1965 Ford Mustang

Description

Just as they were more than 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 less than the price of a new one with a 4-cylinder engine, why wouldn't you leap at the chance? Nicely refinished, this light blue coupe carries all the timeless design cues (like cool factory tinted windows!) that put these cars at the top of every enthusiast's wish list. Bodywork is well done, the bright paint (which is pretty close to the car's original code F Arcadian Blue) gives it a classic Mustang look, and everything lines up fairly well, although it's not a show car. The line that runs along the tops of the fenders is as sharp as a crease in Don Draper's suit, and the paint is bright and cheerful and unpretentious. It's got the correct front grille with the "crosshairs" in the center emblem, optional chrome trim on the quarters, and it's nice that it hasn't been forced to wear stripes or wings like so many of its siblings. The chrome is in decent shape, too, totally in line with the rest of the car, giving it a clean all-of-a-piece look.

Parchment upholstery makes the highly-desirable pony interior a brilliant place to spend some time. Replaced not very long ago, the front seat covers are so immaculate that you're going to need sunglasses inside as well as out, and the matching door panels are original pieces. The dash offers a contrasting medium blue pad to match the carpets and the original gauges all work properly. The original AM radio has been replaced by an AM/FM/cassette head unit and that's a recent Vintage Air A/C system that only looks old, and fits in perfectly on this original factory air Stang. Power steering is a desirable option, even on the lightweight Mustang and the three-spoke steering wheel that controls it really warms up the interior. Even the blue floor mats look right and help protect the carpets, so this Mustang will look this good for years to come.

Classic performance in a Mustang means only one thing: a snappy 289 cubic inch V8. This is a C-code car, so you get a relatively economic 2-barrel carburetor that still delivers plenty of V8 punch. And when your car runs this well, there's really no need for upgrades and modifications, instead letting the spirit of 1965 flow through you whenever you're behind the wheel. It fires easily and has a snarky V8 exhaust note thanks to a dual exhaust system that was probably installed years ago. The undercarriage is not detailed or shiny, but if you're into driving instead of polishing your car at static shows, you'll never even notice, and the floors are in good order. A C4 3-speed automatic transmission spins the original 8-inch rear which the door tag says has 2.80 gears inside, so it's great on the highway. 14-inch styled steel wheels look great on any early Mustang, and they're protected by 205/70/14 BFGoodrich T/A radials.

We seem to be getting lucky with early Mustangs here at Streetside Classics, but don't wait for the next one, you need to put this lovely '65 coupe in your garage right away! Call now!