1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop Four-Speed

Description

The 1965 Ford Mustang marked the dawn of an American automotive icon. Ford General Manager Lee Iacocca named the sporty two-door “Mustang” because the name “had the excitement of wide-open spaces.” The car shattered sales expectations with its blend of performance, style, and affordability and became an instant hit, capturing the hearts of a new generation of drivers looking for a car that combined power and panache in one package.  

Iacocca’s brainchild was a brilliant combination of humble Ford Falcon underpinnings with a long-hood, short deck coupe. Its sleek and compact body, aggressive stance, European-style recessed grille, and signature galloping pony emblem became symbols of freedom and youthful energy. Ford’s innovative “pony car” was highly customizable, available in a variety of colors, options, and interior choices that allowed buyers to personalize their Mustang to their tastes.  

A previous owner of this first-year 1965 Mustang Hardtop Coupe, built in January ’65, repainted it Wimbledon White (from its original Prairie Bronze) and gave it Pony Interior upgrades, including vinyl seats with embossed horses and deluxe interior door panels. 

Highlights 

• Refinished in Wimbledon White paint over Palomino Crinkle interior 

• Upgraded with Pony Interior vinyl seats and interior door panels 

• Powered by a 289 cu-in V8 rated at 225 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque 

• Upgraded with Holley four-barrel carburetor 

• Body plate decodes as: 

  • Body: 65A – Two-door hardtop 

  • Color: P – Prairie Bronze (now white) 

  • Trim: 29 – Palomino Crinkle vinyl with standard bucket seats (now Pony Interior upholstery) 

  • Date: 06A – January 6, 1965, build date 

  • DSO: 72 – San Jose, California, District Sales Office 

  • Axle: 1 – 3.00:1 rear axle ratio 

  • Trans: 5 – Four-speed manual transmission 

• The chassis number (5R07A170978) decodes as: 

  • 5 – 1965 model year 

  • R – San Jose, California, assembly plant 

  • 07 – Two-door hardtop coupe 

  • A – 289 cu-in, four-barrel V8 225 hp 

  • 170978 – Sequential production number  

Features 

• Jensen stereo 

• Standard gauge cluster with 120 mph speedometer with fuel and temperature 

• Aftermarket oil pressure and water temp gauges  

• 14-inch Crager wheels 

• Goodyear Eagle RH P200/70R14 tires 

• Maintenance/upgrades in 2019 included: 

  • New fuel pump and hoses 

  • New brakes: Front bearings, shoes, and brake lines and rear cylinders 

  • New idler arm 

  • New rear pinion seal 

  • Scott Drake shifter rebuild kit

Known Imperfections 

• Paint imperfections 

• Bottom of driver’s door interior panel is damaged 

• Scuffs on passenger side rear interior panel 

• Emergency brake pull handle is slightly cracked and bent 

Included 

• Original hubcaps (one is dented slightly) 

• Additional Holley carburetor 

• AM radio 

• Hayne’s Ford Mustang Automotive Repair Manual 

Ownership History 

The Montana seller of this 1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop Coupe has owned it since November 2013. She says the Mustang has always been stored inside during her 12 years of ownership.