This might just be the one you’ve been waiting for! When we feature first generation Mustangs at Barn Finds, frequently the comments are “if it were only a fastback,” or “it’s too rusty,” or “it’s not original enough,” or “it’s not a V8.” Well, this one passes all of those tests and then some. This 1965* (I think it’s a 1966, but that’s what the seller tells us) Mustang is available in Edison, New Jersey and is listed for sale here on eBay. The price right now is $17,500, but you can make a lower offer if you wish.
The story goes (as a side note, what would a “barn find” car be without a story?) that the car has been sitting in a garage since 1988. Although it’s not running and driving, the engine does turn freely and there doesn’t seem to be a tremendous amount wrong with this car. Now, as to whether you believe the claimed 39,731 miles or not–that’s up to you. Me, I’m just going to look at a nice Mustang (whistling to myself as I walk away). You can see some panel fit issues here in the front, especially around the driver’s side in the nose. And the bumper’s a bit crooked too. The seller talks about minor rust “here and there.” I think my dream is going away.
The seller quite correctly tells us the seats and carpet need replacement. This is where I could make an argument for 139,731 miles. What do you think? The automatic may keep some of you away, but to be honest, it’s not hard to change that if you wanted to.
I’m guessing the decal on the air cleaner may mean the transmission has been serviced by Aamco. I can’t imagine a C-code, two barrel 289 cubic inch V8 that only produced 200 horsepower when new could ruin a transmission in 39,000 miles. Or maybe some kid just grabbed a decal and put it on–who knows. I can’t say I’m as thrilled with the wire splices on the right of this picture as I am with the shock towers that appear to be rust free! But what I’m really interested in is whether or not YOU are thrilled with this Mustang? Let us know!
I recently sold a 65 convertible for 18K. it was very nice car, but 6 cylinder. I would think 17K might be a bit high!
This is definitely a ’65. The instrument cluster is the clincher. ’66’s had round speedometer with two smaller instruments on each side of the speedo. ’65 used the Falcon panel which is seen on this car. Also exterior trim differences.
Personally 15K would suit me, fastbacks sell high no matter the condition and this one wouldn’t take a second mortgage to pass at a car show. Like the color too.
It’s clearly a 1965 from the VIN#: 5T09C149801. That first number “5” stands for 1965. And the grill is 1965. What isn’t correct for that year, though, is the color of the air cleaner and valve covers: blue is correct for 1966, and gold was correct for 1965. So there may have been an engine swap at some point in its past. Looks like a viable project, though. GLWT. Ron…
I have a verified 57′ Ford Fairlane H/top (NOT Fairlane 500) w/ just over 30,000 actual miles that looks, runs and drives as you would expect a super-low mileage survivor should. Even if this car has 39K miles,(which I doubt) it’s in a condition that would require as much time & money to make presentable as it would at 13K or more. Could be a nice car, but probably a bit of a money pit.
Wish I could get my husband a pony for Christmas!
It has a 65 grill, a 65 instrument cluster, and the 65 smooth grain seats????
Too bad it’s an automatic ;). In all seriousness it looks like a fine car with a nice back story. If I were looking for a solid first generation mustang I would be eying something like this
It’s not a four speed.
I once changed my 1965 Convertible from automatic to 3 speed, and the worst problem was getting the right transmission mounts and installing the underdash linkage assembly for the clutch pedal. But I happened to also buy another thrashed Mustang with the 3 speed, so had all the parts to move over. Did that about 1972. I have had this now Shelby clone since 1970.
Look at the wear on the seats and brake pedal. No way this thing has 39000 miles, more like 139 or 249000 miles. Someone changed one front shock. If you look, one is red. This car was not taken care of.
Being New Jersey, it’s likely this car traveled the salty winter roads back when it was “just another Mustang”. A lot of Bond-o could be hiding behind those rocker trim strips and rear quarters. I wouldn’t approach this without a magnet in one hand and a flashlight in the other.
Nice mustang would be great project !
Definitely a 65 given the grill and the instrument panel. The hubcaps are ’66. There surely must be a digit missing from the mileage. That is one rough pony! Also remember that the production numbers in ’65 were much higher (75k or so) than ’66 (~34k) because at that point they were being sent to build Shelbys.
Needs redlines
I agree that this is a little rough around the edges but if the bones are solid the owner is about right on the money. With that said, this is in no way a low mile example in my opinion. The fist thing I would check would be the floorboards for evidence of a cowl leak which is VERY common on these cars and expensive to fix. Torque boxes would be the next area of concern, again a common area for rust.
The headlight trim on the drivers side is a common issue with these cars as well. There is a weak spot on the headlight bucket that causes the door to pull back and cause the gap. There are aftermarket reinforcement kits to fix the mount or you can drill and add an extra screw to tighten it back up.
Nice car, who cares about the mileage as anyone who buys this is going to restore it, the price may seem high at first glance, but look what roached out rust bucket fast backs are bringing and this looks like a bargain.If it were mine I think I would have to upgrade the brakes, add power steering, fix the trunk and seat covers then drive it like I stole it. Way above my pay grade though.
The only thing 1966 about it is the wheel covers and the blue engine. Def a 65 variety. I would want to see the Data plate and the VIN on the inner fender. If those check out, I would make a near offer to buy.
Unlike the other “experts” posting here about how the miles must be a lie, I have a ’66 Mustang coupe with under 36K miles. I know this mileage is accurate as I am the second owner and the first owner was my grandmother. While I have had restoration work done on the body, the interior and engine compartment of my car looks a lot like this one. That is consistent with a car that was USED consistently for many years, taken car of but not pampered, and simply not driven a lot. Mileage is only part of the equation; TIME is, in my opinion and based on actual experience, a far bigger factor in determining condition. While my seats aren’t torn, the condition of the carpets, pedals, dash, and engine compartment are consistent with the miles stated.
Think I’d have to run a magnet down the quarters and the lower part of the fenders. A little unsettling to have that clean an exterior with that kind of rust inside the trunk and no underneath pictures. With the car’s origin it makes me wonder. If it’s solid the money he’s asking is fair even if it’s a pretty basic example. Upgrade the brakes and drive it.
I thought the 2+2 had a chrome emblem somewhere stating the model designation?
I drive a 2012 Mustang every day. Rain, snow, summer heat. It has 49,000 miles on it. While not new, the paint still it looks great, the engine compartment is clean and the interior is spotless. I don’t understand how “time” changes that on a low mileage car. I’ve also had cars with 100000+ miles, they look a lot closer to this one. Cars with “low mileage” should still be pretty clean, regardless of their age.
Of course I’ve read others say this same thing dozens of times.
Let us know in 2063 how your 2012 is doing after 50+ years of being treated as a normal car(not pampered collector car).
These ’60s Mustangs were made in vast numbers and were just driven as normal cars, not as anything really special. Today’s cars are much better made, but still, drive one daily(maintained but not pampered) for the first 25+ years and then as a second car for the next 25 years and see. Used in that way, time takes its toll, far more than high miles do.
Jamie, just curious…what makes you think this is a ’66?
I’m not Jamie, but it had to be the hub caps.
I’m guessing it is the engine color. The wheel covers(not hub caps), grille, and body ornamentation are easily swapped; an engine much more of a chore. I thought it was a ’66 too at first, with a ’65 grille, but then I saw it had the ’65 dash.
Both Rocco and Steven are right, but you folks obviously know more than I do! :-)
Well, Jamie, I’ve had Mustangs since I bought my parents ’65 fastback back from the dealer, after they traded in ’68. My dad co-signed, as I was just 20 yrs. old and in the Navy. Since then, lost count of the K’s, Shelby’s, a BOSS 302, and now my two ’95 Cobra “R”‘s. Not to mention my ’93 Lightning, ’96 Lightning Bronco, ’65 Mustang Coupe(4 of them with full roll cages). I guess I did mention. Oh well, enough.
Wow, Rocco, that’s quite a Mustang resume! I can only claim growing up with two 67’s and a 69, and now have two 98’s that are becoming one race car and my pride and joy 2013 Boss 302. I’d love to hear what the caged cars were used for and just listen to you talk pony sometime!
Jamie,
I think BF has my contact info. I tried to put the Bronc in you market place ad’s. Contact me, and I’ll give you my cell, if BF doesn’t have it.
Current stable:
The ’65 coupe started as a 6cyl. Changed over to V-8 suspension, 9″, ’69 disc brakes on all 4 corners. 289 with about 375hp, 4-speed. Sheet metal dash(with gauges, sheet metal rear seat area with 6-point cage. Street driven.
’95 Cobra “R” race car since new. First to the public. Mag. article’s back in ’95. Won 3 races in ’95, set some track records with George Biskup(owner) driving.
I built a ’95 body in white purpose built SCCA/NASA road race car. Too much to list. Won the first race it was in at Nashville Super Speedway road course ’07. I was lucky.
Stock(virgin) ’95 “R” car. Street driven occasionally. “R”s came with 351W, no back seat, no air, crank window’s, fuel cell, etc. Ford won the Manufacturer’s Championship with these cars. Just like the George Biskup car, except not race prepared.
’94 Cobra sheet metal back seat area, cage. Father/son project. Caged.
’96 two wheel drive Lightning Bronco converted from a wrecked Lightning.
I did all the mods on these cars, except the Biskup race car.
My dream car IS a Black 2013 BOSS LS, but just a dream now at my age & money. I thought about selling off a couple cars and looking for a ’13 BOSS, then I say to myself, “I’ve had my fun and memories”. Just enjoy what you have that’s paid for. To hell with car payments.