The seller of this 1965 Mustang tells an interesting story about the car’s origins which might make it rather special. It’s listed for sale here on craigslist and is located in Waynesboro, Mississippi. The seller is looking to get $5,000 for the car; read on and see if you think it’s worth it.
I’m assuming that the top picture is the car in its current state and the ones with the trailer are from when it was acquired by the seller. There is no explanation what happened to the front suspension and wheels during that time but presumably they are included. As you can see there is some typical Mustang rust present and the car has obviously been stored for a while.
The seller describes the car as “…a factory A-code Mustang that was special ordered by a Ford Motor Company executive back in late 1964.” They also tell us that it was ordered as a “prototype, a preliminary and especially developed pre-GT Mustang.” I wasn’t able to find anything on the internet about a pre-GT existing, but I did find this article on what makes a GT a GT and this article on how to spot a fake one.
While I can get behind that this car has some desirable options, including the original 289 V8 with a four-barrel carburetor and the original automatic transmission, I’m not so sure about the “prototype” story.
The seller also mentions that they have a mint hood ornament (aftermarket?) and two mint under-dash air conditioning units for the first generation Mustangs. They are not included with the sale. What do you think about this ‘Stang story? Thanks to reader Ian M. for sending in this interesting find!
Well…. a lot of story but no documentation – Who is this phantom Ford Motor Company Executive? I guess you got to pay to play the “whose prototype is it anyway”
When an ad suggests you can use the cars VIN numbers to upgrade someone’s pre-existing project, that’s a red flag that the car isn’t worth restoring. Combine that with the lack of detailed pictures, except for the hood ornament, which garnered the same number of pictures as the car as a whole. It’s probably best to make offers as if it’s a parts car.
As for the story, where is the proof?
Steve R
The proof is in the puddles.
As if the Mustang would have ever been built with a hood ornament as tacky as that. Not included with the sale? Well that’s a relief!
Can anyone give me a number of how many first gen mustangs were built because they are everywhere and I get kinda bored of seeing them
i’m talking years 1964-like 67
Wikipedia is your friend.
They are everywhere today because they had a strong following when they were new.
If I’m not interested in a particular car, I skip it’s write up, it’s easy.
I said bored of seeing them like on the road or at shows because there are millions of them. I enjoy reading the write ups on them because Its a opportunity to learn something new, and the BF writers do a great job. So thanks for you advise about skipping it if you don’t like it. I remember that from kindergarten. so thanks for your pleasant reply
They are indeed pretty common, though I really like ’67/’68 fastbacks, and will stop to look at them. What bores me to tears are first gen Camaros, all Corvettes, tri-five Chevys, and ’48-’56 Ford pickups.
you are so right!! And I own a 67 camaro rs ss and 74 corvette. but like you said there are so many they get kinda old after seeing them all the time.
1964 to 1966 over 2 million were sold I have one mine is a 1965 and my vin is 776,412 built on May 11965 so there a lot built and a lot left .
They sold a lot of 64-66 Mustangs but nowhere near over 2 million. They sold a little under 1.3 million in those years.
I don’t know where you live, but I rarely see a 1st gen Mustang on the road. After all, the last one was built 52 years ago.
I’d much rather see an old Mustang than the bland offerings that all look like the best-looking BMW or the worst-looking Hyundai you’ve ever seen.
If we’re arguing the merits of the car in question, there are too many questions.
If we’re arguing the merits of the original Mustang there is no argument. This is a landmark car in so many respects and was once displayed in the Museum of Modern Art.
That’ll never happen to a Kia or a Lexus.
Some where over a million of 1965’s which was also 1967 year sales only to be topped by the Fairmonts of 1977 or 1978 I’m thinking……
If it carries a DSO code of 84 on the door data plate that would indicate it was built for an exec among many other possibilities such as press cars ect. Without that code the story holds no water.
DSO 84 is Dearborn. Built and sold to headquarters…ie, exec, company fleet
most rare model “stories” start with some auto maker’s executive making a special factory order on a special model. This story is a bit hard to swallow because 1. There’s no real proof “proof” 2. Mustangs were in high demand upon the rollout of the model in 1964, you’d have to be a pretty high up exec. to get your special order in the production line. Not saying it’s not true – but it seems this is always the start of rare model for sale.
The 64 hi-p mustang my brother owned had a 260 with a four barrel. The Hi tags on the front fenders said Hi-260. I thought 289 wasn’t until 65.
No such thing as a 260 ‘Hi-Po’ Mustang.
Ask Shelby that……oops….let the record stand…..
This car is a ’65 model (as are all first-year Mustangs, technically), so it has the 289. Only early ’65 (’64-1/2) Mustangs have 170 I-6s and 260 V8s with generators. Those built after August ’65 have 200 sixes or 289s with alternators.
Edit: “Those built after August ’64 have 200 sixes or 289s with alternators.”
Would a Marti report shed any light?
Yes it would, great call !
If it doesn’t end the discussion, it would at least shed further light in terms of value and rarity..,
Marti report doesn’t go that far back in time.
You are correct Ray ! Glad you chimed in…
I Looked it up…For the record all, 1967 is as far back as the Marti reports go. They are awesome, as Kevin Marti has official rights from Ford to provide vehicle documentation. Neat to read.
Link if allowed…
https://www.martiauto.com/martireports.cfm
A whole lotta story without anything to back it up. Sorry, it’s just a plain 4bbl mustang.
Listing has already expired – sold, or…?
Anyone notice that it had 5-bolt wheels? That’s a bit unusual — I think.
All V8 Mustangs of this year had 5 lugs, the 6 cylinder cars had 4 lugs.
I love Mustangs, having owned ’65 and ’66 fastbacks, and a 1967 coupe. Is it really that big of a deal that a Ford exec had this as a free ride for a while? Since someone already pulled the front suspension, I think a gasser would be the order of the day. Straight axle, tunnel ram, two- fours, and fenderwell headers. 😎
Ford guys………
Still sitting on page 8
I’d make the body sound, then cut out the frount shock towers, add upgraded front and rear suspensions. Put a high winding Ford small block with EFI and a 5 speed. Kinda do it up like old Shelby did, with a modern twist . It’s not a Ford exzek’s car anymore. Build it like you want it, then drive it like you stole it!! Good luck to the new owner and seller.
I like all the old “pony” cars. 60’s mustangs, Firebird’s, and Camaro’s. I was taught he basics of drag racing is more power in a lighter car equals more fun. I like the Mustang Coupes and 1969 Camaro’s, but they did build a lot of them. I went with a 1969 Firebird back in the 80’s in my ‘cruising’ days. You just don’t see as many of those single year models on the road. There were a lot of first gen Mustangs and Camaro’s on the road and I wanted to be different. Today I own 3 ’69 Firebirds.