Affordable 1st Generation Mustang project cars that can be driven and enjoyed are starting to become more scarce these days. Most of the examples that we see here at Barn Finds are either quite nicely restored, or they are cars that will require some pretty significant work before they will ever move safely under their own power once again. That is where this 1965 model is a bit different. It runs and drives, and while it might need some work, none of this appears to be particularly urgent. That leaves the option open of driving the car immediately and undertaking the restoration at your own leisure. The Mustang is located in Beaverton, Oregon, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. The sale price for the classic Ford has been set at $4,999 OBO. I do have to thank Barn Finder local_sheriff for locating the Mustang for us.
The Prairie Bronze Mustang spent 30-years under a cover in storage before the current owner purchased it, and it has now been returned to a roadworthy state. It is believed that the vehicle received a repaint in its original color at some point, and the owner indicates that the quality of this is mediocre. The car still presents quite well, but the owner also believes that the storage environment may not have been stable and completely dry, as some rust and corrosion has developed. The worst of this is in the lower quarter panels and trunk floor, but the owner indicates that it isn’t severe. Beyond those issues, the body looks nice and straight, while the glass, along with the external trim and chrome, all present quite well.
You can say one thing about this Mustang, and that is that it seems to be consistent across the entire vehicle. The interior is tidy and presentable, but it isn’t outstanding. The seats and other upholstered surfaces look okay, while the same seems to be true of the dash pad and headliner. The carpet looks really tired, while the armrests have deteriorated noticeably. However, the bigger issue for me is the sheer quantity of corrosion that is starting to appear on many interior surfaces. This is going to require more than a quick clean, with the interior trim needing to be removed in its entirety to fix the problem properly. Still, this would represent a great chance to replace the carpet and to clean and detail every item as the interior is reassembled. It would also allow the new owner to identify all of the little items that could stand being replaced because it is these minor components that make the difference between a good restoration and a great one.
If you were hoping to find a V8 under the hood, then you will probably be disappointed with what you find here. This is the 200ci 6-cylinder engine, which pushes 120hp to the rear wheels via a 3-speed automatic transmission. As a mechanical combination, this represents the slowest and least powerful configuration available in the Mustang range for 1965. However, after 30-years of inactivity, the owner treated the vehicle to a new fuel tank, new front brakes, and a new exhaust. The Mustang now runs and drives, with the motor feeling strong, while the transmission shifts smoothly. There are a few issues to address to have the car mechanically perfect. The choke doesn’t operate properly, meaning the car is slightly stubborn when cold. The engine also blows some blue smoke. This could be something as simple as valve stem seals, or it could be an indication of something more serious. This is the moment where the new owner will face some decisions. The vehicle looks to be very original, and I wouldn’t blame that person if they chose to rebuild the engine to try to maintain the vehicle’s originality. I would also fully understand if the next owner chose to scrap the existing motor and transmission, and slotted something a bit more potent into the engine bay. It wouldn’t be the first Mustang to share this fate, and all of the hardware to drop almost anything into the engine bay is readily available.
So, a running, driving, roadworthy, and fairly presentable 1st Generation Mustang for under $5,000. That has to be a tempting proposition. Sure, there are cheaper examples out there to be found, and some of these will even have a V8 under the hood. However, the vast majority won’t be anywhere near as solid as this one appears to be. That makes it an interesting proposition, but it also leaves me slightly torn. I’m trying to decide whether I would leave it mechanically original, or whether something more potent would find its way under the hood. What would you do?
Like you said, Adam, a good project car and for the right price perhaps a clean canvas for a total makeover, mild or wild.
What’s with the aftermarket backup lights? And the doors liners look like they have the measles.
This car probably has more issues than at first glance.
I’ll deal with those issues any day of the week and twice on Sunday! Car appears to little if any rust which is worth the price in itself.
Backup lights were optional, and it looks like this car was built without them. The ones it has now are a prior owner’s rather inelegant solution.
Those door panels are metal. That’s surface rust.
Yes….I know it’s rust. Don’t know that it’s just surface rust, though. I tend to doubt it.
My ’68 had the same issue. To avoid filling the stamped-in vinyl texture, the paint is very thin, and I don’t believe any primer is applied under it. It cleans up rather easily.
I like the six, that is how I would have ordered one, but with a three speed.
Man this is basically free. Don’t look a gift horse. Enjoy! You can’t buy any kind of decent daily for less. I mean it’s not a resto car it’s a fun driver. Charger shells for 15k and this is running and driving.
Don’t see anything shocking at the price point here. There is more than enough good in it. Love to chat with the I-6 owners at shows, plenty to appreciate about these cars. Beloved regardless of motor… Would happily give the TLC and enjoy !
Looks ok from here but better check the underbelly. Might surprise you, being a rustang!
Cheers
GPC
Gone!!!
Love that color, reminds me of vintage office furniture. I would swap the engine with a bigger 250 and convert to 3 speed manual.
Doubt there is anything wrong with that engine besides valve stem seals. Do that, clean it up and run it! Probably the best deal on a first gen Mustang in the country now. It is exciting? No. But its refreshing to see a bone stock, straight, unmodified one.
Having completed many transplants during my car building days, including a Shelby motor into a 100-6, this looks like a very well done project car and one that I would love to own. But alas at my now senior age it doesn’t make much sense. But I can still dream. I would relish a quick ride in the afternoon California sun. Thanks for sharing this dream.
Anyone who has worked on these old Mustangs, Fairlanes, & Falcons, know there is a lot more to updating the driveline than just putting a V-8 in it. To do the job right, most of the suspension and steering mechanism need to be changed, as well as the rear end, brakes, cooling, etc. The positive thing is that there are parts readily available to make a change easy. These 200 & 250 sixes were prone to a lot of valve guide problems. Ford even had special valves with oversized stems available to repair heads. Back in the day, a good mechanic could pull a head, repair the valves, and have it back together before the engine was completely cool; a great mechanic could do a valve job before the fan quit spinning! (;-)