It would be fair to think that every classic car enthusiast has compiled a list of vehicles they would park in their ultimate garage. The list could be brief, but a few could be the length of a short novel. Mine isn’t that bad, but it does contain an early Mustang GT 2+2. This 1965 Mustang GT would come close to fulfilling my dream, from its mechanical specifications to its options list. It is an older restoration that still presents impressively, but it is set to head to auction. The GT is listed here at Mecum Auctions. It will go under the hammer in Kissimmee, Florida, on Thursday, January 12th. The auction estimate on this classic is $100,000 – $125,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for spotting this beauty.

It can be hard to exercise impartiality when writing about a classic car, especially when the vehicle in question is close to the ideal you would own if money were no object. That is the position I find myself in with this 1970 Mustang GT because, apart from the paint and interior trim colors, it features the mechanical configuration and complete list of optional extras I would seek. The seller indicates it presents beautifully following an older frame-off restoration. It is unclear when this occurred, but the process included a repaint in the car’s original Wimbledon White with Red lower stripes. It is hard to fault the car’s appearance in the supplied photos, with the panels and paint looking spotless. It would be fair to expect a few imperfections upon closer inspection, but there appears to be nothing that will adversely impact this Mustang’s potential value. The chrome and trim are immaculate, with the car featuring the correct GT grille, fog lights, badges, and classy styled factory wheels. The glass looks equally impressive, and even if it isn’t perfect, this GT would undoubtedly command attention and favorable comments wherever it goes.

Opening this Mustang’s doors reveals an interior that makes a bold statement. Although Red trim may not appeal to everyone, it is hard to resist when its condition is as impressive as we find here. While I will generally avoid using terms like “perfect” when describing the overall condition of a specific area of any classic (I will reserve the term for particular items or components), it is hard to avoid that phrase with this GT’s interior. The vinyl upholstered surfaces are spotless, as are the carpet and dash. There are no aftermarket additions or evidence of abuse. The original owner ordered this Mustang with the wood-rimmed wheel, console, AM radio, and Rally-Pac gauges. These items remain intact and help to increase the desirability of this gem.

Okay, we’ve now reached the nuts and bolts of why I find this Mustang attractive. Buyers in that year faced a broad range of engines to power their purchase, but the pick of the bunch was undoubtedly the K-Code 289ci V8. Although a GT with an A-Code gave the driver a respectable 225hp under their right foot, the K-Code lifted that figure to 271hp. This car’s original owner specified a four-speed manual transmission (the company didn’t offer an auto option with this motor), a 3.50 rear end, power steering, and front disc brakes. Was it fast? Let’s say it wasn’t bad. If a buyer specified the A-Code, the journey down the ¼ mile would have taken a respectable 15.5 seconds. The additional ponies available in this car should slash that figure to 14.7 seconds. That made it a vehicle to which many buyers would have aspired. This GT’s engine bay presents as impressively as the rest of the car, but as is typical of Mecum listings, there is no information on how this beauty runs or drives. However, the visual indications are positive.

I have always felt that the early Mustang 2+2  was one of the best-looking cars from that era. Many people focus on the Mustang Fastback models from 1969 to 1971. However, cars like this possess a certain elegance lacking from the later versions. That is why one of the inclusions in my dream garage is a 1965 GT 2+2, virtually identical to this car. The only difference is that mine would wear Ivy Green paint. However, the auction estimate, which appears realistic in the current market, is beyond my reach. Maybe you’ll have more luck on that front. I’m always available as a chauffeur if you do, and I’ll do it for free. What can I say? I’m just that kinda guy!