If you’re like me, you have compiled a long list of classics you’d park in your garage if money and space were no object. One of mine would be an early First Generation Mustang Fastback because I believe they are great-looking cars. I’m not able to fulfill my dream, which is a shame. If you are in a position to make your dream a reality, this 1965 model deserves a close look. It is a dry vehicle with only minor rust spots requiring attention. It would ideally suit someone seeking a first or DIY project build, and it appears to be essentially complete. The Mustang is listed here on eBay in Big Bear City, California. Sedate bidding has pushed the price to $18,100, which is short of the reserve.

The seller indicates this Mustang has spent its life in California, helping to explain how it remains structurally sound. The floors and trunk pan are original, with no history of repairs. They and the torque box region and shock towers show no evidence of problems beyond the occasional dusting of surface corrosion. External rust is limited to spots in the lower door corners and near the back window. The issues aren’t severe, and well-crafted patches should fix the problems. The panels look straight, with only a few tiny bumps and bruises. The glass seems excellent, and most of the trim should respond well to some old-fashioned polishing. One item worth considering is that the Wimbledon White gracing the exterior isn’t original. The car rolled off the production line cloaked in a shade called Silver Smoke Gray. It isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but with the right wheel and tire combination, it should look stunning. My preference would be a set of Ford’s styled chrome steels from this era wrapped in redline tires. That would be my aim if I found the Fastback sitting in my workshop.

The seller doesn’t indicate whether this classic is numbers-matching. However, the VIN confirms the original owner ordered it fitted with a C-Code 289ci V8, backed by a three-speed automatic transmission. That V8 would have produced 200hp, and while a ¼-mile ET of 16.7 seconds may not sound exciting, it satisfied many buyers in 1965. The engine lacks a carburetor, and the factory intake made way for an Edelbrock 4-Barrel unit. A new aluminum radiator should prevent the sweet V8 from melting, but I can’t spot any further additions. Since there’s no carburetor, it’s a no-brainer this car doesn’t currently run or drive. The motor turns freely, and with the seller encouraging in-person inspections, that could provide an opportunity to spot any potential problems.

The Mustang’s interior shots are inconclusive, but there are promising aspects to consider. The headliner looks good, and the Black vinyl upholstery shows no evidence of severe rips or tears. The carpet is gone, and the dash pad is cracked, but I think many components could be salvaged to minimize the cost of returning the inside of this classic to a presentable state. The factory radio is intact, as is most of the air conditioning system. Those items would make life on the road pretty pleasant on warm summer days.

The seller suggests that the new owner of this 1965 Mustang Fastback could address and spot paint its minor rust problems to return the vehicle to active duty quickly. I view things differently and can picture how it would look if the buyer performed that work and reinstated its original paint shade. First Generation Mustangs wearing Wimbledon White are common, but you see fewer finished in classy Silver Smoke Gray. I would find that prospect impossible to resist. That would be my approach, but would it be yours?