Vehicle Description
1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop
"On the credit side is the appearance. It's an interesting,
exciting car to look at. It's different looking, but different in
the right way, not simply gimmicked up for the sake of attracting
attention. The cost of the car is also to be appreciated. Even the
completely loaded street version delivers at less than $3500 and
this, compared with the near $5000 it takes to deliver a similarly
equipped Sting Ray, makes it a bargain. The advantages of having a
full 4 seater cannot be overlooked either.". Thx to Road & Track
Magazine, August 1964
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
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.
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