For Sale: 1965 Ford Mustang in Mansfield, Texas

1965 Ford Mustang Coupe

One of the most popular "pony cars" ever created has to be the Ford Mustang. These cars have remained a staple in the car community since new so it should be no surprise after being introduced in 1964 they have remained in production. In fact they are Ford's longest running car nameplate that has never been discontinued. Ford had a hit on their hands and while original projections were estimated at 100,000 units the 1965 Mustang went on to be the most successful vehicle launch since the 1927 Model A. The were so successful that it completely changed the industry as every other manufacturer now needed a muscle car to go to market with. This 1965 Ford Mustang is not just a neat example of one of these cars but it has a very unique place in automotive history. It is known as "Project Ed" and the entire build was featured in the January 2000 edition Mustang & Fords magazine. Place yourself in 2000 and you will realize why this car is so special. The "Restomod" style of vehicle was gaining traction on the scene so cars like this really stood out. The LS swap craze of recent years have a long ancestry dating back to cars like this. The magazine notes "a lot of readers think it got its name from the talking horse" but in fact it stood for "Everyday Driver" ever since it was dreamed up in 1996. The build started with a totally stripped down to steel solid body that was sent to Gonzales Auto Body in Van Nuys for a repaint done in a bright Red with dual White Shelby racing stripes. The body was also modified at the time incorporating the Shelby front valance, Shelby hood with tie downs, Shelby grill, Shelby gas cap, Shelby adjustable side mirrors and '67 Shelby style tail lights. The chrome and stainless trim is all in excellent condition with a nice shine. The glass in it is all good as well including the tinted front windshield. The American Racing Torq Thrust wheels look perfect on it a car like this and it has a great stance.

Since the inspiration was creating a modern everyday driver with a vintage aesthetic all the creature comforts, safety and reliability had to be in place. They did however also want to stay true to Ford so needed the heart of a late model Mustang. They decided to go with a 5.0L EFI high output Ford Racing Performance which was a concept very ahead of its time. This not only brought in the performance factor but insured that on those cold winter mornings the car was still turn key and ready to go. That was then combined with a B&M AOD transmission and 9 inch rear with 3:55 gears so highway driving felt like your modern vehicle. Cooling is provided via the four row Desert Cooler radiator with 16 inch Flex-A-Lite reverse fan with shroud that was designed specifically for later model engines. Of course with daily driving, stopping and turning shouldn't feel like it did in the 60's so the car got power brakes (front discs) and power steering. Variable rate coils, a heavy duty sway bar, gas shocks, and 5 leaf rear springs round out the suspension so no feature was left untouched.

The interior is done in a beautiful White upholstery and to give you a peak inside the builders mind, one of the first things they felt needed to go was the factory seats. While the original seats look fine they don't provide the comfort you want on long cruises. So instead, they opted for the high back Mach 1 seats with seat belts, again keeping it Mustang but with the theme of comfort. Between the bucket seats is a fully custom console with cupholders, power window controls, a custom stereo, Vintage Air AC controls and the T handle shifter. Due to the new Haneline power windows the original cranks were removed and in their place the medallions from a 67-68 dash was put in their place. The dash is done in a combo of White with a Red dash pad and utilizes inset adjustable AC vents. They could have easily gone with the flimsy aftermarket Wood grain inserts but with this high end build didn't want to miss any detail so landed on real Rosewood accents around the gauges from Distinctive industries. The column is painted White and fitted with a matching White Rally-Pak along with the Grant Signature Series Red/Black steering wheel.

Titled "Maximum Mustang Buildup" the magazine feature was all about building a "Nu-Tech Restomod Mustang for the new millennium" and they definitely pulled it off. The car is a multiple show winner and holds a special place in history due to being one of the first of its kind.

It is being offered up at a fraction of the build cost at $43,500.00!