1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop
Since it was introduced 4 months before the normal start of the1965 production year the earliest Mustangs were referred to as the1964.5 model by enthusiasts. Nevertheless, all 1964.5 cars weregiven a 1965 standard VIN at the time of production. Productionbegan in March 1964 and serial number 1, (5F08F100001), was sold onApril 14th, 1964 at the George Parsons Ford dealership in St.John's Newfoundland, Canada. The official introduction followed onApril 17th at the 1964 World's Fair. The gentleman whose name willbe forever written in Mustang history was Captain Stanley Tucker.He walked into George Parsons Ford and found an all too eagersalesman who sold him the car....3 days before the model officiallywent on sale. The rest, as they say, is history.
We honor the service of Vietnam veterans, who at the time of thewar, were at the age of buying their first car. Some bought onebefore they were drafted, others bought one immediately upon theirreturn. Many others did not make it home. Here's a veteran whobought a yellow mustang before he was drafted. He abruptly sold itto his parents and upon his return, for whatever reason, they wouldnot sell it back. Fast forward to 2014 when a loving wife purchaseda car of the same year in the same color to celebrate hisretirement. We say every car at the mall has a story to tell.That's a good one. Classic Mustangs are some of the mostrecognizable and popular classic cars that come through ourhallowed halls, and this one is a fine driver that will elicitlooks and conversations for many years to come. Restorationreceipts and details will accompany this car.
Exterior
Looking like a Palomino horse, this Mustang wears Phoenician Yellowpaint and has a Parchment vinyl roof. This car has the GT foglights inset in the grille and wire wheel hubcaps on 14-inch steelwheels. The '65's had the optional reverse lights to the rearvalance below the bumper where we also find a pair of chrome tipson the tailpipe. The black pinstripe along the shoulder lineaccentuates the body lines of the car. The paint, metal trim andbumpers, and vinyl top are absolutely presentable, and the panelsare straight. It has a touch of patina that is a welcome changefrom pristine show cars you would be hesitant to drive more often.This one is a driver! Imperfections include some scuffs andscratches, chips, some bubbling, and cracks in the paint.
Interior
The black vinyl door panels are immaculate and the vinyl bucketseats and rear bench are in great shape. Molded plastic interiortrim pieces in the back and in the footwells look great. The3-spoke steering wheel wrapped in a vinyl aftermarket grip showssome patina but is complete with Mustang center cap. The gaugecluster features a horizontal speedometer to 120 mph flanked byround gauges for temp, gas level, and other important information.A JVC AM/FM/Cassette radio looks right at home in the center of thedash, and a large glove box is positioned under the dash cover infront of the passenger. A standard Mustang shifter takes its placeon the floor, surrounded by black loop style carpet in great shape.The headliner shows a bit of age but is tight and undamaged. Trunkis clean and lined with the common plaid mat.
Drivetrain
A 289ci V8 is under the hood, fed by a 4-barrel carburetor and tiedto a C4 3-speed automatic transmission. The engine was factoryrated at 225 horsepower which was transferred to the rear wheelsvia a Ford 8" rear and 3.00 gears with limited slip. Power drumbrakes are supplied on all four wheels. We would categorize theengine bay as driver quality and original looking with theexception, of course, of the yellow Optima battery.
Undercarriage
Driver quality under here as well with its fair share of surfacerust on the leaf springs, rear axle, and other uncoated metal. Theshock towers have been repaired in the past and photos of thewelding are included in the photo set. Things are relatively dryunderneath with just a bit of residual oil on the pan but does notappear to be actively leaking. The dual exhaust flows underneathwhere they meet a pair of stock style mufflers, the exit out theback. Independent front suspension with coil springs is noted andleaf springs are in the back.
Drive-Ability
We primed the carb and turned the key and the venerable 289 startedup and sang a sweet song from the exhaust. We headed out on thetest loop and checked functionality. Everything seemed to work, andthe car ran and stopped well.
Fifty years after original Mustang ownership, this car fulfilled adream for someone. Surely, there are others out there who dream ofowning a classic Mustang and whether you leave this one as is anddrive the heck out of it or take advantage of its great bones anddo a full restoration, you'll definitely be the fortunate stewardof 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 andcollectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climatecontrolled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classicand collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of theI-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visitwww.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact usanytime for more information or to come see the vehicle inperson.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, andwe do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with hostStewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trendsin consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities andautomotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tunein each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoylistening. You can also watch on YouTube!
