Vehicle Description
1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop
Since it was introduced 4 months before the normal start of the
1965 production year the earliest Mustangs were referred to as the
1964.5 model by enthusiasts. Nevertheless, all 1964.5 cars were
given a 1965 standard VIN at the time of production. Production
began in March 1964 and serial number 1, (5F08F100001), was sold on
April 14th, 1964 at the George Parsons Ford dealership in St.
John's Newfoundland, Canada. The official introduction followed on
April 17th at the 1964 World's Fair. The gentleman whose name will
be forever written in Mustang history was Captain Stanley Tucker.
He walked into George Parsons Ford and found an all too eager
salesman who sold him the car....3 days before the model officially
went on sale. The rest, as they say, is history.
We honor the service of Vietnam veterans, who at the time of the
war, were at the age of buying their first car. Some bought one
before they were drafted, others bought one immediately upon their
return. Many others did not make it home. Here's a veteran who
bought a yellow mustang before he was drafted. He abruptly sold it
to his parents and upon his return, for whatever reason, they would
not sell it back. Fast forward to 2014 when a loving wife purchased
a car of the same year in the same color to celebrate his
retirement. We say every car at the mall has a story to tell.
That's a good one. Classic Mustangs are some of the most
recognizable and popular classic cars that come through our
hallowed halls, and this one is a fine driver that will elicit
looks and conversations for many years to come. Restoration
receipts and details will accompany this car.
Exterior
Looking like a Palomino horse, this Mustang wears Phoenician Yellow
paint and has a Parchment vinyl roof. This car has the GT fog
lights inset in the grille and wire wheel hubcaps on 14-inch steel
wheels. The '65's had the optional reverse lights to the rear
valance below the bumper where we also find a pair of chrome tips
on the tailpipe. The black pinstripe along the shoulder line
accentuates the body lines of the car. The paint, metal trim and
bumpers, and vinyl top are absolutely presentable, and the panels
are straight. It has a touch of patina that is a welcome change
from pristine show cars you would be hesitant to drive more often.
This one is a driver! Imperfections include some scuffs and
scratches, chips, some bubbling, and cracks in the paint.
Interior
The black vinyl door panels are immaculate and the vinyl bucket
seats and rear bench are in great shape. Molded plastic interior
trim pieces in the back and in the footwells look great. The
3-spoke steering wheel wrapped in a vinyl aftermarket grip shows
some patina but is complete with Mustang center cap. The gauge
cluster features a horizontal speedometer to 120 mph flanked by
round gauges for temp, gas level, and other important information.
A JVC AM/FM/Cassette radio looks right at home in the center of the
dash, and a large glove box is positioned under the dash cover in
front of the passenger. A standard Mustang shifter takes its place
on the floor, surrounded by black loop style carpet in great shape.
The headliner shows a bit of age but is tight and undamaged. Trunk
is clean and lined with the common plaid mat.
Drivetrain
A 289ci V8 is under the hood, fed by a 4-barrel carburetor and tied
to a C4 3-speed automatic transmission. The engine was factory
rated at 225 horsepower which was transferred to the rear wheels
via a Ford 8" rear and 3.00 gears with limited slip. Power drum
brakes are supplied on all four wheels. We would categorize the
engine bay as driver quality and original looking with the
exception, of course, of the yellow Optima battery.
Undercarriage
Driver quality under here as well with its fair share of surface
rust on the leaf springs, rear axle, and other uncoated metal. The
shock towers have been repaired in the past and photos of the
welding are included in the photo set. Things are relatively dry
underneath with just a bit of residual oil on the pan but does not
appear to be actively leaking. The dual exhaust flows underneath
where they meet a pair of stock style mufflers, the exit out the
back. Independent front suspension with coil springs is noted and
leaf springs are in the back.
Drive-Ability
We primed the carb and turned the key and the venerable 289 started
up and sang a sweet song from the exhaust. We headed out on the
test loop and checked functionality. Everything seemed to work, and
the car ran and stopped well.
Fifty years after original Mustang ownership, this car fulfilled a
dream for someone. Surely, there are others out there who dream of
owning a classic Mustang and whether you leave this one as is and
drive the heck out of it or take advantage of its great bones and
do a full restoration, you'll definitely be the fortunate steward
of a great car with a moving story that goes with it.
5F07A253327
5-1965
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
07-Mustang Hardtop
A-289ci 225hp 4bbl V8
253327-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 65A-Mustang Hardtop, Standard Bucket Seats
COLOR A-Raven Black
TRIM 26-Standard Black Vinyl Buckets
DATE 04H-August 4th
DSO 23-Philadelphia
AXLE A-Ford 8" 3.00 TracLoc
TRANS 5-4 Speed Manual
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
