The term “ran when parked” is probably one of the most overused in the classic scene. It could describe a car that was parked yesterday or one that was parked during the Great Depression. This 1965 Mustang is one such car, but it is anything but depressing. Not only is it complete, but it comes with a host of new parts to help return it to its former glory. It seems that the owner has chosen to walk away from this project, so he has listed it for sale here on eBay. It is located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and the bidding has been pretty spirited. There have been 23 bids that have pushed the price to $9,100. However, the reserve hasn’t been met.
It is hard to know where to start with this Vintage Burgundy Mustang. When the owner purchased the car, he drove it on and off the trailer under its own steam. He dismantled the vehicle to its current state, but that’s as far as it got. The first thing to note is that the fastback is complete despite what you see in this photo. The owner has retained all of the original parts that he has removed, but he has supplemented these with a host of new pieces, as you will see. There is rust to be addressed, which has impacted all of the usual areas that are weak points in 1st Generation Mustangs. Once again, this might not be a problem for the next lucky owner.
What you see here is the automotive tip of the iceberg. The owner had intended to restore the Mustang to a high standard, so he hadn’t compromised when it came to the question of addressing the rust problems. He purchased new outer quarter panels, new floors, new outer rockers, along with new inner and outer wheelhouses. Throw in a set of front fenders, new door skins, new trunk drop-offs, and new inner and outer front frame rails, and I think that you get the picture. However, it isn’t the complete picture because there is a spare set of door shells, along with new replacements for virtually every piece of chrome, exterior trim, and all of the gaskets. All of these parts are included in the sale, and they should be enough to help the buyer get the Mustang well on the road to recovery.
Look, more parts! Actually, what we’re interested in here is the interior. It has been removed, but it does appear to be complete. Some of the upholstery is looking pretty ratty, so a retrim will be on the cards. It seems like a lot of the plastic could be salvaged, so this might be a case of replacing the seat covers and foam, the carpet, headliner, and door trims. An interior screw kit is included, so whipping the interior into shape might not be an expensive proposition. You can also see all of the original tinted glass in this shot, which is said to be in good condition.
The Mustang has been reduced to a roller for the restoration, but the original engine and transmission are included in the sale. This is an A-Code 289ci V8 that would have been producing 225hp at its peak. A 4-speed manual transmission backs the little V8, and this combination would have been able to send the Fastback through the ¼ mile in a respectable 15.4 seconds. The vehicle ran when parked, but it isn’t clear how healthy that V8 is. Inspecting it while it is out of the car would be a smart move, and even if it is in sound health, this will represent an opportunity for it to be detailed to a high standard. With the scope of work that is to be performed on this Ford, it would be worth the extra effort to have every aspect of the car presenting perfectly.
I’m always a bit dubious about taking on someone’s stalled restoration project because you can never be sure about what you are about to tackle. To a certain extent, that is the case with this ’65 Mustang Fastback. Unless an owner is meticulous about cataloging every removed part, there will be that inevitable moment during reassembly when a vital nut, bolt, or clip will be found to have been lost. This is an unavoidable part of almost any project build, so it is par for the course. What I like about this one is the way that the owner has approached it because the array of new parts suggests that he intended this car to look showroom fresh once the work was complete. I can only guess what the reserve is on this Mustang, but the buyer can be reasonably sure that they will be able to undertake a lot of the major restoration work before they need to spend any further cash on parts. That has to make this a tempting proposition for anyone keen to tackle their own restoration. Would you take on this one?
Given the condition of the body, I would rather spend more and buy the reproduction kits now available for these. A much more solid start to your project; “IF” rebuilding is what you want to do. Me, If I were wanting a `65 2+2
I would spend more and find the very best running example I could afford. In the end I’m much better off and still get the car I was after.
For those of you about to try…
I salute you.
Zees ees an outrage !
A rusty, cut up, disassembled but “complete” car for 10 grand. And it’s viewed as a good deal. Oh-kay…. There’s a reason the seller decided to cut his losses.
‘Drove onto trailer’. Now its a basket case. Do I win a consolation prize!
The prize……
A one way ticket to Nome Alaska to spend Christmas Day or a Park Pass good for one year on Bikini Atoll at the Baker Crater.
Too late, you did not respond fast enough.
I thank my lucky stars!
Was it a COMPLETE car when parked???
Take this one and the other Mustang body listed above, and what do you have?
Two worn, rusted out bodies, and a ton of parts…There is not enough time or enough money in this world to try to save either one.
But that’s just me. Perhaps someone else may feel it is worth the effort?
The right person can fix it. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SmPwxrkUIl8
Oh c’mon guys, stop being so negative and put on your big-boy pants and man-up and throw your money away on this piece of $h!t.
Arthell64 is right. This is a good start for folks that can weld, do bodywork, paint, and mechanical work. I developed all these skills at an early age and have enjoyed all the cars we brought back from the dead. Hiring out the rebuild on this car isn’t feasible costwise but the trained do it yourselfer who picks this up is going to be in hog heaven.
What’s with all the POS Mustangs on Barn Finds lately?
There is no such thing as a complete basket case. Trust me on this.
Military truck guys have a saying that “if it can cast a shadow it can be restored” I certainly don’t agree with that but apparently some do!
Does the Shop Vac com with this car?
They all run when they get parked. The rest get moved, towed, or pushed or pulled to where they are. Everytime I see “ran when parked”, I want to scream as much as I do when sellers say “rust free” when it has rust, or when I see “vintage” when the car or item is 25 years or older when yes that makes it vintage, or dare I even say “barn find” when the car was not found in a barn.
So many cut up hulks, so little time.
The very REASON I ONLY buy complete cars.
And there are lots of them out there.
This is an absolute money hole.
I’ve said it for years: “Don’t let your dreams get in the way of reality.”