We see a few impressive First Generation Mustangs at Barn Finds, from amazing survivors to the meticulously restored. This 1965 Convertible occupies a middle ground. It presents exceptionally well, and the color combination will appeal to many. It has undergone changes over its life, but it comes with a known ownership history. If you’d like to be the fourth owner, you will find it listed here on eBay in O’Fallon, Missouri. The buyer set their BIN at $44,975, so let’s take a look and see if the figure is justified.
This Mustang makes a positive first impression with shining Raven Black paint, a matching power top, and sparkling factory styled steel wheels. However, we have to pause for a moment before proceeding further. The seller supplies a shot of the Door Tag, and it reveals a hidden truth about this classic. Unless I am badly misreading the Tag, it confirms this car rolled off the line wearing Code C paint. A glance at the color chart reveals this as Honey Gold, meaning this car underwent a change at some point. However, it appears the work was completed to a high standard, with the paint shining like glass. The seller describes it as an 8-9/10, which seems a fair assessment. The panels are laser straight, and the top is excellent. The seller claims the floors, frame rails, and rockers are original. There is no evidence of exterior rust, and the underside shots seem to confirm this classic is rust-free. The trim and chrome are in as-new condition, and I can’t spot any glass issues.
The seller supplies several interior photos of this Mustang, but this is the only one not shot under the cover of darkness. One disadvantage of owning an older classic convertible is that there’s nowhere to hide if the interior is battered and bruised. However, this interior presents well, apart from a worn spot on the carpet near the shifter. There are no issues with the Black vinyl upholstery, painted surfaces, plastic, dash, or pad. The car features air conditioning, with the seller assuring us it blows ice-cold. There is an AM/FM radio, but no evidence of other additions. So, things look promising, but there is a further issue that purists may not appreciate. The dreaded Tag rears its head again, confirming a Trim Code of 28. Unsurprisingly, this decodes as Ivy Gold trim, which is consistent with the original exterior paint shade. This interior looks excellent but represents another change undermining its potential value as an original classic.
The seller is this car’s third owner, with one of the previous owners acting as its custodian for over forty years. They confirm the Mustang features a C-Code 289ci V8, but whether or not it is numbers-matching is unclear. It should send 200hp to the road via a four-speed manual transmission, with the car also featuring power steering. In its heyday, this configuration would have launched the Convertible through the ¼ mile in 16.4 seconds. The question of the numbers-matching status is one thing, but the seller states it has received an upgrade to a four-barrel intake system. I hope they retained the original components because they may prove vital for someone considering returning the drivetrain to its factory configuration. This Mustang is a turnkey proposition for potential buyers that runs and drives well. With summer fast approaching, it would be the perfect toy to turn heads while cruising along beachside boulevards.
The owner of this 1965 Mustang Convertible may face some hurdles in securing a buyer. Although it presents superbly and has no apparent needs, the changed paint shade, interior trim, and upgraded carburetor mean it can not be classed as a 100% original classic. Combine that with a recent softening in values, and I believe they are probably overreaching with their BIN figure. I could speculate about a realistic price, but gauging your feedback on the subject will be fascinating. So, it’s over to you.
Looks very nice, i will never own a black car again. The seller has two other Mustangs listed, and a Shelby hood.
45 k…no way
Under no circumstances can a ‘65 C code EVER be ‘numbers matching’. Stop it Adam.
The changed color, interior, and intake won’t matter to 98% of the potential buyers, especially since they used items that are or appear to be stock. In fact they may make this car more desirable considering what the original colors were. That said their BIN price is wishful thinking, it’s a nice driver but not show worthy.
$ 4500 sounds high for a1965 Mustang but I think it will sell for a lot over this price! It is a very nice looking car and many daddies out there have these big bucks for their teenagers first car!lol
If it’s as good as it looks in the pics, price is about what they go for at auction. the 65/66 Mustangs have been creeping up quite a bit in price lately.
OK, stop with the matching numbers. To be matching in the early years goes by a code, meaning it was made in that year. I know I have judged them and own an early “65” or as some say a “64 1/2” Mine is very close to the one posted with Raven Black paint and red interior and a 260v8 with power top a/c, power brakes, power steering. All the bells and whistles. I have 2 sets of wheels, one for show and one for every day. It is entered at shows as concourse driven class. As far as value? We would not sell for less than $75,000. But cars are only worth what someone will pay.
so whats the price starting point
I just bought a 1966 Ford Mustang convertible candy apple red with a red and white interior all correct. Everything about this car has been replaced with NOS or appropriate parts. There’s absolutely no rush the underneath is as clean as the top nothing needs to be done it’s about as close to a number one as you could ever get and I paid $45,000 for it. This car is dirty underneath part of the Interior is tired all it has is a beautiful black paint job that car is worth about $28,000 bucks
Boy am I out of it. I love the ’65-’66 Mustangs, convertibles and sticks even more, but 45 large…..good lord.
For one that has been completely changed, even that looks good?