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Surprisingly Solid: 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback

The Ford Model T stands as one of the defining cars of the 20th Century. Thanks to sound engineering principles and groundbreaking production practices, it was the first car that brought affordable motoring to the masses. Such was its impact that at one point, more than 50% of all motor vehicles plying the world’s roads was a Model T. The company achieved a similar level of success with its First Generation Mustang. Thanks to its stunning styling and enormous list of options, it is recognized as the vehicle that best encapsulated the Swinging ’60s. Our feature car is a 1965 Fastback, and while it needs work, it represents a sound base for a project build. Located in Clifton, Virginia, the seller has listed it for sale here on eBay. Bidding has raced beyond the reserve to sit at $10,500.

The seller indicates this Mustang has been sitting for years and that they are its second owner. The current paint shade isn’t original, with the car rolling off the line wearing Wimbledon White. It isn’t clear when the color change occurred, but many potential buyers will probably consider reinstating the factory shade. The panels are reasonably straight, with no major dings or dents. The previous owner swapped the factory taillights for those from a Thunderbird. These items include the sequential turning signals, although they cut the panel to accommodate the upgrade. It is a First generation Mustang, which inevitably leads us to the subject of rust. The exterior shots are inconclusive, but the seller provides this underside collage that reveals some riveted patches in the floors. If the new owner seeks a high-quality restoration, they will probably elect to replace the floor pans. The rest of the car seems to sport nothing beyond heavy surface corrosion. Some trim pieces are missing, although the glass looks good. If an in-person inspection reveals the car as structurally sound, returning the panels and paint to a pristine state should not be difficult.

The Mustang’s engine bay houses an A-code 289ci V8 that produced 225hp in its prime. The original owner backed the V8 with a three-speed manual transmission while equipping it with power steering and power brakes. That combination would have allowed the car to whip through the ¼ mile in 15.4 seconds, which was a respectable number in 1965. The original owner must have desired a more relaxed driving experience because the manual transmission eventually made way for a three-speed automatic. The change would have impacted performance, but a sub-16-second ET was still there for the taking. The accumulated debris under the hood indicates it has been a while since the car fired a shot in anger, with the seller placing the period as around two decades. They indicate that it ran strong back then, but it isn’t clear whether it still turns freely. If it does, reviving it may not prove challenging.

Although the seller removed the carpet, the Mustang’s interior is essentially complete. A retrim will be on the cards, but with kits readily available, this aspect of the build should prove easy and affordable. What helps this interior stand out is its list of appointments. It features air conditioning, an AM/FM radio, a Sport Deck rear seat, and ultra-cool Rally-Pac gauges. Returning the interior to its former glory will consume around $2,000, but the new owner will feel a sense of pride when they step back and survey their work.

The First Generation Mustang ticked many boxes that guaranteed its sales success. Its styling promised an exhilarating driving experience, but buyers could order it with a drivetrain combination that ensured it was an economical and accomplished daily driver. The company found itself in the enviable position where demand outstripped supply, with 559,451 Mustangs finding their way onto our roads in 1965 alone. Common sense says that any car selling in those numbers would have saturated the market, impacting desirability and values as time passed. The Mustang broke that rule, and early cars remain more desirable now than when they were new. This one needs some work, but returning it to its former glory would seem straightforward. Are you prepared to accept that challenge?

Comments

  1. Avatar Rw

    Would have at least took a leaf blower to get of the toxic rodent resident housing complex!

    Like 11
  2. Avatar Rw

    Rid

    Like 4
  3. Avatar OldSchool Muscle

    Nah not worth it no return ..

    Like 3
  4. Avatar John M.Stecz

    Looks like an automatic to me

    Like 6
    • Avatar RC Graham

      You and the two who agree with you should read more carefully before posting.

      Like 8
  5. Avatar Steve W

    Whoever buys this better have a pile of cash on hand….you’re gonna need it.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar Howie

    What a pile, no title and sellers feedback (0).

    Like 2
  7. Avatar Howie

    Sold $14,099, i am in shock!!

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Dannys shelbys

    Every fastback muustang is worth restoring no matter what the cost Dannys Mustangs

    Like 0
  9. Avatar FrankD Member

    Just needs to be detailed.

    Like 0
    • Avatar RC Graham

      You may be overlooking a few ‘details’.

      Like 2

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