This 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible seems to tick many of the boxes that buyers seeking a driver-grade classic consider essential. From its rebuilt V8 to its extremely tidy appearance, there is much to like about this iconic pony car. Changed plans have forced the seller to part with a vehicle that was only in their care for a relatively short period. However, their loss could be your gain, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Mustang listed here on Craigslist in Vancouver, Washington. The seller set their price for this gem at $25,500 OBO.

After causing a sensation at its 1964 unveiling, the Ford Mustang hit its stride in 1965 with unprecedented showroom success. The situation would further improve the following year, paving the way for a boom in the pony car market segment during the second half of the 1960s. The seller only recently became the custodian of this 1965 Convertible, having purchased it from a lady who had owned it for thirty-three years. They planned a similar long-term ownership history, but have listed the car due to changed circumstances. The Mustang is largely original, though they believe it may have been repainted in Phoenician Yellow at some point. The listing images aren’t the greatest, but they do paint a positive picture. The paint shines nicely, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. They don’t mention rust issues, and given the car’s garage-kept history, it appears to have been protected from the worst Mother Nature could throw at it. Therefore, I suspect that this drop-top is rock-solid. The contrasting Black power top fits as tight as a drum, while the trim and glass are excellent. The Convertible sits on steel wheels with Deluxe wire wheel covers.

The theme of tidy presentation continues inside this Mustang, with its interior trimmed in Black vinyl. The first owner didn’t load it with factory options like air conditioning, but the overall appearance would still make life pretty pleasant aboard this classic. There are no major upholstery issues, and the carpet is in good order. The dash and pad haven’t deteriorated, and the gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings. The only visible additions are a radio/cassette player and a wheel wrap, both of which could be removed if the new owner prefers authenticity.

Part of the secret of the Mustang’s success was the extensive options list offered by Ford. Buyers could adopt a “bare-bones” approach with a six-cylinder version, emphasizing affordability. However, those preferring their slice of performance could opt for a V8 that delivered significant power gains. This Convertible’s first owner teamed the C-Code 289ci powerplant with a three-speed automatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. The C-Code delivered 200hp and 282 ft/lbs of torque, and while it may not be the fastest ’65 on the planet, it should still cruise effortlessly on the freeway or idle along beachside boulevards without raising a sweat. The seller states that the C-Code has recently undergone a rebuild, although a question mark hangs over it. The listing makes it unclear whether the process cost a documented $7,000, or if the car has clocked 7,000 miles since the builder completed the work. The suspension, brakes, shock, and tires received similar attention, and the seller recently fitted a new dual exhaust. It appears potential buyers can consider this Mustang a turnkey proposition.

If you compiled a list of ten American classics that represented sound long-term investments, First Generation Mustangs would undoubtedly make the grade. With 559,451 cars rolling off the line in 1965, they can’t be considered rare. However, many led hard-and-fast lives and were heavily modified and driven into the ground. Others succumbed to the rust issues for which these cars are renowned, making their final trip to the scrapheap many years ago. This ’65 Convertible has avoided those pitfalls, presenting nicely as an unmolested classic. The seller’s price looks extremely realistic, and their willingness to negotiate may further improve the situation. It has only been on the market for around a day, but how quickly do you think it will find a new home?