1965 Ford Mustang

Description

Just as they were more than 50 years ago, Mustangs are fast, fun, and affordable ways to get around. Traditional ponies like this 1965 Ford Mustang coupe are a great way to own an icon without spending a ton of money, and when they're this clean and have been looked after and maintained to such a high level, they make wonderful hobby vehicles that can still be enjoyed every day.

Seriously, if you could own a classic V8-powered Mustang coupe for less than the price of a Hyundai with a wheezing 4-cylinder engine, wouldn't you leap at the chance? Especially one with factory A/C and a smooth-shifting 3-speed manual transmission that's a load of fun to drive? Nicely refinished, this Wimbledon White coupe carries all the timeless design cues that put these cars at the top of every enthusiast's wish list. Bodywork is well done, it has a classic color combination, and everything lines up well enough to really attract positive attention at local shows. The line that runs along the tops of the fenders is as sharp as a crease in Don Draper's suit, and the driver-quality paint is shiny without looking too modern. Not a show car by any means, and upon closer examination the noodge at the car show will find an imperfection or two to complain about, but the curb appeal is undeniable and this Pony looks like a million bucks when it's cruising down Main Street. It's got the correct '65 front grille with the "crosshairs" in the center emblem, optional chrome trim on the quarters, rather rare profile trim that runs on the top of the 'C' line on the profiles, and it's nice that it hasn't been forced to wear any gaudy stripes or silly wings like so many of its siblings today. The chrome bumpers are in very nice shape, too, totally in line with the rest of the car, giving it a clean all-in-one look.

Bright Red upholstery makes the interior a brilliant place to spend some time. Neatly restored back to stock specs, the interior offers a lot of new components, including seat covers, door panels, a padded vinyl dash pad, carpets and protective Pony floor mats, and a taut vinyl headliner, all of which show very little use. The dash cluster and gauges all look new as well, as do the controls, knobs, glove box, and pretty much everything else in the dash, and it's all working properly just like it should. The factory center console and those bright aluminum accents all look bright and fresh, housing the 8-ball shifter for the 3-speed manual shifter below, and the bright red 3-spoke steering wheel anchors the cockpit and feels great in the hands of the driver. You'll note the under-dash A/C system is a newer unit that looks like a factory piece, and it's blowing ice cold air throughout the cabin, while just above it a retro-style AM/FM/AUX stereo was added into the dash slot to handle the entertainment. Everything was restored with stock-style components in mind, which this day and age we find very refreshing – it's easy (and cheaper) to load a vintage car with aftermarket components during its restoration, but staying true to the car's original roots while using OEM-style pieces is the right thing to do. Even the trunk is correctly finished with a plaid mat and spare tire with matching cover.

Classic performance in a Mustang means only one thing: a snappy 289 cubic inch V8. This is a C-code car, so you get a relatively economic 2-barrel carburetor that still delivers plenty of V8 punch. And when your car runs this well, there's really no need for upgrades and modifications, instead letting the spirit of 1965 flow through you whenever you're behind the wheel. It fires easily and has a snarky V8 exhaust note thanks to a dual exhaust system with glasspack 'Cherry Bomb' style mufflers. Ford Blue on the engine and valve covers makes it look right, and it's pretty much the way Ford intended, from the matching Ford Blue air cleaner to the chubby radiator up front, and even the A/C compressor looks stock despite the upgraded hardware and plumbing. The undercarriage is not shiny, but if you're into driving instead of polishing your car at static shows, you'll never even notice, and a newer clutch and fresh bushings were added to get this Pony road-ready today. A quick-shifting 3-speed manual transmission spins the original rear end with rather tall gears inside, so it can handle itself at higher speeds just fine. 14-inch steel wheels adorned with shiny hubcaps with spinners look great on any early Mustang, and they're protected by 205/75/14 Optimo whitewall radials.

We seem to be getting lucky with early Mustangs here at Streetside Classics, but don't wait for the next one, you need to put this lovely '65 coupe in your garage right away! Call now!