I once heard a motoring journalist state that the First Generation Mustang is the automotive equivalent of the Lego block. He emphasized that he wasn’t being derogatory, but was acknowledging that the enormous selection of available factory and aftermarket components made creating a genuinely unique Mustang quite easy. Such is the case with this 1965 Convertible. From the Shelby additions to the color change and the upgraded engine, there’s a lot to like about this classic. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Mustang listed here on Craigslist in College Place, Washington. The seller set their price at $62,500 for a drop-top that appears to need nothing.

This 1965 Mustang has so many subtle custom touches that it is virtually impossible to know where to start. The Trim Tag shows a Paint Code of “P,” confirming that the first owner ordered it in Prairie Bronze. It is unclear when it underwent a color change, but the seller states that it received a repaint in Guardsman Blue last year. It has only clocked around 1,000 miles since work ended, meaning that it hasn’t had many opportunities to accumulate chips or other defects. The panels are straight, I can’t spot any rust, and the White power top fits as tight as a drum. Beyond the color change, this Mustang also sports a Shelby hood scoop, side scoops, GT350 stripes, and 15″ Shelby wheels. Combine these factors and it is guaranteed that this beauty will turn heads.

Decoding the VIN and Data Tag reveals that the first owner ordered this Mustang powered by the C-Code 289ci V8, developing 200hp and 282 ft/lbs of torque. By combining that engine with a three-speed automatic transmission and a 2.80 standard rear end, they created a vehicle that would have been a relaxed long-distance cruiser. However, the custom touches with this Convertible extend well beyond the paint and exterior appointments, with the engine receiving a range of upgrades. The seller doesn’t supply an extensive list, mentioning the four-barrel carburetor and the Tri-Y headers. They quote an output figure of around 300hp, which is a substantial increase. The self-shifter has made way for a rebuilt four-speed T-10 manual, which feeds the ponies to a 3.55 Traction-Lok rear end. Many fuel system and suspension components have been replaced or upgraded, while the Wilwood brakes should provide impressive stopping power. The seller is guarded in their information regarding the Mustang’s mechanical health, but I suspect that the news will be positive.

Just when you thought that we’d exhausted the list of changes, it is time to focus on the interior. It is unsurprising that given the original exterior paint shade, the first owner teamed the Prairie Bronze with Palomino vinyl interior trim. However, the exterior shade change also brought an interior refurbish featuring Blue and White “Pony” trim. The seller added a timber wheel, a console, Rally Pac gauges, and a retro-style stereo. The interior is as tidy as the exterior, with no appreciable wear, discoloring, or other problems. It could be considered comfortably acceptable for a high-end driver.

The sales figures for 1965 confirmed that Ford had struck automotive gold with the Mustang, but that year’s tally of 559,451 vehicles only served as an entree for the eye-watering 1966 record. Regular readers know my preference for originality, but I acknowledge that this ’65 Convertible represents a well-executed custom build utilizing a fairly common foundation. Therefore, I can’t help but admire the finished product. Whether the seller’s price is justified will undoubtedly spark debate, because placing a firm value on any modified car can be challenging. However, it has only been on the market for a relatively short time, and I suspect that it might find a new home fairly quickly.