In what is probably a circumstance we all have heard, this 1965 Ford Mustang C code car was parked in 1996 to begin restoration and never touched. While the current owner has had it since 1985, they claim the mileage of 68,619 could be rolled over. The car is currently located in the Phoenix, Arizona area and the asking price is $8,500. Thank you, Ikey H., for the tip. You can read more about the car here on craigslist.
As far everything mechanical goes, the 289 cubic inch V8 is stock except for an Edelbrock intake and four-barrel carburetor. The owner is not sure if the engine block is original to the car or not. They do say however that it is a four-speed manual, which was apparently a rare option. It also has disc brakes up front from the factory. This is a classic case of ran when parked, so assume assistance will be needed to get it running.
The listing state that the car has a “Pony interior.” As you can see in the photo, it will need some deep cleaning, but otherwise, all the pieces and parts seem to be there. It seems like the storage unit it was sitting in has done well at keeping the elements and any critters out. If you are frequently looking at restoration projects, I would imagine you would want all your interiors to look like this.
No photos of the engine or underside are in the listing, but the seller says that if you contact them, they will send you more photos. The car seems to be in a good enough condition that may be a little help and cleaning, and this could be hauling you to car shows very soon. With the automotive hobby so diverse nowadays, the way this Mustang sits currently, this would actually be very much appreciated I’m sure.
There must be thousands of first generation Mustangs in storage buildings, barns, etc. My observation is that most are the common base models and aren’t particularly valuable. Some are parts cars at best. I guess it’s worthwhile they were saved, but I hope the owners (often second or third generation) don’t assume they have big bucks sitting in the barn.
Example: a few days ago my daughter took me to a storage facility where she has church supplies stored. Under the awning among the motor homes, boats, etc. was a 1968 Mustang. I took a quick look, and found a basic 289 automatic coupe, with some rust, with no distinct options, in heavily-used, non-running condition. I don’t know the storage costs, but surely a few months of fees would exceed the value of the car.
Thanks Brentton. This one actually doesn’t look bad.
Maybe you guys know something that I don’t know, but it still amazes me that anyone would park a car and never even start/run it again, regardless of future intention. Wouldn’t it be potentially worth more if it were actually known to run? Hmmmm?
Are you too inconvenienced to go fire it up for five minutes, I don’t know, once every third month?
Ben, there are lots of reasons people park running cars and never start them again. It isn’t always about the money. Cars are often an emotional experience.
For a lot of people, just having the car tucked away safely is all they need to be satisfied – there is always tomorrow, or next year, to do something with it.
Sometimes people fall ill and are not able to attend to all their business including a stored car. Often someone might not even have family to help them out.
Our job as potential buyers is to get all the accurate information we can on a vehicle and make our decisions from there.
“The listing state that the car has a “Pony interior.” As you can see in the photo, it will need some deep cleaning, […]”
I’m just guessing that no matter how nice original seats may look (in general, not necessarily just on this car) after 50 or 60 years the material has dried, the stitching will tear loose if stretched, the seat foam is now more like old sponge cake and will crumble if sat upon… in short, it may look good, but how usable it is anymore without a total re-do is a big question for me.
Fortunately for Mustang lovers, there’s not a part on the car that can’t be duplicated with brand new materials, and probably at more reasonable prices than what can be had for parts on other cars.
Hey! They’re nice seats, just don’t sit on them.
Looks nice from up top but there are no pics of the body and underbelly, good inspection is needed. if this is truly an Arizona car it could be a good deal, 4 speed v8 a plus. I’d look at it if I was in the market. Bear in mind its still a rustang. Good luck to the new owner.
Cheers
GPC
I wonder if these leaked water into the trunk/behind the rear seat from the rear window area, etc., even when not that old. I do remember seeing a 4 yr old ’69 fastback with a puddle of water on the rear package shelf.
“Package shelf”. I get a charge out of that. Did anyone ever put packages back there?
I like it especially wth 289 V8 4 speed. To me the pony seats are just seats, but since that’s what’s in it I suppose some leather treatment might help. Still, these are my wife’s favorite car, but in convertible.
God bless America
Nice looking project car!! Seems like all the parts are there and like the early Carmaro’s you can get every panel on the car!! I get Leary when I see a car in primer!! I’m not sure if it is primer or if it’s a green ford produced that year!! Primer always make me think of body work and bondo!!!
When you buy anything old you either accept the risks that come with it or you don’t. Cars cost cubic dollars to restore them right.
The car is shown as a 1965 model but has 1966 dash. Which is it?
Leather treatment usually won’t help vinyl. The interior looks nice, but it will need replacement.
If as solid as it is presented to be, I would get her going my safely & reliably, & drive her. I bet she would be fun, even looking as she does.