Vehicle Description
The first Mustang off the assembly line was a car very much like
this early production 1965 Mustang convertible, and it's early
enough that enthusiasts can safely call it a "1964 1/2". Timeless
good looks combined with all the unique features of the early cars,
this is a great Mustang you can enjoy every day.
Rangoon Red was the #1 color on the early Mustangs and for good
reason: it looks fantastic on the first pony car. With a decent
respray a few years ago, it still looks pretty darned good, but
isn't so nice that you'll constantly fret about it when you park.
It does show good gaps and panel alignment, so they obviously took
their time and got the doors to fit well and even the trunk lid,
which is often challenging, sits right. A glance at the door tag
will reveal that this one used to be code 3 Poppy Red, but given
how this one looks today, nobody's going to mind and it has no
effect on value. You'll also note that the color change was easy,
as the two reds are close enough that you really have to hunt for
the lines between them (hint: there are none). Beautiful chrome
bumpers, a correct early-style grille with cross bars, and familiar
'260' emblems on the front fenders all give this car plenty of
jewelry to sparkle against the shiny red paint.
The black interior is a popular combination that looks great and
works rather well on a vehicle that's going to spend a lot of time
out in the sun. You'd think that black would instantly show wear,
but it remains in good condition with only minor signs of use on
the door panels, whose armrests might be original. Black carpets
feel plush and help control noise and heat, but you'll definitely
dig things like the black steering wheel and matching dash pad that
give this pony a very clean, uncluttered look. The original gauges
are bright and easy to read, the factory AM radio is still in
place, and the center console really dresses things up in a big
way. Overhead there's a white convertible top that stashes under a
matching black vinyl boot and the trunk is correctly outfitted with
a reproduction plaid mat and full-sized spare tire assembly.
This particular Mustang carries an early F-code 260 cubic inch V8
which wears bright Ford Blue engine enamel that isn't totally
correct but details like the generator are what you expect to see
on an early car. Painted valve covers and a matching heavy-duty air
cleaner look right under the hood and it's wonderful to see that
this car carries power steering, making it extremely pleasant to
drive. It starts easily and has a great V8 sound thanks to a modest
exhaust system with a correct transverse muffler and there's an
eager feeling to early Mustangs that's hard to replicate anywhere
else. The 3-speed automatic transmission always seems to be in the
right gear for what you're doing and according to the door tag,
there are 3.00 gears out back so this Mustang stays relaxed on the
highway. The chassis appears to be quite original with all the
convertible reinforcements still intact, plus a few signs of recent
work, including some fresh brake components. Standard steel wheels
with wire wheel covers are a perfect Mustang touch and carry
195/75/14 whitewall radials that fit and look right.
With all the unique features on the pre-July 31 Mustangs, this is a
car that will always get Mustang fans talking. It's also a
wonderful and fun convertible in its own right. Call today!