We have all heard the overused statement that a car is original only once. This is usually followed by a verbal overview of why this originality should translate into a higher price. Take for example this 1965 Ford Mustang coupe, found for us by our eagle-eyed reader Michael. This beauty is currently looking for a new caretaker on craigslist in Phoenix, Arizona. While the car’s condition is noteworthy, the scrawny list of factory options leaves us wanting. Is buying an original car worth a large premium? Is this pretty, but plain Jane, Mustang worth $13,000? Let’s take a closer look…
Early Mustangs need no introduction on this website. These game changing collector cars, derived from Ford’s more pedestrian Falcon, have legions of devoted fans. While serious Mustang collectors are always on the hunt for Shelbys, fastbacks, convertibles, and cars with the GT equipment group, the more common six cylinder cars rarely appear on anyone’s radar. That is quite a shame. Nicely kept six cylinder cars like this one drive nicely and can be quite a bargain. Ford’s inline six cylinder engines are legends when it comes to reliability. Paired with a four speed transmission, they can be somewhat peppy as well. An added plus is that six cylinder cars usually aren’t beaten to death a quarter mile at a time. Who would notice that they are trying to go fast?
As you can see from the above two pictures, this charming Mustang has been well cared for. Both the interior upholstery and the trunk mat have that gently worn look that is almost impossible to replicate. The bucket seats and black interior are handsome and businesslike, and the add on tachometer lends a bit of sportiness to the car. Air conditioning under the dash is a welcome addition. It appears to be an aftermarket system, however, as Ford factory air conditioning under dash units have four circular vents to exhaust that wonderful cool air. Certainly any type of working air conditioning is a blessing during a Phoenix summer.
Under the hood we see the venerable inline six cylinder Ford engine discussed previously. Packing 200 cubic inches, these engines put out just 120 horsepower. While enough horsepower to shuffle you down to the drive-in in the 1960s, it would be very tempting to stuff a healthy V-8 under the hood. As we can see, the air conditioning compressor seems to be the only accessory pulling power from that engine. I cannot see a power steering pump, and it is doubtful that power brakes were installed at the factory either. At least there is not much to go wrong on this car.
The seller tells us that this gorgeous little Mustang still sports the original paint and hubs, and the door tag is still on the car. We are also told that the numbers match. You cannot deny that the car is very beautiful and well kept. You would also be a fool to purchase any Mustang without a thorough inspection for rust. Early Mustangs rust if you breathe on them wrong. Often that rust can make these cars structurally unsound, even if there are no obvious signs of rust when you walk around them.
If the seller’s claims are true, than this is likely a garage kept car that has spent its life in the salt free Southwest. The car would obviously be worth a premium over most original Mustang coupes. The problem is that there aren’t many collectors scouring the planet for six cylinder 1965 Mustangs. Drivable coupes of this vintage sell for around $5,000-$8,000 in this neck of the woods, and there seems to be falling off the trees like crabapples. Add to that the downward trend in Mustang coupe prices, and you can see the dilemma here. If it were a fastback, people would be breaking down the seller’s door. Even if it were a V-8 car with a GT package, I would imagine there would be a lot of interest.
Sadly, it is a rather plain car. So, what exactly is a base Mustang coupe with a six cylinder in this condition worth? Let us know what you think in the comments.
On this one I would say yes it is worth the price.
Some people do like the 6 cylinder stick combination and you have to pay more for the nice ones.
I think the price is a little steep but not outrageous. My friends brother had the same car in a different color. This is a nice cruiser.
It’s between the price gap of a ratted out original and a restored version. Very original looking, not hacked up. Definitely worth the price. You’ll get a nice original driver that can still stand out at local car shows.
It is indeed a real nice cruiser. It amazes me how cars like this have survived so long remaining in near-new condition. The owner clearly loved this little Pony. I’d be perfectly ok with the small 6. The price is a little on the high end for a low option Mustang, it’s a reasonable starting point. I would think around $10,500 is where the seller will end up.
rather have the falcon
Or a Corvair Monza
Twenty years ago I bought a 6 cylinder, 3 speed convertible at Auburn for $10k and loved it for 2 months. Then my wife left and took the Mustang.
“Boy, I sure miss that car!”
In our area it would be a decent buy. I think it’s worth it
I’ve looked at a lot of these, but I have never seen a 6 mated to a 4 speed. Typo?
The sixes were available with the Dagenham 4-speed. They aren’t very strong and parts availability is dismal.
never heard on a Dagenham, thanks Rodent!
Nothing wrong with the Dagenham four speed- its a borg warner four speed fitted to English ford zephyrs (built in Dagenham England) and some falcon sprints- a poor mans T10
They were widely used behind fords and chevs in Australia and New Zealand in the 70’s because they were cheap and readily available
I have had one hung off the back of a modified Studebaker v8 for 30 yrs and it takes a hammering.. I bought the gearbox for $50 and dragged it out from under a hedge.
Not a typo at all. I was looking for a Dagenham 3 speed when I found a 4 speed that came out of a 65 Mustang. The guy wanted 500 bucks and it had everything with it. It was was a more than fair deal. By the time I got around to calling the guy he had sold it. I see restored 64-66 Mustangs with 6 cylinders and 3 speeds sell for between 10k and 12k in my area. An original would bring more even for a six banger.
I happen to like “plain Janes”, they tend to be less troublesome and more reliable whether they take the form of a wife or a car! Also, once we reach a certain age, we come to realize that, in the end, we’re all going to the same place and we come to be in less of a hurry to get there.
Nice car at a very fair price, I hope it finds a new owner who appreciates it as such.
Worth every cent
I love cars in general. I have small collection of classic cars. This topic being about classic Mustangs, 2 years ago I bought All original 1973 Mustang Hardtop coupe bronze ext color with brown vinyl interior 302 2B, Auto, Factory AM radio, Factory AC, manual windows has 8,600 original miles with all documentation wondow sticker and manuals. I paid paid 17K for it!
On first glance I was struck by what a handsome design the original Mustang is. In the context of its era it’s no wonder they sold 600,000 in the first year & a half. My only memory of driving these is a 4-speed V8. I would guess that the driving experience now would seem brutal compared to the C6 I drive daily.
Not to mention a slight horsepower difference.
Whatever price, you’re getting a true landmark car, beyond iconic and beyond classic.
In my personal opinion as a classic car collector I Dont care about if has largest most horsepower engine! I care mostly being original condition Not modified & molested even if has least powerful engine. I believe in motto ‘ Its Only Original once’
It’s about right price maybe a little high but to change over to V8 would be costly not just a switch out lots of things. Need to be changed
As with the a-few-days-ago one, it’s a nice car. Nothing special; just nice.
I doubt it would sell here for $7,000.00
It’s been my experience that the only thing to be concerned about is the carb shacking apart. The cure is to locktite every screw in it inclluding the mounting bolts and it will cut down on any rough running issues. This is otherwise a tough little engine. This car is in great shape and would be fun to drive. The closer we get to atonimus vehicles less of us are going to know how to drive a car like this. And less of us that are going to get the chance to experience a car like this, nice find.
That a/c compressor look to be half the size of the 6 cyl.!!! LOL
My 2nd car was a black on black 66 with the same 6 and a stick. LOVED that car! Bullet proof engines, that’s for sure. Bout drove the wheels off that ol Stang!
Sure wouldn’t mind having another. Price sounds a little high to me, but it does look clean.
Agree with stickler for original crowd. (as usual) .Unmolested cars are the standard of value. Take a similar car in rough shape, not feasible to go original, I can understand. B
Beautiful car ! Don’t think any mods would add more value. Keep it as it is !!!
Putting a V8 in this would be pointless for two reasons. One, it would take away its uniqueness and make it just like all the other early Mustangs out there. Two, performance and handling would still be abysmal compared to virtually anything new you can buy today, so why bother? Enjoy this car it in all of its originality.
That’s what I’d do. The only things I’d change would be to extract every piece of that aftermarket air conditioner, and remove the (unnecessary) tachometer, returning the car to factory stock.
Aftermarket improvements such as headers and dual carb manifolds are available. That and a little cam and head work would wake this up. As long as you’re modding, more efficient air conditioning is available to replace the under-dash wheeze box. I prefer the two-door Falcon hardtop, myself.
The thing about Mustangs is that they made so damn many of them that you can find ones similar to this in the same condition if you look hard enough. SO, it’s not really that unique, and you may be able to find a bargain.
Now, take a Javelin, that’s a different story. I think that I would much rather take a 6 cylinder in great original shape than an 8 that needs a lot of work. Parts are do hard to find, that you would spend more money/time trying to get it into a presentable shape.
At the car show, just keep the hood closed and no one will know, yet you’ll have a car that is fun to drive and will attract more of a crowd than an early Mustang.
Hard to say, there are no underside pics to give a hint of the floor’s integrity and note that the description says “original paint JOB.” This may imply it was repainted with the original color. I’ve been looking for a 64-66 coupe for a while and the originals are tougher to find. Just wish it had a V8. The mystery remains as with all cars these on Craigslist, Collector Car Trader, Hemmings, etc. If it IS what the seller says it is, it may be worth near the price, but I would agree with the earlier comment that for this one, it’s worth closer to more than about $10,500.