∙Body has been resprayed 
∙Reconditioned 302 V8 engine
∙Painless wiring harness
∙Electric folding roof

The Ford Mustang, when it was launched in 1964, was the car that would define the automotive habits of a generation. It was the birth of an automotive legend, and it was the introduction of the car that would define the ‘pony car’ movement. The Mustang was built by Ford for one reason and one reason only - to tap into the American youth market. It was fun, it was fast, it was handsome and it was affordable. 

Today, the Ford Mustang is the American car. People who don’t even know anything about cars know what a Mustang is. Muscle car, pony car, pop culture icon, the list goes on. It has a global following, thanks in no small part to being in constant production since its launch. And while there have been many Mustangs in many shapes and sizes, it’s the early cars that really fire up people’s desires. Early cars like this 1965 convertible, for example. 

This convertible 1965 Mustang was imported into the UK in 2017. Originally a 289 car, it is now powered by a rebuilt 302 small-block Ford V8, which is so fresh it’s still in its ‘running in’ stage. The body has been resprayed, the wiring harness has been replaced and myriad new parts have been fitted. Offered in the classic colour combination of gloss red body with contrasting white interior, this car is every bit the American dream. It just happens to be in Cornwall! 

The current owner has lavished all manner of care and attention on this car, bringing it up to an impressive standard in the process. It’s not quite crossed the finish line yet though, and needs someone to take it on, to finish the final bits and pieces and then, that lucky person will have their very own American legend. Roof down, V8 burbling, wind in your hair… that could be you. 

There isn’t a great deal of paperwork with this Mustang, due in part to the fact it’s not been on UK soil for long. There is, however, a V5 which shows the car has had just one owner here in the UK. There is also an invoice from 2019 that validates the supply and fitment of that rebuilt 302 V8. 

The paperwork might be minimal, but don’t fret. With a car from 1965, it’s the condition that speaks greater volumes, and this Mustang has a lot to talk about on that front. So let’s crack on and see just what you’re going to be bidding on...

The interior is all present and correct. A centre console and bucket seat car, there are two individual seats up front with the traditional bench in the back. Trimmed in white, the seats are all original and as such, do have some age to them. There is some cracking here and there, and the odd split in the stitching. But nothing that can't be repaired, and nothing that alters the level of comfort offered. 

The door cards, again in white, have some life to them. In particular, the door pull sections have cracked and in reality, need replacing. However, unlike almost every other car from 1965, parts for the Mustang are readily available from the likes of Classic Industries and Rock Auto. The rear interior panels are in good order, as is all the door furniture and so on. The sills and kick plates are in good condition, and looking into the A pillars, there are no horrors to be observed. It all looks very solid. 

The dash pad has been replaced, so is free from any warping or cracking. The three-spoke wood steering wheel is in good condition, as is the shifter. The dash binnacle is a little hazy to look at, but you can still read it clearly. Also, the car has been fitted with a retro look head unit, but with modern Bluetooth internals. This functions, as do the new speakers, though the seller advised us that the amp has a habit of cutting out after a short while. This will of course need investigation. Also, some of the interior lights aren’t yet fitted, such as under the dash. 

The car has been completely re-wired at great expense using a Painless wiring harness. Fused and fitted as a complete replacement, the wiring in this car from front to back is only a couple of years old. It’s a massive job, but one the new owner now need not worry about having to do.

As you can see from the pictures, the car presents very well indeed. The bright red paintwork is largely in excellent condition, though there are some imperfections here and there, such as under the front grill and on the painted sections of the tail light housings. By and large though, the paint has been applied well, it has a deep shine and it certainly catches your eye. Just as any good Mustang should! 

The chrome is in good condition across the car, with only minor pitting to be seen. The lights are all in good condition and all seemed to function as they should. Glass, too, is in good order. We saw no cracks nor any major scratches or defects. It all looks original, as do all the chrome window surrounds. 

The roof is in good condition, and seems to be watertight. Of course, being white, there are some marks, but nothing to be too concerned by. The roof operates as it should, via quiet electric motors. It folds away without any fight or binding, and comes with a stud-fit cover to keep things looking neat when folded. 

Looking around the car and underneath it, there seems to be nothing but solid metal. There is some surface rust on some underside components, but nothing of any significant concern. The suspension looks good, the exhaust, the floors and all the lower valances, too. It’s a very, very solid car by the looks of things.

Fitted with a 302 V8, the engine was running well when we took these photographs, and it sounded very healthy indeed. There was no smoke, and as the car sat there idling, it didn’t get hot, there were no untoward smells or noises and by and large, it sounded very impressive. The seller informed us that the engine has only done 750 miles since being fitted, so is still technically in the ‘running-in’ period. It’s that new! 

There are, since we took these photographs, some issues to make bidders aware of. The seller has informed us that he went to start the car the other day and unfortunately a fuse, most likely for the starter motor went. This will require investigation by the new owner, as it’s not something the current owner can facilitate due to personal reasons. The same can be said for the transmission. It is full of fluid, but it is currently somewhat hesitant to bite a gear. The car hasn’t been driven a great deal by the current owner due to a change in circumstances, so this transmission issue may be indicative of it being parked up for a while. Again, something for the new owner to investigate. 

As for the other mechanical elements, there is a new radiator fitted, a new alternator, new starter motor, new carburetor and a new electric fan. The brakes are new, with discs up front. The tyres are recent, too. There is also a whole host of spare parts with the car, many of which are the original items that have been swapped out for new. 

It needs a bit of love, but that’s fine. It’s a Mustang, and thus is about as complicated to work on as Lego. Parts are readily available and as such, no issue is insurmountable. Plus, would you take a moment to just look at it. This is it, the bright red, V8-powered, chrome-wheeled American dream. This is the ultimate in classic American style. A car that will always turn a head, that will always be in demand and a car that with the right new owner, will only go up in value. Go on, live the Mustang dream. And live it properly with this stunning early example.

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