While almost any First Generation Mustang will attract attention as a restoration project, some show greater potential than others. Part of the desirability is determined by the candidate’s originality, but the specifications and optional extras can help a great car stand out from a good one. This 1965 Mustang Fastback is a gem, from its drivetrain combination to its interior features. It has lain idle for more than four decades, but it is a project car that is complete and not riddled with rust. It is worthy of a high-grade restoration because it should generate plenty of envious looks once the process is finished. Located in Dallas, Texas, you will find the Fastback listed for sale here on eBay. The seller has set their BIN at $26,500.

The story behind this Mustang is fascinating, although I would love someone to fill in the missing details. The original owner only retained this classic for a few months before selling it to its second owner. That person drove the car for a couple of decades before placing it in storage in a horse barn in 1988. That owner’s son took possession of the Mustang in 1991, but the car didn’t move from its barn hideout. The seller recently liberated it and found a relatively well-preserved Fastback. Most of its Wimbledon White paint is original, although one of its previous owners treated the hood to a repaint. If the buyer wished to retain this classic as a survivor, the paint would provide the perfect “weathered” appearance. Otherwise, a repaint looks like it would be a relatively straightforward undertaking. The panels are straight, while the glass, trim, and factory styled chrome wheels look great for a survivor-grade car. First Generation Mustangs have a reputation for rust issues, and while this car isn’t exempt, its problems are minor. There is a small spot in the front floor, some areas in the lower rear quarter panels, and an area in the trunk. Anything beyond those issues is surface corrosion, although treating that to prevent further deterioration would be wise. Overall, returning this classic to its former glory isn’t going to involve the replacement of acres of steel. That fact alone makes this a tempting project.

The original owner ordered the Mustang with an interior trimmed in Ivy Gold vinyl, and this trim remains intact. It has seen better days, and a total retrim will be on the cards as part of any high-end restoration. This will cost the next owner approximately $2,000, but that should return a factory-fresh appearance to this area. The console looks salvageable, as do the hard trim and chrome pieces. In addition to the console, this interior features desirable options like air conditioning, an AM radio, and the ultra-cool Rally-Pac gauges straddling the steering column.

Buyers in 1965 faced a choice of engines to power their new acquisition, with this car’s original owner selecting the A-Code 289ci V8 that produced 225hp. They backed this with a three-speed automatic transmission, also choosing power steering and four-wheel power drum brakes. This wasn’t the most potent combination Ford offered in this model year, but its ability to cover the ¼ mile in 15.8 seconds was still considered respectable for the period. The seller claims this Mustang is numbers-matching, but it will need plenty of TLC to return to its best. The motor was stuck when they purchased the vehicle, and while they managed to get it turning, it is stuck once again. There are also problems with the rear end requiring attention, suggesting the entire drivetrain requires a rebuild. The seller raises the prospect of a restomod build, but given the originality of this classic, I would treat that option as a last resort.

When this classic rolled off the production line, Ford began to grasp the monster they had created with the Mustang. The company expected to sell between 100,000 and 150,000 cars per year, but the 1965 model year saw 559,451 buyers clamoring to park one of these classics in their driveway. Those buyers faced an enormous selection of optional extras, allowing them to tailor their new toy to their tastes and needs. The original owner of this 1965 Fastback chose some of the more desirable items off that list, producing a car that would have been the envy of many. Today, it could achieve the same status if the right person proves willing to commit the time, effort, and funds. I suspect someone will, and I’d love to see the final result.