Some classic projects leave potential buyers with an obvious path to follow, while others offer a myriad of choices. Such is the case with this 1965 Ford Mustang 2+2 Fastback. Somebody has returned its body to a rust-free state, making a faithful restoration seem the obvious choice. However, changes below the skin make it ideal for the restomod approach. Why not take a closer look to determine what you would do if this classic found its way into your workshop?
The Mustang had firmly cemented its place in the market and automotive folklore in 1965, with 559,451 buyers giving one a new home. The Hardtop was the firm favorite by a fair margin, although 77,079 people opted for the Fastback variant. This Mustang is an unfinished project that probably doesn’t make a positive first impression. Its exterior carries a consistent coat of surface corrosion, but this is a case where we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Somebody has invested considerable time and money eliminating every square inch of penetrating rust from the bodyshell to leave it rock-solid. A trip to a media blaster would consign the existing corrosion to the history books, allowing the buyer to commence their build with a clean slate. The glass appears respectable, and the listing suggests that most of the original trim is included. It seems like this classic is ripe for a faithful restoration, but there is more to this Mustang than meets the eye.
The first thing that most readers will notice when examining this Mustang’s empty engine bay is that the shock towers have been removed. This was part of the builder’s plan to slot something more modern and powerful than the original T-Code 200ci six under the hood. They combined the tower removal with the installation of a Heidts Gen II Mustang II front end, and with these kits retailing for around $2,400, that was a considerable investment. It leaves room to install a physically larger engine from a later First Generation Mustang into this classic, although the seller offers a couple of tempting options for those considering the restomod path. These include a brand-new Gen 2 Coyote 4.6-liter “Terminator” V8, or a low-mile 2021 Gen 3 Coyote, backed by a 10R80 automatic transmission. They don’t specify prices for either motor, but it is a question worth asking.
The collection of parts that come with this Mustang includes what appears to be a virtually complete interior, trimmed in Parchment vinyl. Everything requires a deep clean to ascertain what could be used and what requires replacement. However, if the new owner elects to follow the restomod path with the drivetrain, a custom interior may also form part of their vision for this classic. Considering the 1965 Mustang’s build total and the work performed so far, it isn’t as if the buyer will be molesting an ultra-rare numbers-matching survivor! Therefore, most people won’t bat an eyelid if that proves to be their approach.
Restomod or restoration? Those are just two of the choices facing the new owner of this 1965 Mustang Fastback. Alternatively, the removal of the shock towers leaves room in the engine bay to transplant something much larger from a later First Generation Mustang model into the vacant space, transforming this classic into a genuine muscle car. The seller has listed the Fastback here on eBay in Bartlett, Illinois. They set their BIN at $19,500 OBO, which is probably fair considering what it offers potential buyers. Is this a project you would consider tackling, or doesn’t this Mustang tick the boxes for you?
How about restonothing?
A modded shell for $20k?
Find a 289/302 solidly built. add a Tremec 5 speed change rear gear to suit yourself add painless wiring. Finish to taste. Then enjoy. Either if those engines will have plenty of power to move the car.
No need to go overboard on this one. As for the price offer what u feel is appropriate. Good luck to buyer and seller.
The buyer will need all the “good luck” in the world.
It’d be a perfect father/son project, for Elon or Mark Cuban.
I noticed the gauge cluster and glovebox door are from a different year mustang. Also, the valance panel with the louver openings isn’t to that model year. Makes me wonder about the rest of the parts.
Insane. A clear title? I should think the best that this could qualify for would be a Reconstructed title, if Illinois even does that. Who knows if the work was even done correctly?
As long as the tag and stampings on the car match the title the seller has in hand, it’s clear. Pretty simple. Cars have been recreated from a tag and paper title before. This isn’t even close to a scenario that would require a “recon” or other special title status.
As far as I’m concerned, this is a great place to start. The single worst part of an early Mustang, the front suspension, has been rather well dealt with.
Well lets see I can drop $20k on this plus another $1000+/- to go get it and drag it home and put another $20k ++ to make it a car again. OR, I can buy the 66 on Hibid in Arlee Montana I think it’s still under $3k for the bid and it runs and drives, ok its not a fast back but I’m ok with that because I’m not a fan of the fastback style anyway. So I think I will leave this one to Richard Rawlins to get drunk one night and buy it then watch and see how he makes a profit on it.
Convert to EV?
(just kidding…)
Looks like a 1969/70 dash there…..
Slap in a 426 Hemi and have a real sleeper
I don’t know why anybody would order the regular mustang in 1965 when you could have the fastback. So much better looking.
“Somebody has returned its body to a rust-free state..,”
Every single image provided lays waste to that statement.
It always amazes me how people get in over their head either with cash or ability to complete their project, and then they try to get others to not only pay for what they won’t ever finish, but try to make a large profit as well, first it would cost too much to try to return this to a more original state which would be the most likely way to get the larges price for it, second if resto modded you’d have to do an insanely high quality job to get the interest of someone with deep pockets to buy it and at the price asked for a great deal of you profit would already be gone, true is this is worth less than half of asking price, good luck to both sides getting this sold or functional at this pice
I didn’t even know you could remove the shock towers. See, this is why I read Barn Finds. I’m a little suspicious how the seller came to have two Coyote engines for sale though. Not making accusations here but those are some pretty pricey engines to just have laying around. If he said he had a 390 or a 429 that would check.
Nice job on the rebuild of the chassis. I think the price is a bit steep considering the amount of money it still needs put into it. I like the situation here as I’m finishing up a total rebuild of a Bugeye Sprite chassis that had minimal rust and was bought cheap. Lot of fun working with something that’s not junk to start with.
Trans Am or Pro Mod candidate only. Not a resto candidate at all. Fair but optomistic asking price, but $100K away from where it wants to go! Great project! Love it! Can just about spend whatever you want on it. One of the best project cars you can do!
I would fully restore this with an inline 6, three speed column shifted transmission and white wall tires.
Oh, and radio delete.
🤣😂