1965 Ford Mustang – Project Profile
January 20, 2022
When it comes to American cars there are few as defining as the might Ford Mustang. It was the car that popularised the term ‘pony car’, by which its designers meant it was small (compared to other American offerings), nimble, powerful and affordable. When it launched in 1964, Ford was overwhelmed with orders, resulting in hundreds of thousands more cars being built than originally planned. In fact, it still stands today as one of the fastest selling cars in automotive history. People just completely fell in love with the Ford Mustang. It was a mean-looking, exciting, fresh design and one that everyone wanted. No other car on sale at the time could compete.
The huge popularity of the Ford Mustang helped ensure its position as a classic over fifty years later. The Mustang itself has never actually been out of production, but some of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s model are best left ignored. Mustang buyers want the early, ’60s cars. The ‘true’ Mustangs, if you will. The ones most true to the vision in Lee Iacocca’s brain. Due to the fact millions were built, finding one isn’t hard. But that popularity meant people have never been afraid to modify and customise their Mustangs. As such, it can be hard to find one that you can truly make your own. Happily though, the 1965 Ford Mustang we have here is very much a blank slate, ready to be restored and built up into the Mustang of your dreams.
What is it?
What we have here is a 1965 Ford Mustang. From deciphering the VIN, we know the car is a Michigan-built model, naturally, and it is also a factory 289 V8 car. A lot of early Mustangs were actually powered by a straight-six, and while it’s easy to fit a V8, there is something nice in knowing this was always a V8 car. This one initially lived in New York before later finding its way to Florida, from where the car shipped to the UK. The current owner bought it in September of 2021. He had big, bold plans to build this into his dream Ford Mustang, and even spent over £7,000 on new parts and equipment to do exactly that. However, a property purchase has put the Mustang on a back burner, and as such he has opted to sell. Just by looking at the parts alone, it’s evident that the owner had some solid intentions for this car. Sadly though, it’s only got as far as a UK registration. Now is the time for you to take over.
Why is it a project?
Well, you don’t need to look at it for too long to see why. This Ford Mustang coupe is more than a little bit tired. The interior is worn with no shortage of absentee fittings, the body is a sad mishmash of primer and missing trim and the bare steel wheels finish off what is a very sad aesthetic. But, the car is pretty solid from what we could see. There have been some patch repairs in the past, but new panels come with the car. There are new seat covers, new door fittings, lights, chrome, engine parts and engine dress up kit. You’ll need to source some parts yourself, like door cards, headlining, wiring and so on, but that’s no bid deal. The commonality of the Mustang and the expansive aftermarket that exists around it – even here in the UK – ensures that nothing is more than a click or a call away. As for the engine, the seller can provide proof that it was indeed running. Though of course, you need to expect some work to be required like a service, maybe a new carb, hoses, radiator and so on. But, here’s a positive; the Mustang doesn’t run because the tank has just been swapped for a brand new one, it just hasn’t been plumbed in yet.
Check the listing:
Unlike your regular Project Profile this car is actually currently on our auction platform, meaning we’ve done all the checking for you. So instead of the usual ‘five things’ we would instead encourage you to have a look at the listing for this 1965 Ford Mustang, where you can pore over the pictures and the mass of information we have gathered.
What should you do with it?
The world is very much your oyster when it comes to this Ford Mustang. The aftermarket network for this car is nothing short of phenomenal, frankly. You’re already ahead of the game thanks to all the spare, new parts this car comes with. But if you want to go down the custom route, you can. There are myriad ‘off the shelf’ parts you can buy and bolt on that will upgrade both looks and performance. You could, of course, look to restore the car to original specification. Companies like Classic Industries and Summit Racing will look after you on that front. Basically, whatever you want to do, you can. This 1965 Ford Mustang has good bones. It just needs you to breathe some life back into it so it can fire once again on all eight.
