Some classic cars require little to return to their best, while others can cause their owners to draw a deep breath as they plunge headlong into a major build. This 1965 Mustang 2+2 Fastback falls within the second category, but it is a blank canvas that would allow the restorer to create the car of their dreams. It is a “what you see is what you get” proposition that has generated significant interest since its owner listed it here on eBay. The Mustang is located in Macclenny, Florida, with fourteen bids pushing the price to $1,606. That figure is below the reserve, although there is time for interested parties to throw their hat into the ring.

For a car offering so little physically, there’s a lot to unpack with this Mustang. The Body Tag confirms it rolled off the line wearing attractive Silver Smoke Gray paint, although it received a later color change. That is only the starting point for anyone considering a faithful restoration because this wouldn’t be a First Generation Mustang project if there weren’t rust issues requiring attention. It has impacted the usual spots like the floors, cowl, trunk pan, and one inner wheel well. The seller suggests the trunk pan is patchable but that someone considering a high-end build will probably opt for replacement. The rails are said to be solid, except for the front under the battery tray. The rockers and original quarter panels are good, with only some small areas of Bondo in one quarter. Most hanging panels are salvageable, although the doors probably aren’t. The glass is present, but most of the trim is gone. At first glance, the new owner will have a long shopping list of parts to whip the body into shape.

If spending considerable cash on the panels and exterior trim hasn’t put you off this project, it is worth noting that what you see of the interior is all that the seller includes. It requires more than a $2,000 trim kit because hardware like the dash components and seat frames are gone. Reproduction parts are readily available, and the nature of this car means the buyer can finish the interior as they please. They could pursue a faithful refurbishment, although the lure of cloth or leather could be impossible to resist. The same is true of the drivetrain. This Fastback rolled off the line equipped with the 200hp C-Code 289ci V8 and a three-speed automatic transmission. The entire drivetrain is gone, although sourcing period-correct parts shouldn’t prove challenging. The other option to consider is treading the restomod path. That would allow the Fastback to retain the character and charisma of a classic pony car with the practicality of a more modern and user-friendly mechanical configuration. Once again, everything required is available off the shelf, with the new owner only limited by their imagination.

If the new owner of this ’65 Mustang 2+2 Fastback is handy with a welder, they should have no trouble returning the body to a rust-free state. It is the ideal candidate for a rotisserie restoration in its current guise. However, the rust repairs are the tip of a pretty giant iceberg, with every other aspect requiring equal injections of effort and cash. It is a blank canvas that the buyer could use to create the car of their dreams without being constrained by originality. Is that enough to tempt you, or would you prefer to sit out this dance?