One of the disadvantages of owning a classic car is that most spend their time hidden away in a garage or workshop, only seeing the light for weekend outings. However, this 1965 Mustang Hardtop offers a tempting alternative because it could easily function as a practical daily driver. It isn’t perfect, but it is a rust-free car with no apparent needs. The new owner could retain the Hardtop untouched, although there is scope for personalization. It is listed here on eBay in Edinburg, Texas. Bidding sits at $11,300, which is below the reserve. There is a BIN option of $15,500 for those wishing to bypass the auction process. Barn Finder Larry D’s classic radar spotted this beauty for us, so thank you for that, Larry.
This Mustang’s overall presentation is tidy and has no immediate needs. It appears it spent its life in Texas, which makes its lack of rust unsurprising. The exterior looks clean, while the limited underside shots reveal no nasty surprises. The floors and rails look solid, and there are no apparent issues with the trunk pan. The Wimbledon White paint isn’t perfect, but its condition is acceptable for a driver-grade classic. It would undoubtedly benefit from a repaint, but that is not essential. Its lack of perfection may be this car’s greatest strength. I would never criticize an enthusiast for owning a pristine vehicle, but they can prove as much a burden as a joy. If a meticulous owner hits the road behind the wheel of their pride and joy, there’s always a nagging doubt in the back of their mind that an errant rock could chip the paint, spoiling the car’s perfection. While such a situation with this Mustang may prove disappointing, it doesn’t represent the same trauma for the owner. The chrome and glass look excellent, and the styled factory hubcaps add a classy finishing touch.
Some enthusiasts might be disappointed by what they find when they lift this Mustang’s hood because its drivetrain specifications are the least potent offered by Ford in 1965. Power comes from a T-Code 200ci six-cylinder engine which sends 120hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. The original owner added power steering to provide a relaxed driving experience. Although it was possible to order an auto-equipped ’65 Mustang capable of a sub-16-second ¼-mile ET, this car would take 18.8 seconds to complete the journey. However, that car would consume nearly 50% more fuel than our feature Hardtop, helping cement this car’s claim as a practical daily driver. Upgrading the drivetrain is possible with readily available and affordable parts for a V8 transplant. The spotless underhood presentation comes courtesy of an engine and transmission rebuild last year, with the seller holding invoices confirming the work. They recently fitted new tires, saying the vehicle runs and drives extremely well. A transplant is possible, but the excellent mechanical health may prompt buyers to leave well enough alone.
If this Mustang has a genuine highlight, that honor may fall to its interior presentation. You might find this car slightly overbearing if you’re not a fan of Red trim. However, with most modern vehicles trimmed in Gray, this interior is refreshing. The upholstered surfaces look perfect, with the carpet, dash, and pad looking equally impressive. I noticed a crack in the wheel, but that is one of the few visible faults. Someone cut the dash and rear parcel tray to fit a CD player and speakers, but there are no other additions. The interior would be close to perfect if the buyer spent $300 on a reproduction wheel.
If you bought this 1965 Mustang, what would be your plans? Would you retain it untouched, or would a fresh coat of paint be too tempting to resist? Leaving it as-is means it could function as a daily driver but would also allow the new owner to develop their strategies and accrue the required funds for any potential upgrades. Its excellent mechanical health means it needs nothing, although parts are available off the shelf to extract improved performance. It has only attracted six bids at the time of writing, but you could submit the seventh.
Oh how this one makes me pine for the days of my youth. I had one oh so similar that I bought in 1970 for 750.00. It had a 250 6 with a 3 speed Manual trans. The car was sweet and performed just as it should. I drove it all through College and upon returning home I was offered 3,000.00. I should have read between the lines but no the $$$ were too much temptation. Mine was every bit as sweet as this one. Love to have it but I don’t need it have 3 oldies now that get driven as regular transportation and Just too old to fold down into it.
I hear ya. An older brother’s friend had a ’66 Mustang with a six and three-on-the-floor. Paid about $750 for it, also…paint was tired. But never fear, Earl Scheib was on the job…he got the $29 special, actually an attractive dark green, and it looked real sharp at ten feet.
That car, though…already I had a taste for rugged-and-simple, but it showed me you could have them with good looks, too. Maybe it’s just me, but I have an affection for three-on-the-floor transmissions, especially behind a torquey six. You control it all, but the tractorlike engine needs little control. It just goes and goes…slowly but surely…giving my younger self the opportunity to smile big at young women.
If I had a spare $11k laying about, and parking space…I’d be on that like white on rice. Arthritis in my hip makes the automatic attractive, now. And I likewise hear the appeal of the not-perfect high-level DD.
Mustang still looks greatl after 57 model years. Beautiful design and well preserved. I am OK with the 6 cylinder, automatic transmission and power steering. A high performance model would have been abused in “boy racer” stop light racing and at the local drag strip. I would add power disc brakes and modern air conditioning but no cosmetic alterations. Nice survivor but not as desirable as one loaded with performance and luxury options.
Adam, you might want to spend a
bit of time researching your subject. This Mustang is equipped with factory “styled steel” wheels… not hubcaps. An uncommon accessory.
Those are actually simulated, styled steel, wheel covers. Not the actual GT steel wheel.
You might want to look closer. I’ve had these wheels on my own Mustang (from the factory). They are NOT hubcaps.
Just an observation guys. Six cylinder Stang’s, 65-66, ran 4 lug hubs. Not five lug as seen in the pic.
There’s probably no easier classic to get into than the 1st gen Ford Mustang. There were so many manufactured, there seems to still be an inexhaustible supply of good condition, inexpensive examples out there!
At the bottom of the listing it says this is a no reserve auction? And at the top it says reserve not met? Looks sharp.
In the name of Pete , do NOT change the engine. Way too few 6s out there. Needs a stick in a perfect world. Love the color.
Is there a dwindling number of straight 6 Mustangs on the east coast or something? 6 vs 8 cylinders, it’s about 50/50 here in AZ/CA.
Well, I actually owned a first 50 vin#s 260 V8 that was a ” press-car” from the New York World’s Fair Intro of the Mustang. Mine was also Wimbledon White. This one is EPIC in its PRESERVATION. I would only add a “vintage-air” kit, and drive it EVERYWHERE! These early ‘Stangs, drive great and are FUN! Great listing! Best of luck to buyer and seller!
Haha. Seems to be honestly. Very seldom see a 6 around here. Seems almost all are 260 or 289. Mostly 289. Also I guess a soft spot on my end. Dad had a Wimbledon White 65 coupe over a blue interior. 200 6 with a 3 speed manual. Spinner wheel covers.
I also would be very happy just the way it is, originality is game, the car is very sharp for the year, I would drive it as a daily car…