It is a question I have always pondered. To what point must a classic deteriorate before it is genuinely beyond salvation? That is the big one hanging over this 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible. It is a sad, sorry sight, with plenty of rust requiring attention before the buyer could consider it to be structurally sound. The interior is missing key components, and anyone contemplating a restoration will compile a long shopping list before they lift a spanner. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Zappenduster for spotting the Mustang listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Hartford, Wisconsin. The seller’s price of $2,000 reflects the work required to whip this classic into shape.
It’s quite hard to know where to start with this Mustang, but it possesses one interesting mystery. The paint cloaking its exterior is Rangoon Red, with that color extending to almost every visible interior painted surface. However, the Body Tag lists a paint shade of “8,” which corresponds to Springtime Yellow, a color Ford didn’t offer to Mustang buyers in the 1965 model year. I can’t see any evidence of Yellow anywhere, so the new owner may decide to investigate. My greatest concern surrounds the gap between the driver’s door and the front fender. It’s enormous! That is typically an indication of major structural issues, and I wonder whether this Convertible is ready to snap in half at the slightest provocation. With the amount of rust present in areas like the floor, it is very possible. Most trim pieces require restoration or replacement, but the glass is clear.
The interior shots reveal the difference between flawless and floorless. There is plenty of visible rust, and we can speculate about what lies beneath the heavy accumulation of leaf litter. The interior is missing the seats and other components, and it appears that very little is salvageable. With a shredded soft-top, water will have found its way behind the dash, placing a question mark over electrical components. Sadly, this Mustang doesn’t redeem itself by featuring a V8 under the hood. It features the T-Code 200ci six, producing 120hp and 190 ft/lbs of torque. The car currently houses a four-speed manual transmission, but the seller includes the original three-speed for anyone contemplating a faithful restoration. The health of these components is unclear, but bracing for the worst would probably be wise.
There is really no way to sugar-coat it; This 1965 Mustang Convertible looks pretty awful. From its rust issues to the missing parts, returning it to its former glory would be a major undertaking that won’t suit the faint-hearted. I tend to think that its future will be to serve as a donor for other projects, and the most valuable feature is its clear title. Do you agree, or is this a project that you would seriously consider?
Even in this condition, it still looks better than any 74′-78′ Mustang II.
This car is somewhere between $500 to $1000.00 dollar car at best. If had the money and a crazy dream, maybe but their are way to many Mustang for sale that this car would be anything but a labor and bill fold of love.
That is a great comment, my Dad always told me, one man’s dream car is another’s man nightmare. Time and money is what car lovers deal with everyday. I might make some off the wall comments on cars, but if you like a car and you feel it’s worth spending $ on, then go for it.I love Mopars, if I had the $ I would be driving a 1970 Hemi Cuda convertible with a pistol grip 4 speed. Unfortunately I don’t. But it costs absolutely nothing to dream. Long live muscle cars.
Pop always said, “Dream big, it doesn’t cost anymore.”
They should have drug it out of its resting place 40 years ago before it got to this condition, oh I forgot they were going to fix it up someday.
I really don’t see any parts worth salvaging…
I usually implore sellers to wash their car before putting it up for sale but in this case I think raking it out might be more appropriate.
When I was 15 years old working as a dishwasher in Grand Lake CO the owner had a nice red 66 mustang covertible with the v8. I was hooked, had to have it someday. So throughout the next 15 years I would reach out to him and ask if he was ready to sell it.
The final years I reached out and he told me it got damaged while parked next to his house by the snowload coming down off the roof, pretty much crushed the car. He told me he would take $500.00 for it. Off I went to pick it up, kinda now reminded me of the one here.
I was in my early 30’s what was I thinking. I took it on for a complete restoration in 1998, yikes. Took me a solid 3 1/2 years of eves and weekends. Lots of body work and pretty much everything else as you can imagine.
It came out great but man that restoration kicked my arse for sure. I still have that car today and enjoy it for its a part of me now.
Its interesting how we look at a project like that and think, I can fix it, not too bad. Never ever would I ever take on a project of this magnatude again, learned a lesson for sure.
Probably saved the ol gal from the crusher.
This doesn’t even need a crusher, a regular trash can just does the job.
by looks of the pics it was kicking and screaming being drug out for pics. only thing good here is the vin# and title. rest is scrap. should have sold it years ago. what do you think happens to these when they sit out in the weather for years.
I’ve had enough minor troubles with titles, such as obvious typos and indistinct numbers on tags, that the color code indicating a color that wasn’t available that year raises my hackles and makes me wonder if the VIN is as clean as it appears.
It is possible that this car was special ordered with the yellow paint color. Back in the day the manufacturers would paint a car with a color not normally available for that model but used on other vehicles that they offered.
Pitiful but ya can’t save them all. Put a call into the nearest salvage yard.
Finally! A ‘65 Mustang convertible I can afford.
For all of the years this thing sat, I wonder how many were told “no, its not for sale”.
Thinking Pick and Pull would take it for a few parts and then crush the rest.
ASHES TO ASHES… RUST TO RUST!
If you are looking to go “UNDERWATER” on a RE$$TORATION, this is the PERFECT starting point!
“I only paid 2 grand for the car but I put 35 grand in parts and 2,500 hours into it.”
“…difference between flawless and floorless.” Priceless!
I wonder what would happen if you took a leaf blower to it.
My first car was a 1965 Mustang with paint code 8 and yes, it was Springtime Yellow……
The only thing I found mildly interesting is the luggage rack.