Since 1964, Ford’s popular Mustang has been modified in every way possible, but not this one! Shiny newer paint marks the only deviation from original on this 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe in Tecumseh, Oklahoma. How often do you see original hub caps on steel wheels? The body and trim look straight as well, and everything works except the radio on this “great cruiser,” according to the listing.
Someone took care of those seats, though the carpet shows some fading, as one would expect. The center console adds some bling, and nothing visible would keep you from picking up a date or taking a young couple to Prom in this first-generation Pony car. The Mustang’s sporty good looks and styling appealed to buyers of all ages who wanted a nimble alternative to giant American cars of the day and weren’t ready to join the import crowd.
The original buyer stepped up from the frugal inline six-cylinder with this 289 cid (4.7L) V8. Paired with a three-speed automatic transmission, the small-block performed well and returned decent mileage if the driver could resist flooring it regularly. Power steering eased parallel parking and manual drum brakes should work fine as long as they’re properly adjusted. The gold and black color scheme made one last appearance before Corporate Blue took over in model year 1966.
The chrome bumper and trim look great. The formal roofline makes a classy silhouette on this 2+2. You wouldn’t put people you cared about in the back for long drives, but the extra seats provided utility for children and short trips, something Corvette owners couldn’t offer. Check out more pictures and a spartan description here on eBay. At least four bidders have cast a pledge on this green painted Pony, rearing its market value up above $9000, about halfway to the $18,000 Buy It Now price. I’ve wrenched on a similarly preserved early Mustang, always showing respect for the never-restored Pony. What’s your favorite Mustang generation?
My buddy Randy and the ’65 289 Coupe his Grandfather bought new. This three generation family-owned Mustang is as all-original as they come including the paint.
Beautiful car, I just hope it is as how it left the factory. (Black).
And the radio doesn’t work? Who cares, when you have the sound of a 289?
This is trivial, but it has the wrong gas cap for 1965.
All original except for the paint. Right. And the radio. And the aftermarket guages under the dash. And the 2 holes drilled in the instrument cluster. And who knows what else would show up during an in person inspection.
The holes are original. There are two screws missing. My ’65 Mustang has the same dash.
Would you know what the pull out button/lever under the dash to the right of the handbrake is for on a 66 ‘ ?
Some have the 4-way flashers mounted there. They were made mandatory in ’66 and an option prior to that. I understand some have it mounted in glove box. Depends on build date.
I stand corrected. Thank you.
The screws are there. They are recessed. If you zoom in you will see the screw heads and yes they are original. They are two of the screws that hold the instrument panel into dash. I also have an original 65 Mustang.
Copy says 2+2 but it’s a coupe. Maybe the standard boilerplate description didn’t get edited after the cut/paste process.
Thanks, Mike. In this case I meant 2+2 in the generic sense. Ford putting “2+2” on some fastback cars doesn’t make the coupe *not* a 2+2. Many cars that qualify as 2+2 were never marketed or badged as such. Here’s a thread with more details than anyone probably wants on the subject! Thanks again for setting the stage for this. https://www.vintage-mustang.com/threads/to-clear-up-confusion-over-what-a-2-2-fastback-really-is.660295/
First generation Mustangs are my favorite, especially 64-1/2 to 68. I’m no expert but this looks nice to me. I’d prefer a manual transmission. But I could easily enjoy this one as it is.
gas cap from a 1966?