Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Needs Finishing: 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback

We see plenty of 1st Generation Mustang project cars here at Barn Finds, and the majority of these are vehicles that require some form of rust repair. That makes this 1965 Fastback a breath of fresh air. It is a project that appears to have stalled. However, it looks as though the majority of the hard work is complete. It now requires someone willing to place their mark on a great classic. The Mustang is located in Omaha, Nebraska, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. The bidding is sitting at $16,000, and the reserve has been met.

When I examined the photos to choose which ones to include in this article, I couldn’t go past this collage shot. It provides the clearest indication of the vehicle’s physical condition. The next owner is not going to be shelling out money to address rust issues, because there simply aren’t any. The floors are sound, as is the trunk pan, frame rails, and the torque box region. Externally, there is none of the rust that can be so common in 1st Generation Mustangs, while the panels appear to be extremely straight. The car currently wears a coat of primer, and I haven’t been able to determine what paint shade it would have worn originally. That leaves it as a blank canvas for the buyer because they might choose to apply a fresh coat of the original color. Of course, they might also have other ideas in a bid to personalize the Fastback to their tastes. The external trim and chrome seem to be in reasonable condition, with the glass showing no apparent flaws.

The Mustang rolled off the production line fitted with the 200ci T-Code 6-cylinder engine, which was backed by an automatic transmission. The owner has chosen to replace both components, so there is now a 289ci V8 under the hood. There is no transmission fitted, and it isn’t clear whether one is included in the sale. For those of you who desire originality, it might be worth inquiring as to whether the factory engine and transmission are also available. This particular conversion is widespread, and I would hate to estimate just how many Mustangs have received this transplant. There is no indication from the owner as to what specifications this engine has been built to, but you can be sure that it would produce a lot more power than the T-Code’s 120hp. The engine turns freely, but it doesn’t currently run. It is nice to see that the owner went to the effort of detailing and painting the engine and its surroundings before slotting the 289 into place.

Once again, I’ve chosen to use a collage shot for the interior, because it does show that it is virtually complete. However, it does require a complete refresh because some of the components are tired and damaged. How this is approached will be dictated by the buyer’s vision for the car. Color choice is also going to be something to consider, especially if the exterior wears something apart from the original shade. The reality is that the best approach in a situation like this would be to spend the money and purchase a high-quality interior trim kit. If pure originality is not the ultimate aim, I would be very tempted to treat the Fastback to a Pony interior kit. These cost around $1,700 and the result would be stunning. However, the buyer could have other plans.

It’s easy to see why the bidding on this ’65 Mustang Fastback has pushed to its current level. This is a project that would appear to be straightforward, but the buyer will have free reign to finish the vehicle to their taste. I’ve provided a couple of ideas in this article, but I am sure that every reader will have their view. Regardless of what that view is, the restored (or refurbished) Mustang has the potential to be a stunning classic. I would love one of our readers to buy this car because I would like to see the end product.

Comments

  1. Avatar TimM

    Solid project!!! I would tell him to keep the transmission and put a five speed in it!!! Make it tons of fun!!!

    Like 4
    • Avatar Walt

      Just picked up anouther Ca car, 65 Mustang fastback w/used 84 HO302/w a t5, 9 inch, clean pony interior w/fold down r/seat, had 2 clean up some OKEI installs no problem, putting on fancy race looking stuff on now & re-wiring toggles & tach etc. 600lbs lighter than y 69 fastback & it flys ! Bye Bye 69 fastback, maybe ill keep her 4 a Girl. Keep on Dreaming U all

      Like 1
      • Avatar walt

        It’s called a Adapter plate & hydraulic clutch, any Rodders out there? Duh

        Like 1
  2. Avatar Johnmloghry

    Yeah I agree, but I wonder how difficult it will be to locate bell housing, clutch assembly to fit the 289 engine to the 5 speed. These are very popular and high dollar cars when road worthy. I know a certain young preacher who wants one but he still thinks you can buy them for $1500.00.
    God bless America

    Like 2
  3. Avatar Rick Rothermel

    Given a First-gen Mustang fastback, blank canvas, I’d be tempted to clone the edgy dark green one Robert Urich shoved around Boston for three =years in SPENSER:for hire. It’d be a rest from all the Bullitt clones at car shows.

    Like 1
  4. Avatar Jon

    Super nice project. Well worth every penny this one & only going up in value !!

    Like 1
  5. Avatar Kelly g

    20,400.00

    Like 0
  6. Avatar David

    I bought this car, every part of it had cover up jobs on it. Lots of wasted paint!!
    Vin numbers were cut out of the fenders, so who know’s if it is a T code or C code. Rear end and brake hubs were painted but once removed, it appeared the brakes and rear end haven’t been touched in years. Same with the front. Motor was painted to make it look as it was rebuilt. Only to discover that it was a block someone found in a junk yard. Cylinders were filled with rust water. I was able to save the block and have it machined. I did a HP clone on it. Hard to find interior vents were missing. Those are pretty spendy when you need to find them.
    Part that bothers me the most is the vin tag that was put on the door doesn’t match with any of the date stamps all over the car, and the vin numbers being cut out. Pretty shady if you tell me.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar walt

    It said in its original ad that it was 6yl 2 begin with [T code], all 6yl were 4 lugs, sounds like motor & 5lug suspension parts came out of same car/junkyard, all of your Vin #s should of been from the 6cyl. Looks like someone did most of the big main swap, that’s the problem buying on line & not touching the product. I saw my 65 on line [Ebay motors] 2 find out it was 140 miles away & was a complete/driver. A California car, straight body, C code, green fastback, complete pony interior,[& seller didn’t know that it had a fold down rear seat] 84 302 HO, T5 tranny, 9inch, American mags, owner had it 4 8 years & just took it around 4 short hops in the country side [never registered it], couldn’t believe I was driving it home & not trailered. Ran great! People said I paid 2 much @ 19,000! I was the only bidder! As they drive their 50,000 smogers

    Like 1

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.