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 with off-the-charts curb appeal, and when they're as beautifully restored and as heavily optioned as this, 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 new one with a 6-cylinder engine, why wouldn't you leap at the chance? Especially one with factory A/C, power steering, and power brakes? Nicely refinished, this Code H Caspian blue 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 evenly 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 paint is shiny without looking too modern which is precisely the look we're after in a classic car. The paint isn't perfect, but it's certainly much nicer than most, and a long weekend spent buffing and waxing this top driver-grade Pony would easily bring it back up a notch. It's got the correct front grille with the "crosshairs" in the center emblem, optional chrome trim on the quarters, and it's nice that it hasn't been forced to wear stripes or wings like so many of its siblings. The chrome is in very good shape, too, totally in line with the rest of the car, giving it a clean all-of-a-piece look.

Code 22 Blue vinyl upholstery makes the interior a brilliant place to spend some time, filled to the brim with all that simple elegance these 1st generation Ponies were known for. Restored alongside with the rest of the car, the interior offers a lot of newer components, including fresh pleated seat covers, matching door panels, a crack-free dash pad, and plush carpets protected by vinyl floor mats – all correct components which show very little use. Factory gauges are in great shape and all work properly, and the chrome shifter atop the transmission tunnel is just a short reach away, managing the C4 3-speed automatic transmission below. Even though it's no longer operational, the original AM radio is still in the dash, as is an optional 8-track unit nestled in between the seats – a piece of equipment that almost never survived the years, and is a super-cool relic for this Mustang to boast. That's also a factory underdash A/C unit still in place, and although it's not currently blowing cold all the hardware seems to be in place so an upgrade to modern refrigerant shouldn't be much of a problem. Power steering is a desirable option, even on the lightweight Mustang and the three-spoke steering wheel that controls it is in great shape as well. The rear seat looks completely untouched, and even the trunk is correctly finished with a plaid mat and matching cover over the spare.

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 fresh Flowmaster dual exhaust system that sounds awesome. Gold paint on the valve covers and snorkeled air cleaner makes the engine bay look right, and it's pretty much the way Ford intended, from the A/C compressor to the big radiator up front, although the power brake booster is modern addition, albeit a much welcomed one. The undercarriage is very tidy, solid, and super clean thanks to a light application of black undercoating, and it even looks like a newer gas tank was added for good measure. A C4 3-speed automatic transmission spins the original 8-inch rear with tall gears inside, so it's great on the highway, making this Mustang a ready-to-go cruiser today. 14-inch hubcaps look great on any early Mustang, and they're protected by 185/75/14 whitewall radials that finish off the period-perfect look.

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!