Rusty Roller: 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback
When the hot new Ford Mustang arrived in April 1964, just two body styles were offered. It wasn’t until the Fall of that year when the “official” 1965 models would have a fastback to join the coupe and convertible. More than 77,000 of the “regular” fastbacks were built in ’65, making it quite a desirable version – then and now. The seller has a roller that used to have a 289 cubic inch V8 and an automatic transmission, but they’re no longer part of the equation. The rest of the car is outdoors in Franklin Park, New Jersey, and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $7,000 (negotiable).
For all indications, this Mustang has led a hard life. It was built with a C-code V8 which means the 289 had a 2-barrel carburetor. The door tag is still present but is hard to read. It may have been painted Silversmoke Gray back in the day and came with a blue interior. But the finish has been exposed to the elements for a long time and rust is more than probable. Also, there is a big hole in the floorboard that looks to have been cut rather than from corrosion. The interior is pretty well used up.
This Mustang will never be numbers matching, so the buyer can take some liberties with how he/she wants to rebuild it if that’s the goal. As a parts car, this would be an expensive way to get what may be some marginal parts (but the console looks good). The roof is solid, and we’re told all the glass and trim are intact. If you were to contact the seller to make a deal, what would you do with it? Shoot for a Shelby clone? Hats off to Chuck Foster for another lost soul tip!
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Comments
Since only the K-code High Performance 289 had a VIN stamped into the block in 1965, someone with the patience to track down engine components with casting dates up to 3 months ahead of the car’s build date can make this a numbers matching car again. It’s the early Mustang version of “numbers matching,” but it will be indistinguishable from an early Mustang with its “born with” engine.
There is Absolutely Nothing wrong with a Period Correct Engine Replacement . 60 Years is a Long Time to Expect an Engine to Last .
Yeah it could be restored to be undistinguishable from a car that retains it’s original engine, and yeah I have seen worse that has gotten restored, but if it were mine it would be a restomod. The cost of a full restoration on this one seems like it would be too much, this is a car that you can have fun with. Back to the question in the article, would I do a Shelby clone? Absolutely not. While I appreciate the look of an early Shelby, there are way too many Shelby clones out there. I have always been someone who likes my cars to stand out and be tastefully different. Shelby clones just get a passing glance anymore it’s a been there done that thing that needs to stop. If your not going for 100 percent original, then have some creative thinking, not just a cookie cutter clone.
This is a good candidate for Peterson’s Restoration https://www.youtube.com/@petersonrestorations. That guy brings these Mustangs back from the dead.
I’m not a fan of Mustangs, and even if I were a fan, this thing simply isn’t worth what the seller is asking. As far as a potential project goal, I would go with a counterfeit K code. Find period correct 289 and a T-10, build a little 271 horse screamer, spruce it up with a set of American Torque Thrusts. and you would have a fun Sunday driver.
People, in back seat could use feet to help stop this car by dragging them on the ground!
$500.00, take it or leave it! Why do people think a Mustang FB is worth thousands of dollars regardless of the condition? This Pony needs to be completely restored costing big bucks…best bet: part it out & take what is left to the junkyard!
Well people think they are worth thousands because people are paying thousands for them. 500 is ridiculous the rear seat and back window are worth more than that. $7,000 is optimistic at best but it is negotiable which means he really doesn’t expect someone to pay full price.