One of the most significant battles faced by enthusiasts searching for a First Generation Mustang is locating one that is both ready to enjoy and affordable. That could be the opportunity this ’65 Convertible provides because it is a tidy classic the owner uses regularly. It presents well as a survivor-grade car, but a spot of TLC would lift it to a higher level. The seller’s decision to park it in a dry garage during its downtime has allowed it to remain structurally sound. Its only immediate need is a new home. You will find it listed here on eBay in Elmhurst, Illinois. Bidding has passed the reserve and sits at $8,100.

The seller indicates this Mustang has been part of the family for twelve years, with them being its guardian for the past five. It presents nicely in Wimbledon White, although it is unclear whether it received any prior restoration work. They’ve had plenty of time to assess this classic during their ownership, believing its sheetmetal is original. The panels are straight, with no noticeable bumps or bruises. Since it is a First Generation Mustang, we inevitably must consider the subject of rust. The seller indicates there is evidence of older patches on the floor, but a previous owner performed that work. If they haven’t deteriorated in over a decade, that suggests the repairs were completed to a high standard. There is one soft spot below the driver’s left foot, but it could be a candidate for another patch. Unsurprisingly, there are minor issues where the lower rear quarter panels meet the drop-offs, but these aren’t severe. Rounding out the subject is a small spot in one rail that they say doesn’t compromise the vehicle’s structural integrity. Addressing this list would be wise, but it seems the buyer could do so as time and circumstances allow without resorting to a total restoration. The Black power top is older, and while it provides weather protection, the seller suggests replacing it to improve the car’s presentation. The exterior trim presents well for a driver-grade classic, and the tinted glass is spotless.

It is common to find Mustangs of this vintage with their interiors dripping with aftermarket additions, but this one is virtually as it left the factory. Its only optional extra is a factory AM radio, although the seller fitted an FM converter inside the glove compartment to provide a broader range of listening options. Its overall presentation is respectable, and if the buyer wishes to retain the car as a survivor-grade classic, it needs nothing. For those wishing to lift the presentation without spending a fortune, there are some tasks they could tackle in a home workshop. I noticed the driver’s door trim is wrinkled, and the buyer might stretch the wrinkles away successfully. If they can’t, a replacement set of high-quality reproductions retails for under $150. The faux chrome around the gauges on the bezel has disappeared, which is typical. Restoration products are readily available to achieve a better appearance, although spending $40 on a reproduction bezel may prove too tempting to resist. Some might consider replacing the carpet due to visible fading on the overlocked edges, but I’d probably attempt a dye job as the first option. The upper outer edge of the driver’s seat shows a slight seam separation, but since there are no other rips or issues, I’d consult an upholsterer to see if a repair was viable. If the buyer performs the suggested work and replaces the carpet, this interior would sparkle for under $600. They could elect to go the whole hog with a retrim, but unless they plan a total vehicle restoration, they may struggle to justify the expense.

While it’s true that plenty of buyers in 1965 found the Mustang’s styling its greatest attraction, many found the lure of a V8 offering respectable performance too tempting to resist. That’s the case with this Convertible because its original owner ordered it with the A-Code 289ci powerplant that produced 225hp. They added a three-speed automatic transmission and power steering to minimize the driving effort, and this combination allowed the ‘Stang to cover the ¼ mile in 16.1 seconds before touching 121mph. That represents a fast wind in the hair motoring experience, and if any occupants are wearing wigs, they need to ensure they’re nailed down well! The seller believes this classic’s drivetrain is original and has never been removed for any reason. They acknowledge this Convertible has more than five decades under its belt, so they drive it with care and respect. It is appropriately maintained and recently received a new master cylinder. They also added a new three-score radiator, new lifters, a Petronix electronic ignition, a water pump, a heater core, a dual exhaust, and new Hankook tires. They also swapped on a Holley carburetor, but the factory Autolite unit requiring a rebuild is included. This Mustang runs and drives well and is a turnkey classic awaiting a new owner.

This 1965 Mustang Convertible isn’t perfect, but the listing suggests its current owner treats it with the respect a fifty-seven-year-old car deserves. It has no immediate needs, and if the buyer continues the trend set by the seller, it should offer many years of faithful service. Addressing its minor rust issues should be easy and inexpensive and would probably be my first port of call if it were in my workshop. A nut and bolt restoration might be tempting, but there’s something attractive about leaving it cosmetically untouched. It would allow the new owner to enjoy their classic without fearing a stone chip or scratch might destroy a perfect vehicle. Do you agree?