Solid California Black Plate Mustang 289 Project that runs see Video Inspection

Thanks for taking a look at our 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe. It’s recent discovery here in Southern California and it’s an awesome winter project.

This great California find is currently available as a project. That could change at any time if we decide to get to it or if a customer commissions a restoration.

If you've spent any time looking for a solid Mustang to restore, you know how hard these are to come by. If you've taken on a project that "needed everything, and then some" or had been disassembled by a good intentioned weekend warrior, you'll appreciate this find. Untouched for decades and in unmolested condition, this is a “NO HIT” car and it's truly "all there" and not in boxes. We can find no evidence of damage or repairs. Be sure to check out the extensive pictures and video inspection highlighting the original floors and unibody structure.

This San Jose built and California kept Black Plate Mustang has spent its entire life in the Central California wine country. She boasts just 19676 miles, a running 289, C-4 Automatic transmission, a console and a rare OEM remote control side mirror. The factory Spinner hubcaps and OEM 14 steel wheels are included.

The 289 was upgraded back in the day with a factory 4BBL manifold, a 4BBl Holley carburetor, chrome valve covers and air cleaner. Headers and dual exhaust feed period “Cherry Bomb” glass packs. She was sure to turn heads. And will again.

The oral history has this and a matching convertible Mustang stored on concrete under a carport since sometime in the 1970’s. The license tags were last renewed in 1982. Neighbors remember seeing the cars parked in the carport when they were near new and not moving for decades after.

Exterior.

Original Wimbledon White. The body has some easily repairable topical rust spots. We would replace the hood. The roof will require some patchwork. The doors open solidly and do not sag as most do, an indicator of light useage. The body is untouched and very straight. We see no evidence of panel replacement or accident damage. All of the chrome and stainless is present. Those pieces needing to be replaced are readily available.

Underneath the car is very clean with solid original California floor pans and extremely clean frame rails. Check out the fuel pump with the screw on filter base and the general cleanliness of the undercarriage. Even in California, it’s very rare to find an original chassis in this condition.

Wheels Tires

Period Mag wheels with Bias Ply wide track rubber from back in the day. The stock wheels and factory spinner wheel covers were in the boot and are included.

Suspension

Check out the period “coil over” shocks at all four corners. They still rebound nicely and the car sits level without showing age stress. Everything else looks OEM.

Engine

A 289 V8 that’s mated to a C4 automatic transmission. Holley carb. 4BBL Manifold, headers, dual exhaust. Cherry Bombs.

Trunk

Clean trunk, no damage or repairs. Factory jack tag still in place. Spare tire. Jack. Spare belt. Original mat.

Interior

Factory red interior that is looks very original but needs restoration. Overall in very good condition for the age. White headliner. Check that chastity belt on the radio! A recording cassette player may be underneath. No rats or other vermin invaders had their way with this Mustang. We would redo the whole interior, keeping close to originality.

Odometer

The odometer shows just 19,676 miles. Based on the evidence we have; Local eyewitnesses, pedal condition, clean undercarriage and body, Black tags and title, we believe this to be correct mileage.

Title

Clear California title. An original “Pink Slip”

Documentation

The title bears the correct VIN and shows these original California Black license plates issued to this car. A picture cd of the car in “as found” condition is included.

Please come inspect this great Mustang before the auction ends. We are happy to meet you and show her off. Please keep in mind that this is a used car....a 52 year old used PROJECT car. It is not a concours trailer queen and will not be fresh and perfect like that new soul sucking camry your aunt betty drives. If that’s what you are after, this is not your car.

If you want to build a badass 65 American legend, you’re in the right place.

Want DRIVEN to build you a Mustang hot rod from this great core? We can do that and make it exactly the way you want. Check out some of our previous builds at www.driven.co We envision that a white Shelby style body with blood red stripes and a matching interior along with a freshened, tight drivetrain will make a very cool ride. Or you could go old school and return the car to 1965 in OEM trim and spinner caps. The two pics of completed cars indicate where this car could be in pretty short order.

Please enjoy this extensive walk around, walk under and test start. You will be able to inspect very angle of this car. Note that this is a quick run-check of the engine on clean fuel and a new battery. You can hear the water pump complaining and a lifter sticking a bit but after a 40 year nap, those minor kinks are expected and she sounds great.