No Reserve: 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible

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Regular readers know that I prefer my classics unmodified, but that doesn’t mean I will ignore a cool custom or a well-executed tribute. This 1965 1966 Mustang Convertible falls into the latter category. It carries some of the hallmarks of a genuine GT and will score bonus points with many potential bidders due to two factors. The first is that the seller actively encourages in-person inspections. However, their decision to list it here on eBay in Memphis, Tennessee, with No Reserve could make it irresistible. That makes the twenty-eight bids submitted at the time of writing unsurprising, and with the price sitting at $16,100, there is still time for interested parties to make a play to take this classic home.

The seller defies recent trends seen at Barn Finds because they supply significant information regarding this Mustang’s recent history. They admit to spending thousands of dollars refurbishing this classic from top to bottom. That has left it presenting superbly, with no issues or problems. The Arcadian Blue paint shines beautifully and perfectly contrasts the White stripes and the new matching soft-top. The top operates as it should, while the panels, paint, and stripes show no evidence of problems or issues, guaranteeing this classic turns heads. The seller confirms the underside is rock-solid, making this a rust-free Convertible with no structural shortcomings. My only qualm is raised by the last photo in this article. A rear shot reveals the trunk lid fit isn’t quite right. It could be an alignment issue, but it represents something to check during the in-person inspection. The Mustang is described as a GT clone, although the foglights and lower body stripes aren’t correct for a genuine GT. However, I can’t mark the car harshly for that because nowhere does the seller claim this is a faithful build to the finest detail. The chrome and glass are immaculate, and there are no apparent problems with the styled chrome wheels.

Lifting the Mustang’s hood reveals a rebuilt 289ci V8, with the remaining major mechanical components including a rebuilt three-speed automatic transmission and power steering. The seller refers to the motor as a “high-performance V8,” but its specifications are unclear. Buyers could order a GT with the A-Code or K-Code versions, and I suspect this engine was built to replicate the more potent powerplant. It should churn out 271hp and 312 ft/lbs of torque, placing a sub-15-second ¼-mile ET within the driver’s grasp. The engine looks clean, with no signs of fluid leaks or other problems. The engine bay paint looks slightly odd and patchy. After examining the rest of the car, I expected better, and I can’t conclusively identify why it seems that way. The vehicle’s overall quality suggests it isn’t poor paint but is more likely the result of one of those horrible detailing sprays that has dried with a patchy appearance. Potential buyers can consider this a turnkey classic that runs and drives perfectly. If the winning bidder wishes to fly in and drive home aboard this gem, that is possible.

This refurbishment extended to the Mustang’s interior, with every upholstered surface covered in Parchment vinyl. The carpet is new, as are the pad, wheel, paint, and heater core. It appears an aftermarket stereo occupies the spot normally reserved for the factory radio while the new owner benefits from a new period-correct air conditioning system. The overall presentation is excellent and would cause the new owner no shame if they rocked up to a Cars & Coffee with the top down.

I really like this 1965 Mustang Convertible, and I can see where the money has gone to create this GT Tribute. The bidding history suggests people like what they see, and I will be amazed if the price doesn’t nudge $30,000 before the hammer falls. However, the market springs the occasional surprise, meaning a lower figure is possible when there is No Reserve in play. That could make this auction fascinating to watch…unless you plan to join the bidding war instead. I wish you luck if you do.

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Comments

  1. Woofer WooferMember

    Looks like a 1966 to me. I know it’s just one year off but in the Mustang community it’s kinda a big deal. First thing I noticed is the chrome ‘fingers’ in the rear quarter panels. 65 has a long up and down chrome piece. The other 1966 part is the round speedometer. 65 has the long horizontal speedo. Maybe the builder just likes 1966 Mustang parts. I dunno…..

    Like 0
    • Tiger66

      A ’65 GT would have had the round speedometer, though, and this is supposed to be a GT clone. Good point on the chrome “fingers” which are 1966 but incorrect on a ’66 GT. Too bad the seller did not supply a VIN or photo of the door tag to help clarify things.

      Like 0
    • Mark F.

      Also has 65 door panels and dash pad. Yes the dash pad is different for 65 vs 66, right above the radio.

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      • Mark F.

        That was supposed to say 66 dash and door panels, not 65. Sorry

        Like 0
  2. Tiger66

    “It should churn out 271hp and 312 ft/lbs of torque, placing a sub-15-second ¼-mile ET within the driver’s grasp.”

    Doubtful this car would get into the 14s. C&D tested a 1966 Shelby GT-350H fastback (which is lighter than this vert) with the C4 auto and a more powerful “Shelbyized” 306HP 289 and only managed a 15.2 in the quarter. Plus the idea this car sports a 271 HP 289 is just speculation by the writer.

    Like 1
  3. Mark F.

    It also has a 66 GT gas cap. 65 GT used the same gas cap as all the rest, no special one. And to Tiger66 you are correct that a 65 GT would have a round speedometer, but the bezel on this car is a 1966. The 65 GT bezel didn’t have the small chrome accent ring all the way around it. It had what most people described as a mustache accent, like the pony interior bezel only without the woodgrain.

    Like 0

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