Newly revived after an estimated 15 years, this 1965 Ford Mustang coupe in Dallas, Texas shows high promise for a second life. Dry metal from a life in California and Texas, a running V8 four-speed powertrain, center console with bucket seats, and consistent and complete original equipment should help park this never-restored pony in a new owner’s driveway just in time for cruising season. Were it not for a complete color change, we might call this Ford a survivor. Check out more pictures and details here on eBay where at least two bidders have the coupe’s market value above $1000 so far. The seller has replaced the headliner too, a job dreaded by gear-heads who swap an engine with one hand while eating a cheesesteak with the other.
The wood-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel, Hurst T-handle shifter, shiny center console, and bucket seats all bring a sporty feeling to the early pony. If today’s bloated hyper-tech pony cars seem like too much, don’t discount the fun and connected driving experience of a well-sorted classic. A new dual exhaust should make all the cool noises that equate the V8 with performance for many enthusiasts. Around the turn of the century, my friend Michael proclaimed, “I will never, ever, own a vehicle that doesn’t have an American V8.” Today Michael owns several American V8 vehicles. He’s also on his third used Honda daily driver and sings their praises too… for different reasons.
The stock-appearing air cleaner hides a newer aftermarket carburetor on the possibly-original 289 cid (4.7L) V8. Other fuel system updates include a new fuel tank and fuel pump. Forgive my ignorance but what’s that thing in the front left that looks like an air raid siren? My buddy Randy has a Wimbledon White ’65 Coupe that’s as original as they come, a one-family ride purchased new by his grandfather.
Handsome and practical, the first-generation Mustang coupe may bring a certain School Teacher look to the party, but this body style claims fans from vintage racing tracks as well as those who keep their wild side partially under wraps.
Yes, folks, the fuel tank *is* the trunk floor on early Mustangs. Here we see the original blue which I prefer to the brown, though a shiny respray would detract from this ‘Stang’s uniform patina, practically demanding an all-over restoration. What future do you predict for this solid early Pony?
What caught my eye on this Mustang is the brown-ish repaint. You can see the original blue underhood and in the trunk, but also on the passenger side door sill. So was this car completely torn down (interior included) 30 years ago, and restored, which included the paint change? And now another 30 years later, time for round two?
Great line Todd about headliner work vs. engine work; makes me want a cheesesteak for lunch.
Light on their feet, 289, 4sp.. ideal combination for spirited motoring on the streets 😎
Considering the interior was originally blue/blue, if I were the buyer I’d prefer not to have a brown headliner in the car. The exterior/interior were both changed to brown (ick) at some point in the past. It would’ve been quite attractive in the original color scheme.
This is one of those if I win the lottery. Also about 3/4ths of the guys in my high school class wanted one of these. The 289/225 with a 4 speed is a perfect combination. I hope someone turns it to original blue. Excellent start on a fun first generation Mustang. And best, it is not a Rustang
Believe that is a urgahhh horn like in model A’s?
Too funny and so correct “The seller has replaced the headliner too, a job dreaded by gear-heads who swap an engine with one hand while eating a cheesesteak with the other.”
Best find a good mechanic to help with a 60’s project – even small shops with old timers are now reluctant to work on anything “that old”.
Ask me how I know.
Heard that today from one old pal that put in some front suspension for me 5 yrs ago- sorry but we just don’t that type of work anymore (PS power control valve).
Just saying – there are some jobs we ourselves do not do anymore…
In the 90s Dad bought a ’66 version of this one and it had a mind of it own when stopping – 4 wheel drums are a hoot!
Go in eyes open with a plan.
You can see some of the original Silver Blue under the hood. This looks like a 1966 shade called “Emberglo,” or something very similar. When paired with a vinyl roof and a Parchment or Parchment/Emberglo interior, it was a lovely shade. When paired with this brown mess, it looks like the entire car was dipped into a vat of primer.
I think Emberglo with 2 tone palamino interior is the best looking combo on 65-66s. Mine is Caspian blue with blue interior…not very striking looking, but factory.
When it comes to rust, a problem area is lower cowl/firewall. Water gets past the louvers in the cowl between windshield wipers, collects at the bottom and rusts it out. I had my windshield in and out 3 times trying to solve water on pax footwell before l found the culprit. To fix right takes new firewall and lower cowl. Parts are available, but labor intensive. A plexiglass panel is available to seal the cowl when it’s parked. I just try to not drive in the rain.
Did 65-66 Mustangs come with a headliner any color other than white?
There’s a lot more rust there, folks. Look at the left side of the engine compartment and compare to the right. Where are the underside photographs? Paint and interior are an abomination, air cleaner is wrong, so are valve covers. Let’s not even go into the poor decision on the headliner, and it has taken a couple of good whacks to the back. Needs an in person critical eye – but get it cheap, because it won’t be cheap to get this to “good” condition.
Looks like somebody found a car ad for a “1965 Ford” and is looking for a home run flip on a low-ball purchase.
I saw one years ago when the front driver’s seat went right through the floorboard.
A high school friend had a 1965 289/4-speed coupe. Peppy little car.
So far the bidding has reached $5,200, this seller has run it twice before, with high bids of $10,001 and $7,250 neither time meeting reserve.
I think it’s a cool car and has potential, but not for the price needed to complete the purchase.
Steve R