1965 Ford Mustang

Description

Just as they were nearly 50 years ago, Mustangs are fast, fun, and affordable ways to get around. Traditional ponies like this 1965 Ford Mustang coupe are a great way to own an icon without spending a ton of money, and when they carry a few clever updates, they make wonderful hobby vehicles that can still be enjoyed every day.

Seriously, if you could own a classic V8-powered Mustang coupe for about half the price of a new one with a four-cylinder engine, why wouldn't you leap at the chance? Nicely refinished a few years ago, this handsome coupe carries all the timeless design cues that put these cars at the top of every enthusiast's wish list. Bodywork is well done, and the unusual bright blue paint gives it a more upscale look, and everything lines up nicely. The line that runs along the tops of the fenders is as sharp as a crease in Don Draper's suit, and the paint has just the right shine to look right on a Mustang but not so nice that you're afraid to drive it. All the chrome has been freshened, and goodies like the '289' badges on the front fenders, the upgraded grille with GT-style fog lamps, and classic 3-element taillights are crisply rendered.

Black bucket seats make the interior a brilliant place to spend some time. The front seats are obviously from a late-model, but they seem right at home in the early coupe, especially with the vertical pleats. The carpets are newer and look quite correct inside the handsomely appointed interior and the dash offers original gauges that all work properly plus a set of auxiliary dials under the dash and a tachometer on the steering column. A three-spoke steering wheel with a thick wood rim is probably a little more aggressive than original spec, but it looks good and feels great, especially when you're rowing the gears of the Hurst-shifted 4-speed manual transmission. The factory AM radio is long gone, replaced by a modern AM/FM/cassette head unit that's a perfect fit in the vintage Mustang's dash. The trunk features a correct mat and a full-sized spare.

Classic performance in a Mustang means only one thing: a snappy 289 cubic inch V8. This one was originally a C-code with a 2-barrel carburetor, but it's obviously been upgraded for a bit more performance. It's not radical, but it was rebuilt two years and 1500 miles ago and now sports a QuickFuel 4-barrel carburetor, Edelbrock intake manifold, and a set of long-tube headers. The bright blue engine bay looks fantastic, especially with the Edelbrock dress-up kit and bright yellow spark plug wires. The list of new stuff is extensive, including the radiator, water pump, voltage regulator, fuel pump, and harmonic balancer. It fires easily and has a snarky V8 exhaust note thanks to a new dual exhaust system. That 4-speed manual transmission spins the original 8-inch rear, which is supported on a set of traction bars and air shocks for a little extra bite off the line. Shiny 14-inch aluminum wheels add some sparkle and carry staggered 215/70/14 front and 225/70/14 rear BFGoodrich T/A radials.

Nicely documented with maintenance records and the original bill of sale, this clean little Mustang coupe represents everything that's great about the original pony car, still available at a very reasonable price. Call today!