Barn Find/289ci V8/3-Speed Toploader

1965 Ford Mustang Coupe

NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY

Ford developed the Mustang for a special mid-season debut at the New York World's Fair in April 1964. The resulting attention, and Mustang's instant appeal among consumers, made this one of the most memorable new car introductions in history. The Mustang sold very well at first and reaped large profits. Contrasting with the mystique of the Corvette convertible, the practical coupe or hardtop was the most popular Mustang body style, far outselling the convertible. Ford correctly read the market for a new type of car in the early 1960's. Baby boomers were reaching driving age, more families were buying second cars, and woman and single people were buying cars. Many new car buyers were looking for economical models with flair excitement, and optional equipment that enhanced comfort and performance. Ford developed the Mustang with these criteria in mind. Lean and sporty, it was more sophisticated than Ford's first compact car, the Falcon, and it had some of the Thunderbird's panache.

Fresh from a dry barn to our hallowed halls we offer for your consideration a 1965 coupe version of Ford's famous pony car. In a faded fair quality respray of Caspian Blue over the original Springtime Yellow, a 289ci V8, and a 3-speed manual you couldn't ask for more in the way of a project that can be made any way you want it.

Exterior
Faded Caspian Blue covers the fairly straight steel panels that mind their gaps nicely. Body lines that form the classic Mustang cove that is still in use today are true and straight. The galloping pony adorns the grill and is very good condition. All chrome and britework is present and accounted for but is showing its age with some dulling, crazing and pitting. The trunk compartment retains its original Springtime Yellow paint and trunk mat which shows heavy soiling. 14-inch wheels adorn all 4 corners and 2 of the standard Mustang hubcaps are missing.

Interior
Black is the theme here. From the black vinyl and textured steel door panels to the standard black vinyl seat, it's all black and appears to be all original. Black carpet, albeit faded in areas is in nice shape with no tears or major staining to speak of. A chromed shifter grows from this back carpet and is topped by a black plastic knob. The original steering wheel shows some cracks, but the chrome tri-bar horn center is in nice shape. A padded dash sans cracks brings up the front of the passenger compartment. It houses the iconic Mustang gauge cluster, HVAC controls, and the original AM radio which still turns on.

Drivetrain
Unrestored and showing some dirt and age, a 289ci V8 sits under the hood and is topped by an Autolite 2-barrel carburetor. A 3-speed Toploader 3.03 manual transmission is attached to the mill and sends power back to a Ford 8" carrier with 2.80 gears.

Undercarriage
Much to our surprise there is only one very minor spot of invasive rust under this pony. The uni-body, suspension, floors and rockers show only minor surface rust. We note a newer fuel tank installed along with manual drum brakes at all 4 corners. Independent front suspension is present along with leaf springs on the rear. Single stock style exhaust is also present and accounted for.

Drivability
This very well-kept barn find would not fire up on its own. However, it did start with the help of starting fluid but would not stay running. Armed with this information a fuel system flush, and carburetor rebuild may be on the to do list.

A weekend worth of tinkering and this could be your turnkey daily driver car. The joy of a first-generation Mustang is that a part catalog can supply any car your pony needs. Sidle down to the Classic Auto Mall and dig your stirrups into this pony. It could be one hell of a ride!

VIN DECODE
5F07C684183
5-1965
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
07-2 Door Hardtop
C-289ci V8 2bbl 200hp
684183-Sequential Unit Number

WARRANTY TAG
BODY 65A-2 Door Hardtop, Std Interior
COLOR 8-Springtime Yellow
TRIM 26-Black Vinyl
DATE 03R-April 3rd 1965 Build
DSO 51-Denver
AXLE 6-2.80 Conventional
TRANS 1-3 Speed Manual

NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.