1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop

For consignment, a 1965 Mustang hardtop, now a revered classic which was absolutely lambasted by Road & Track on their initial review. Their critical eye and opinion would have never pegged this car to be an American favorite. Yet here we are, 59 years later, with a well maintained, two owner car that has a lot of new parts and many original ones. An iconic piece of American automotive history.

Exterior
Two stage Ivy Green Metallic is looking better than new on this \"exciting car to look at\". And it does pop and glistens with a show-quality coat. The chrome bumpers were redone and look great. Other brightwork might need some freshening but are absolutely presentable. The emblems are solid and panel gaps are excellent. 14-inch styled steel wheels look right at home on the car and represent a common option for classic Mustangs like this one. Road & Track hated the \"phony\" scoops on the quarter panel and as it turns out, it\'s one of the more lasting and iconic design cues. We were hard pressed to find many flaws on the exterior. It\'s very well done.

Interior
Our consignor states that only the carpet has been replaced so when we open the door, we\'re peering at a well preserved, original interior. The doorcards are a visual delight with varying colors, textures, and shapes. Ivy gold and white contrast beautifully on the doors and a lighter shade covers vinyl bucket seats with white inserts and a dark green accent piece. Granted, the white looks more like ivory now, but the seats are in great shape front and back. The driver\'s seat shows a bit of use, naturally. A 3-spoke wood rimmed steering wheel has some cracks but nothing that will impact your ability to steer this car into your garage! Wood applique surrounds the gauge cluster which has round gauges in a symmetrical layout. The AM radio embedded in the metal dash is vintage and augmented by a modern AM/FM/CD unit mounted under the dash. The characteristic Mustang shifter is on the transmission hump which, like the rest of the floor, is covered in a very nice loop style green carpet. The headliner looks perfect and the trunk is spotless and covered in the period style plaid mat.

Drivetrain
This car has the 289ci V8 with a 2-barrel carburetor which was factory rated at 200 horsepower. It\'s tied to a C4 3-speed automatic transmission sending power to a Ford 8 inch rear axle with 2.80 gearing. The drum brakes found on all fours have received new wheel cylinders, shoes, and stainless steel lines. The master cylinder was also replaced. In addition, our consignor states that points and plugs are new, as are the water pump, thermostat, radiator, voltage regulator, alternator, solenoid, heater core and hoses. Wow! As it turns out, the engine bay is stunning as well.

Undercarriage
Clean and tidy and dry underneath. The dual exhaust is also newer per consignor and flows from the engine to meet two stock style mufflers that terminate at slightly downturned tailpipes that exhaust gases discretely before the back bumper. Coil springs make up the front suspension while leaf springs are found in the back and both sides benefit from newer shocks per the consignor. The rear wheel bearings have also been replaced. The power steering system has been refurbished and a new steering box has been added.

Drive-Ability
No surprise here, the car fired right up through the original but rebuilt carburetor and rolled eagerly onto the test loop. Road & Track might not have liked the ride back in the day, but we do today! It\'s on par with 60\'s era cars and just fine for a first generation Mustang. It runs, turns, and stops well and all functions are operable. Yee-ha!

When we use the term \"well-sorted\" in the classic car world, this is what we mean. Major components and many critical parts have been considered and updated as needed. Our consignor states this car has never been shown. And sure, car shows are not for everyone, but if you\'re inclined to show a Mustang, or simply own a very nice 1965, this Ivy Green example is one to consider. In the meantime, Road & Track can enjoy their plate of crow.

5T07C164816

5-1965
T-Metuchen, NJ Assy Plant
07-Mustang Hardtop
C-289ci 2bbl 200hp V8
164816-Sequential Unit Number

WARRANTY PLATE

BODY 65B-Mustang Hardtop, Luxury Buckets
COLOR R-Ivy Green
TRIM 68-Ivy Gold & White Luxury Vinyl Buckets
DATE 15S-May 15th
DSO 23-Philadelphia
AXLE 6-Ford 8\" 2.80 Conventional
TRANS 6-C4 Automatic

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