Descriptions are important. With cars, in particular, there are different model years, body styles and trim levels. And those differences mean variability in values and collectability. Take this 1965 Ford Mustang, should it be described as a ’65 Ford Mustang fastback or a ’65 Ford Mustang fastback body? Let’s look more closely, I’ll tell you what I think and you tell me what you think. This Mustang body (my first salvo) is located in Pineland, Texas, and is available, here on eBay, for a current bid of $5,000, 30 bids tendered so far.

First and second-year Mustangs are always confusing by model-year reference as those produced in the ’64 model year are often referred to as a 64 1/2 version when in reality they were ’65s. There were changes between the ’65s produced in model-year ’64 and those knocked together in model-year ’65 and one of those differences is the fastback body style, it was introduced in model-year ’65. These early-on fastbacks are always a nice find, but…

There are only a few images with this listing and a rather taciturn description but this Mustang looks pretty much like just a body. That’s what I’m calling it and I’m sticking to it. It’s like a Dynacorn Mustang body without the Dynacorn. The seller states that this Mustang has no engine or transmission, it’s an unfinished project but there are additional parts. The body, which is really the whole car, is described as being straight with no rust and possessing replaced floor pans. The missing doors and rear glass do exist and are included in the sale. Sometimes an engine/transmissionless car is referred to as a roller but this Ford has nothing under the front end to roll on, so calling it a roller is out of the question.

The seller claims that he has all of the interior parts. Think about that for a moment, that’s a lot of parts even for a ’60s vintage Mustang. There are the obvious like seats, carpet, door cards, dashboard and a headliner. But there are the more tedious items like the instrument panel, switches, gauges, wiring, trim pieces, misc. screws and clips, etc. And then the frequently overlooked components, including seat mounts, heater/defroster ductwork, vents, window regulators and latches, the list is almost endless. It’s not beyond a stretch of the imagination to assume that some of those little, obscure but important, items are missing.

So, what is missing? The engine, transmission, front suspension, brakes, plumbing, front tires/wheels, glass, radiator, grille, bumpers, brackets, lights, windshield wipers/motor, wiring harness, trim, badges ad nauseam. This will be an extensive, assemble it yourself project; instruction sheet and most parts not included. Now, this Mustang could be beneficial for a do-it-yourselfer who lives and breathes Mustangs or for an individual with a completely trashed first-gen Mustang that wants to transfer all of its mechanical goodness to a sound body. Maybe a build your own Cobra? Or it could be a frustrating project that never sees completion, something that appears to have already occurred, according to the seller. So, Mustang or Mustang body, what’s your call? Oh, and maybe the seller will throw in the jack stands.