1965 Ford Mustang Convertible Four-Speed

Description

The iconic Ford Mustang, brainchild of Lee Iacocca, was a brilliant combination of Ford Falcon underpinnings and a long-hood, short-deck design that still draws plenty of attention. Iacocca, who chose “Mustang” over the planned name “Cougar” because “it had the excitement of wide-open spaces,” aimed to build a car that cost $2,500, weighed 2,500 pounds, and could carry four people. He succeeded, as a base six-cylinder hardtop coupe with three-speed manual gearbox cost $2,320 and weighed 2,449 pounds (the convertible cost a bit more). Design features included a strong, lightweight unibody with multiple bracing, minimal brightwork, European-style recessed sports grille, and bucket seats. 

The Mustang, introduced at the New York World's Fair in April 1964 as an “early” 1965 model, offered engine options that ranged from a humble 101-horsepower, 170 cu-in six-cylinder grocery-getter to 220-hp 289 V8. A hi-performance 271-hp version of the 289 became available in June 1964.  

With a plethora of available options, the 1965 Mustang brochure asked potential buyers, “What will your Mustang be — family fun-in-the-sun car ... full-fledged sports soft-top ... or luxury convertible?” 

This 1965 Mustang Convertible, ordered with Deluxe Pony interior, was purchased by the consigner in 1999, and he made numerous mechanical and cosmetic upgrades in the two decades that followed. 

Highlights 

• First-year Mustang has been in the consigner’s family for 25 years 

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

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• Upgrades since 1999: 

  • Repainted in Porsche Indian Red 

  • Added Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor and intake  

  • Transformed muffler system from single to dual exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers 

  • New front disc brakes (with booster)  

  • All new interior, except for dash (including Deluxe Pony upholstery and carpet)  

  • New black vinyl power convertible top with “zip out” rear window 

  • New chrome wheels 

• The chassis number (5F08A673227) decodes as: 

  • 5 – Model year 

  • F – Dearborn (Michigan) assembly plant 

  • 08 – Convertible 

  • A – Optional 225hp 289ci 4V V8 

  • 673227 – Production sequence number 

• The original data plate decodes as: 

  • Body: 76B – Convertible with Luxury Interior 

  • Color: J – Rangoon Red 

  • Trim: 65 – Red Luxury 

  • Date Code: 230 – March 23, 1965 

  • DSO (District Sales Office):  23 – Philadelphia 

  • Rear Axle: 1 – 3.00:1 

  • Transmission: 5 – Four-speed manual 

Features 

• Two-door, rear-wheel-drive sports car 

• Woodgrain three-spoke steering wheel 

• Padded instrument panel 

• Dash gauges: 

  • 140-mph speedometer 

  • Fuel 

  • Oil  

  • Amperage 

  • Temperature 

• Aftermarket AM/FM stereo 

• Cigar/cigarette lighter 

• Heater and defroster 

• Seat belts 

• Dual sun visors 

• Automatic courtesy lights 

• Sports-type front bumpers 

• Self-adjusting brakes 

• BFGoodrich T/A Radial P 205/70 R14

Known Imperfections 

• Paint chips on edges of both doors, driver’s kick plate, and hood near driver’s side headlight 

• Paint is flaking up front below grille 

• Minor dent on the front passenger window trim

Included 

• Spare tire 

• Jack 

• Tonneau cover 

• Car cover 

• 1965 Comet, Falcon, Fairlane, and Mustang Shop Manual 

• 1965 Mustang owner’s manual 

• 1965 Mustang brochure 

• Original AM radio 

• Original parts: 

  • Two-barrel intake manifold 

  • Two-barrel carburetor 

  • Four steel wheels 

  • Four chrome rings 

  • Four original Mustang wheel hubs 

  • Four original Mustang wheel covers 

  • Chrome boot side moldings 

  • Shifter and linkage 

  • Exhaust manifold 

  • Valve covers 

  • Fuel pump 

Ownership History 

This 1965 Ford Mustang has been in the family of the consigner for three decades. During that time, the consigner says, “The car has only felt rain once.”