1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop Coupe

Description

Ford general manager Lee Iacocca chose “Mustang” over the planned name “Cougar” because “it had the excitement of wide-open spaces.” It was a great call; Ford’s small wild pony captured the imagination of the buying public like no automobile before or since. Unveiled on 17 April 1964 in Hardtop and Convertible versions (the Fastback 2+2 body arrived in August 1964), it was simply the greatest new car launch in history.   

Iacocca’s brainchild was a brilliant combination of humble Ford Falcon underpinnings with a long-hood, short deck coupe that still looks just right. His aim was a car that cost $2,500, weighed 2,500 pounds, and could carry four people. He got pretty close, as a base six-cylinder hardtop coupe with a three-speed manual gearbox cost $2,320 and weighed 2,449 pounds. It was based around a strong, lightweight unibody with multiple bracing, minimal brightwork, and a European style recessed sporty grille. 

This 1965 Mustang Hardtop Coupe was originally equipped with a 200-cubic-inch six, but it was swapped for a 289 V8 during a full restoration in 2021. It wears Deluxe Pony interior with Palomino upholstery. 

Highlights 

• First year of iconic Ford Mustang 

• Finished in Champagne Beige paint with White Deluxe Pony interior 

• Restoration/upgrades in 2021 included: 

  • 289 cu-in V8 engine rated at 200 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque (replaced original six-cylinder) 

  • Four-speed transmission with Hurst shifter (replaced original three-speed)  

  • Weiland Street Warrior intake 

  • Summit Racing 650cfm four-barrel carb 

  • Hooker headers 

  • Borla Atak exhaust 

  • Edelbrock air cleaner 

  • New shocks all around 

  • Repainted in original color

• The chassis number (5F07T718716) decodes as: 

  • 5 – 1965 model year 

  • F – Dearborn, Michigan, assembly plant 

  • 07 – Two-door hardtop 

  • T – 200 cu-in six-cylinder 120 hp engine 

  • 718716 – Sequential production number 

• Body/trim plate decodes as: 

  • 65B – Two-door hardtop with luxury bucket seats 

  • I – Champagne Beige paint 

  • F9 – White Crinkle Vinyl with Palomino appointments 

  • 06S – May 6 build date 

  • 34 – Indianapolis DSO 

  • 3 – 3.20 axle 

  • 1 – Three-speed manual transmission 

Features 

• Rear-wheel-drive, two-door coupe 

• Three-spoke steering wheel with center Mustang badge 

• Instrumentation: 

  • 140 mph speedometer 

  • Fuel level 

  • Oil pressure 

  • Amps 

  • Temperature 

• AM/FM pushbutton radio 

• Day-Nite rearview mirror 

• Manual windows  

• Vent windows 

• Lap belts 

• Heater 

• Defroster 

• Courtesy lights on doors 

• Cigar/cigarette lighter and ash tray 

• Glove box with Mustang logo 

• Firestone FR380 P185/75/R14 tires 

Known Imperfections 

• The driver’s seat on this 1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop Coupe has a tear along the seam 

Included 

• Spare tire 

• Jack 

• Owner’s manual 

• Two sets of keys 

• 2014 Ohio Region CCCA dash plate 

Ownership History 

The owner of this 1965 Ford Mustang bought it in November 2021, and she has driven it only 368 miles since. The Mustang underwent a full restoration just before the consignor bought it. Unfortunately, she says, “the dealer accidentally gave all the paperwork to someone else and wasn't able to get it back.” On the bright side, she says, “I think the car speaks for itself.”