As 2024 draws to a close, the world is slowly recovering from “Taylor Swift-itis.” The Pennsylvania-born singer wowed audiences across the globe during her “The Eras Tour,” earning millions of dollars through the sale of concert tickets and merchandise during a showbiz juggernaut that commenced in 2023 but grew beyond all expectations in 2024. “What does that have to do with the 1965 Mustang?” I hear you say. More than you might initially expect. Like Swift, the Mustang enjoyed success in 1964 but sold in unprecedented numbers in 1965. Our feature car is from that model year and is a tidy driver offering scope for a potential restoration. However, the new owner can enjoy the car immediately as they contemplate their future strategies. Our own Russ Dixon spotted this Mustang here on eBay in Putnam, Illinois. The seller set their BIN at $14,995 OBO for a turnkey classic.

Ford unleashed a monster when it revealed its First Generation Mustang. Still smarting from the Edsel disaster, the company needed sales success to reassure investors that the company was in sound health. The Mustang delivered, with Ford selling 121,538 cars in 1964. However, that was the mere tip of the iceberg, because an incredible 559,451 buyers clamored to own one in 1965. The tally would climb further in 1966 before tapering during the remaining years of the First Generation production run. The seller claims that this Coupe sports a rare paint combination, and I admit that this is the first that I have seen in Poppy Red with its top finished in Wimbledon White. I am unwilling to make a definitive call on the rarity, and would probably rely on a resource like a Marti Report to reveal the truth. The seller confirms that the Mustang received a repaint in its original combination years ago, with the photos suggesting that it presents well as a driver-grade classic. The paint is nice, the panels are straight, and there are no visible signs of rust. However, just because it isn’t visible doesn’t mean that this Mustang is rust-free. I always encourage in-person inspections, because it typically reduces the chances of someone splashing their cash on a car with problems. I am not suggesting that there are issues, but believe that the time spent going over any classic with a fine-tooth comb is a cheap investment. The front pumper exhibits deteriorating chrome, but the rear is relatively new. The remaining trim is in good order, and the glass is clear.

It is unclear whether this Mustang is numbers-matching, although the VIN and seller confirm that the engine bay houses a C-Code 289ci V8 producing 200hp and 282 ft/lbs of torque. A three-speed automatic handles shifting duties, and while the seller sends mixed signals on the subject, it appears that this classic doesn’t feature power steering. This combination is the least potent in the 1965 V8 Mustang world, but extracting additional power from the 289 is easy and inexpensive if the new owner isn’t focused on originality. The seller indicates that the brakes require adjustment or attention to work at their best, but this is the only identified mechanical fault. Otherwise, they say that this classic runs and drives well.

I would classify this Mustang’s interior as clean and serviceable, but it is far from being factory-fresh. The first owner chose to team the exterior paint combination with Parchment interior vinyl trim that would have looked stunning in its prime. Interior retrims for these cars are amongst the cheapest in the classic world, and this is a path that I might follow. There are no major faults, but with the headliner and back seat both requiring attention, a complete refresh would retain color consistency across all surfaces. Potential buyers will undoubtedly welcome the air conditioning, and the original AM radio should relieve boredom on long journeys.

One of the greatest challenges posed by the 1965 Mustang is locating a roadworthy V8-equipped example for under $20,000. They are undoubtedly out there, but prices are typically higher than that figure. This one is far from perfect, but it appears to be a sound foundation for a DIY restoration if the buyer wishes to lift its presentation to a higher level. That leaves me wondering what the majority of our readers would do. Would you enjoy this classic as the tidy driver it is, or would treating it to some TLC be irresistible?