relatively new. The carpet might be marked on the passenger side, but that could also be an illusion created by the poor photos. The kick panels are missing, but with reproduction replacements retailing for under $100, addressing that shortcoming won’t cost a fortune. The interior is a “bare bones” proposition, with no air conditioning or radio. Leaving it untouched would be fair if the winning bidder selects the preservation path, but my instincts tell me there might be changes in this Mustang’s future.
I will be fascinated to know the future of this 1965 Mustang because it is a prime candidate for preservation, restoration, or a custom build. I typically favor the first option, but I can see why potential buyers might wish to make changes to this classic. The First Generation Mustang is one of automotive history’s great styling successes, and giving it the performance to match those looks seems a no-brainer. The lack of information hasn’t quelled buyer interest, demonstrating how desirable these cars are. Are you tempted to join the party, or will you remain an interested spectator?
Ford didn’t *know* what a success they had on their hands with the Mustang, but they had a clue. Legend has it that they showed prototypes to potential buyers, who estimated its cost at $3500-$4000. Asked if they would purchase the car at that price, most said “no,” claiming it was too small and too expensive. When they were told the actual price would be under $2500, their attitudes completely changed. They stopped trying to find reasons *not* to buy it and started finding reasons *to* buy it. Based partially on these focus groups, Ford tooled up three plants for Mustang production before a single car had been sold, a risky move that paid off in a big way.
Hey y’all, when I was a much younger man, mid 1980s, i bought one of these exact same 65 mustangs from a guy for 200 bucks. He was giving it to his grandson who took off the bumpers and pulled out all the interior. Grandpa was pissed cause kid lost interest. The little 6 banger auto actually was fun to drive, it handled well and needed very little maintenance. Mine was a Florida car so zero body rot. I sold it to an 18 year old who had gotten his 17 year old girlfriend pregnant and had no way to get around. I owned 4 vehicles at the time so 500 bucks is all I charged. They took good care of that little car and last I saw of it in 89they had 2 kids and still driving that car. I like this car but my next purchase is hopefully a 68 Cougar. Best wishes on this one.
Even with a large number of units
produced I would keep as original as possible.
In the 60s and 70 My dad had a herd of these little ponies, rarely more than 2 at a time. I don’t remember seeing a red or orange valve cover, all the 6s I remember were blue but they may not have been the original motors.
These are fun cars, but they were not made for big people. I suggest a butt test before purchasing.
Here in Aus.
Ford had red rocker covers for there 250ci straight six, and blue for the 200ci.
Over time that changed to no paint and a red sticker for a 4.1L and a blue sticker for a 3.3L.
’65 was the last year of the color-coded engines in the Mustang. Starting in ’66, they were all blue.
Mustang story , home on leave Mar.1967 , went to every ford dealer in phila. & south Jersey and did not find what I wanted . Stopped in Vineland NJ ,Owen ford , salesman said he had a mustang on the way on the truck . Model Sport Sprint 289 three speed , wide oval tires etc. Car came six days later with 4 speed, negotiated new price , $ 60.00 more for 4 speed out the door 2450.00 ! drove to OK.
Not enough info. to know if it was an original pony interior car or not, but it does have most of the correct parts. Only thing not sure about is the door handles since in the only picture that shows that area, the handle is missing. But it does have everything else including the stainless trim around the gas and brake pedals that most people forget to do in a fake. Of course the original trim tag would tell you for sure. I suspect this is an older restoration though and not actually a survivor car. The drivetrain just looks too clean to be original.
It also has the correct steering wheel for pony interior. Most people who don’t know mustangs that well don’t realize what the real pony interior woodgrain wheel is supposed to look like and use the wrong one.
Ok a closer look at the pictures, the pony interior door handle is laying on the floor on the passenger side front. But it is missing the pony interior kick panel which was carpeted halfway up and trimmed with a piece of stainless steel
And it does appear to have the padded side panels at the back seat that were specific to pony interior coupes rather than just the metal panel with the fake vinyl etched into it.
Why would someone order a pony interior with a 6 pac? (Aussie for 6 cyl)
In 1964, my family and I lived across the street from the family who owned the local Ford agency in Punta Gorda, FL. I got to see all of the latest Ford models, including the new Mustangs.
They came in a myriad of colors, models and option configurations.
I was 6-7 years old, and even got invited for rides a few times. I could never talk my parents into buying one, though.
Those early Mustangs still have a warm spot in my heart.
Nice base for a track car. I love its basic ‘no frills’ being.
Build your own daily driver with this one as the buy-in looks cheap and the bones look solid.