Original Steel: 1965 Ford Mustang

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Finding a classic car in a shed wrapped in plastic will sometimes cause enthusiasts to twitch. That is an excellent strategy for excluding dust and trapping moisture that can wreak havoc on steel. However, this 1965 Mustang might surprise you once the plastic is removed because its presentation is excellent. This dry-climate gem retains its original steel, with the listing suggesting it needs nothing but a new home. The Mustang is listed here on Craigslist in Reno, Nevada. The seller set their price at $36,500, and some readers may be surprised to learn that it has been on the market for over three weeks.

Wow! The seller states this Mustang looks better in the flesh than in the supplied photos, and it is hard to believe that is possible. Its Twilight Turquoise paint shines like glass, with no visible flaws or imperfections. That theme continues with the panels, which are as straight as an arrow and feature consistent gaps. However, this Mustang’s beauty is more than skin deep. The seller claims it retains 100% of its original steel, with no history of existing or previous rust issues. This is an important consideration, especially for those seeking a classic with survivor credentials. It can also prove crucial for enthusiasts unwilling or unable to undertake a project build. I am reluctant to classify the Mustang as a genuine survivor because its overall condition suggests it may have received a cosmetic refresh. That is my personal opinion, and an inspection would determine whether it is justified or if I’ve made a bad call. The chrome and glass are as spotless as the rest of the exterior, while the factory chrome wheels look perfect.

The stunning presentation continues when we open the doors and examine this Mustang’s interior. The Turquoise and White vinyl upholstered surfaces are spotless, with no signs of wear or abuse. The dash and pad are excellent, the paint is crisp, and the carpet looks new. Once again, there is little to fault with the condition, but the lack of interior flaws suggests that very few items haven’t received TLC. I believe it has undergone a retrim, although this doesn’t rate a mention in the listing. The wheel and radio/cassette player are later additions, and the new owner will welcome the air conditioning.

Buyers could order a 1965 Mustang with a six under the hood, but there’s nothing as great as the sound of a V8. This classic features a C-Code 289ci powerplant, producing 200hp and 282 ft/lbs of torque. The original owner teamed this V8 with a three-speed automatic transmission, adding power steering for an effortless driving experience. The journey down the ¼-mile might take what many would consider a relatively leisurely 16.5 seconds, but this gem would leave a six-equipped Mustang eating its dust. It is unclear whether this beauty is numbers-matching, although that is possible. Potential buyers will be pleased to learn that it runs and drives perfectly. There are no signs of odd noises, smoke, or vibrations. If a new owner wants to fly in for a Reno vacation and drive this baby home, it could be an excellent way of building a relationship with their classic purchase.

The 1965 Mustang is among the classics that have suffered during the recent market downturn, with values around 5% lower than a year ago. However, the trend shows signs of reversing, meaning now might be the perfect time to consider a purchase as a long-term investment. This Mustang is a gem and has no apparent needs. I wouldn’t classify it as a genuine survivor, but the listing text and photos suggest it has no deficiencies or shortcomings. The seller’s price is at the market’s top end, which may explain why it hasn’t sold after three weeks. What do you think a fair price would be?

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Comments

  1. Harvey HarveyMember

    I guess you need to supply your own belt for the AC.

    Like 10
  2. Rw

    Somebody put a lot of time and money in this but,Boring

    Like 4
  3. AndyinMA

    Nice interior

    Like 5
  4. junkmanMember

    Gone!!

    Like 3
    • Leon

      I had a 65 mustang 289 4v a/c power steering and power brakes, automatic with a console . picture shows this is a 66 dash not a 65 mustang .

      Like 2
  5. Big Bear 🇺🇸

    Beautiful Stang love the color and it’s gone 🐎. Notice the 1970 Chevelle’s in the back. I bet one of them is a LS-6. 🐻🇺🇸

    Like 3
  6. Jim

    Suspect it needs more than a belt. Well maintained, “very few items have not received TLC” an owner elected not to spend $$$$ on a/c. Fair weather driver, maybe. The new owner may appreciate the a/c once repaired. It appears to be an a/c car but a 1965 Mustang did not have a highly integrated a/c system.
    Beautiful classic car, nice shape, 289, 2V, Auto as mentioned a very mild drive.

    Like 6
    • edward kas

      289 2 barrel, we’ll call the movie gone in 180 seconds, and the car will be named Gertrude

      Like 1
  7. Mitch F

    When I see an early Mustang with a vinyl top, I think it has probably been added as part of a restoration – original vinyl top Mustangs were quite rare.

    In the mid ’80’s I learned about working on cars by helping my father restore a ’66 coupe. My dad wanted it to be red with a white vinyl top. An uncle, who at the time was a mechanic at the largest Ford dealership in Missouri, could not find any records anywhere of a vinyl top option, or the part number of the rear pillar trim pieces that were needed.

    But my father knew vinyl tops were an option because that was the configuration of the mustang that his best friend was given as a 16-year-old in 1965.

    One day Dad ran across someone driving a beater with the remnants of a vinyl top (those were the days when beater mustangs were still found on the road, in the wild). He gave them $100 for the pair of trim pieces, and got his vinyl-topped Mustang. Some time later somebody started making aftermarket trim pieces, but during the ’80’s a ’65 or ’66 mustang with a vinyl top were quite scarce.

    Like 7
  8. 59poncho

    Clean little Mustang. I love the plastic covers. 11 bucks from summit .
    My cars are actually clean when I take them off.

    Like 1

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