Original sales paperwork from Bradford Motor Sales
Plethora of original USA paperwork which is rare for an import
Desirable 4-speed manual transmission
Registered in the Republic of Ireland, making any subsequent re-registration in the European Union a very straightforward process.
The Appeal
If one car embodies 1960s Americana, it’s the Mustang. Upon introduction, the Mustang offered a plethora of options spread across three body styles, smart styling and a very affordable asking price - however through the years that affordable asking price has become but a faint memory for most.
This particular example was a proper barn find for the current owner, all of the vehicles documentation has been well preserved and the vehicle sat unused in a dry barn for the best part of 30 years - thanks to this the bodywork remains in rather solid shape. The original owner of the car swapped the engine in the late 1960s from the original 289ci, to a monstrous 351ci V8 - keeping the original engine which will be sold on with the car.
Subject to copious recent expenditure in readiness for sale, this well-sorted Ford reportedly drives very well indeed and is ready to be enjoyed. A substantial paperwork file documents all the parts purchased, giving an idea of the scale of recent work. For those seeking a classic V8 Mustang that's in rude health, you've come to the right place.
The History and Paperwork
Manufactured on the 26th of April 1965
Purchased brand new from Bradford Motor Sales, Connecticut on the 14th of May 1965
Original sales paperwork preserved
Original heater operation tag
Copy of the original Certificate of Title
Irish registration certificate
Rare ‘A’ code car, instead of the more common ‘C’ code
Only 2 owners from new
Engine swapped in the late 1960’s by the original owner to a 351 V8
The vehicle was painted black after the engine swap
Gentle restoration carried out by the previous keepers son, preserving the cars originality by stripping the car back to metal and painting it the original Vintage Burgundy colour
Sat unused in a dry barn for circa 30 years
Found by the current owner some time in 2019
Recommissioned for road use and registered in Ireland in 2021
Pony Deluxe interior package in black vinyl upholstery
Pony embroidered seats
Wood grain dash panelling
Original three-spoke wood grain steering wheel
Original gauges and radio
Optional Rally Pac rev counter and clock
Brightwork shows signs of light patina
Embroidered floor mats
Desirable Hurst gear shifter
These cars have aged like fine wine - a reminder of time gone by and what we very rarely get to see in the present day. Excellently designed, oozing class, and absolutely littered in brightwork trim. They don’t make ‘em like they used to.
This example presents itself wonderfully, starting with the two front seats we can instantly tell this vehicle was optioned with the pony deluxe interior package due to the horse laden centre piece on all of the backrests - this is an extremely desirable option to have and is regularly switched to during modern restorations. The vinyl on the seats presents itself fantastically with no signs of damage or rips, the stitching is completely intact and the folding function of the front seats is as expected. Both front door cards remain in excellently kept condition with the vinyl unmanaged and the brightwork well maintained!
The same can be said for the rear seats - fantastic vinyl condition with no signs of any damage or marks. Carpets are all present and intact with no excessive wear, could just do with a clean to bring them up to par with the rest of the interior!
The original three-spoke wood grain steering wheel remains in lovely shape with gentle and charming signs of patina, the wood grain wheel is one of the more desirable options to come with these ‘65 mustangs. Just behind the wheel the Rally Pac gauges which show the engine RPM, as well as a clock on the right hand side. These Rally Pac’s were an optional extra we rarely get to see! All of the gauges remain in good condition but do show their signs of age with slight fading of the plastic and patina on the gauge faces. Also what should be pointed out is the lovely Hurst gear shifter in place in the centre console - a lovely addition!
Surrounding brightwork shows gentle signs of age too, however the wood grain surround appears to be excellently kept with no damage to be seen. Across the rest of the dash this story remains the same - gentle patina throughout on the brightwork and switchgear, but all remains functional!
The interior of this GT is fantastic, wonderful condition with charming hints of patina to showcase the cars history and age - it’s something which has survived the decades and not been victim to total restoration which is lovely to see.
The Exterior
Vintage Burgundy paintwork
Black vinyl roof
Brightwork in great shape
Original wheels in lovely condition
White Mustang side stripes
Excellent bodywork with factory fitting panel gaps
Gentle exterior restoration
If there was ever a car that everybody knew the shape of, the Mustang would take that title every day of the week. When someone says “muscle car”, nine times out of ten your mind will throw up a silhouette of a ‘65 Mustang.
This particular example underwent quite the transformation back in the late 1960’s when the first owner swapped the engine - that wasn’t the only thing he did. The original paint was taken off and the car was painted black, it wasn’t until the owners son had custodianship of the car and gave it a gentle restoration by stripping it all back to metal and repainting it back to the original Vintage Burgundy, which suits the car outstandingly and remains in good condition even though it has been sat untouched for over 30 years - it could be made better with some TLC.
Starting at the front, the brightwork is excellently maintained with a high level of shine that’ll make you reach for your shades on a sunny day. The paintwork is lovely with just some small stone chips on the lower bumper, nothing to really complain about here. All front headlights including the indicators are in great shape with no damage visible, and the original Mustang badge remains proud and present in the middle of the front grill with a very gentle patina.
Around to the side of the ‘Stang, what instantly draws our attention is the white striped along the lower half of the body on both sides. Just above this sits the GT badges, stating its presence for any passerby and up towards the front we have the 351 emblem. Paintwork along both sides appears to be very well kept for its age, there are of course some imperfections which are noticeable on the driver side door right on the crease line, and some small signs of corrosion around the bottom of the door, as well as the driver side front wing. It could certainly do with some TLC but it oozes originality and charm as it sits.
All four wheels appear to have excellent brightwork, the black paint in the centre sections of the wheels could do with a little refresh if the new owner was looking for perfection - all wheels appear to be shod in good tyres too.
To the rear, brightwork is in great shape and the paintwork appears to be good, again some light signs of age to be seen. The original GT badge is present on the rear and both rear light clusters are in fantastic condition.
Up top, the vinyl roof is in seemingly good condition, only a small area above the drivers window looks like it could do with some attention, and there is some light fading on the passenger side roof - other than that it’s admirable considering how troublesome most vinyl roofs were!
The Mechanics
Originally fitted with a 289ci engine as denoted by the ‘A-code’ VIN plate, which is currently crated up and included in the sale
351ci V8 fitted by the first owner in the late 60’s
4-speed manual transmission
Rear-drive configuration
Mechanically recommissioned by the current keeper
Underside in lovely condition
A significant recent invoice documents new front brakes and suspension bushes
Originally fitted with the 289ci, this GT was a rare ‘A’ code car. In the late 60’s the first keeper decided it could use a little more power, and went all out to fit a massive 351ci V8 (5.8L), but the original engine was kept with the vehicle and will be sold along with the car should the new custodian require it. After this, the owners son did some restoration work and also some mechanical work to ensure the car ran as good as it should.
When the vehicle was found in circa 2019, the current keeper sent it off to have the gearbox and clutch rebuilt as well as some more recommissioning items - the invoice for this is present with the keeper. Maintenance has regularly been kept on top of since its recommissioning and registration in 2021, and has never let the owner down!
It is reported to drive beautifully, with plenty of power on tap thanks to that massive lump mounted up front. Steering remains responsive, throttle is excellent, brakes sharp and handling is a dream. No unwelcome noises are present here.
Summary
This is a handsome and honest example of some proper American Muscle. Not only do they make outstanding drivers cars but also make for an amazing investment as the prices have risen steadily over the years.
Whether this be a collection piece or an outrageously fun weekend warrior, your money won’t be wasted here. Find out why the Mustang has long been regarded as the muscle car king.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes. On request, Car & Classic may refer you to a third-party shipping company. For more details, email [email protected]. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders.
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1965 Ford Mustang GT A Code
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