During the recent 50th anniversary celebrations surrounding the Ford Mustang, it gives us pause to realize that there really aren't many cars that are as universally loved. Take this 1965 Ford Mustang convertible just about anywhere this side of a Super Chevy show, and it'll find a large group of enthusiastic admirers and the new owner will quickly discover that everyone is your friend when you drive a drop-top pony car.
The bright red paint looks right on the tidy, trim first-generation Mustang shape. While this one was originally Silver Blue, there's no sign of it anywhere, inside or out, suggesting a full disassembly during the restoration and the results were worth it. The finish highlights the car's important parts such as the crease along the tops of the fenders and the famous "C-scoop" on the flanks. Fit and finish are pretty darned good for a car that's built to cruise, and you can see even at a distance that the doors and hood fit quite well. The two-stage urethane finish has a decent shine that shows a few swirls and polishing marks, but with a professional buff, this car will sparkle on the show field. Nice chrome bumpers were surely replaced during the cosmetic stages of the restoration and while it packs a V8, it doesn't advertise beyond the usual '289' badges and twin exhaust pipes out back.
The black interior is correct and replaces the original code 22 Blue upholstery, so you know it has been restored. Handsome bucket seats flank a nicely restored center console, giving this bright ragtop a very upscale look. The '65s still used the wide central speedometer with outer pods for fuel level and temperature, and we're guessing that the instrument panel is original albeit in good shape. A matching black steering wheel works rather well in the monochromatic interior and there's an AM radio head unit in the dash that's probably due for an upgrade for cruising this summer. The dash pad, carpets, and door panels are all in excellent condition and there's a very nicely done white convertible top that folds flush and disappears under a matching black boot. The trunk is also correctly finished with a new reproduction mat and full-sized spare tire assembly.
Experts will already have glanced at the VIN and noticed that this is a C-code car, meaning a 289 cubic inch V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor and 200 horsepower. You're in luck, because that's what's in there today. Looking quite tidy under the hood, it brings a fat torque curve to the game which makes this Mustang far more entertaining to drive. With chrome valve covers and a matching air cleaner, it has a neo-GT look and those fender braces do make a noticeable improvement in front-end stiffness. It's backed by a C4 3-speed automatic transmission and an 8-inch rear end which are rugged enough to handle the V8's horsepower, and the car has been fitted with power steering that makes it very easy to handle. The underside of the car is remarkably clean and there's a new gas tank and a recent dual exhaust system hanging out back. It rolls on optional styled steel wheels and they're wrapped in fat 195/75/14 whitewall radials.
Affordable fun in the sun, that's the Mustang. With the right combination of charisma and performance, this is a wonderful car to own. Call today!