・1965 GT spec package including power disc brakes ・Only 14,333 miles since rebuild in 1990 ・In current ownership for ten years ・Selected as one of Sir Stirling Moss’s best in shows at Goodwood 2015
The Background
The original pony car and the longest running nameplate of any Ford vehicle, the Mustang is the iconic American muscle car. Offered as either a hardtop coupe or a convertible it took the states by storm. With that long bonnet line and short rear deck the Mustang appealed to the new generation in 1960s America. The choice of a V8 and extensive customer specification choices meant that the Mustang offered buyers everything they could want, power, flare, enhanced performance, comfort and more economical models.
Originally a San Jose car, this 289 A Code V8 with 4 barrel carb (putting out circa 225 bhp) Mustang Convertible started life in Green with a black vinyl interior. At the time, it was not possible to order a GT spec from the factory, and it had to be a dealer added option. This car received some of the GT Spec from the dealer in 1965, but had the full period correct specification applied in 1990. This GT spec included: an extra strut support, extra large sway bar, driving lights in the grill, rally-pac cluster of tachometer and clock and dual exhaust. The car underwent an extensive rebuild in 1990 in Cleveland Ohio where it was resprayed to a rich vintage burgundy and fitted with a tan interior. The car came across to the UK in 2005 and was bought by the current owner in 2011 from Bill Shepherd Mustang where it was resprayed again.
In the new owners ten years of ownership the car has had: the rear axle fully rebuilt, new shocks, new petrol tank, a new radiator and aluminium fan as well as full brake lines, power steering lines and a new high capacity water pump. Under its current ownership the car has spent a lot of its time in Europe, completing road trips to some of the biggest race circuits in Europe including Le Mans and Spa several times.
This car comes with a good array of paperwork including full breakdowns of the original rebuild work that was carried out by the car's former owner in Ohio, as well as a fantastic personal letter from the Ohio owner covering the history of the car in the US. This also includes a set of photographs that show the stages and level of work completed on the car in 1990. The paperwork includes a full appraisal document from the K.A.R Auto Group of the car before its sale to its first UK owner in 2005 including import papers. Along with several past MOT certificates there are receipts for most of the major work done under the current ownership including the rebuilding of the rear diff and work carried out by Bill Shepherd but excluding the replacement radiator.
The interior of the car shows signs of use but is in generally good condition for the age of the vehicle. It is presented in light tan with the optional embossed ‘pony’ interior design set into the seats. The dash and interior vinyl is in good condition overall with a few scuffs present but no splits or cracks. The centre console also shows signs of wear, but the chrome work present is in very good condition with little wear. The vinyl in the car is in very good condition with only a few very minor marks to the drivers and passenger seat. All the buttons and features are present and working, save for the air conditioning which has not been re-gassed since the rebuild in 1990. This Mustang benefits from the additional clock and tachometer from the GT spec and also comes with a new but original design radio that features auxiliary connection, allowing music to be played via a connected device (Full phone integration is not possible). The GT spec interior door handles have been replaced due to impracticality but are still kept with the vehicle for the new owner.
The exterior of the car is in very good condition overall, the chrome work across the car is clean and bright with only a small amount of pitting on the rear quarter window surrounds and the rear bumper. The vintage burgundy paint has a wonderfully deep colour that is also in very good condition with only a few chip marks in places around the drivers door and running boards. This car's overall bodywork is in fantastic condition with no dents or imperfections and the panels are fitted remarkably well for an American car of the era, giving the car consistent and tight panel gaps all around. The rear light panel was replaced in the rebuild in 1990 but no other bodywork has been done under the current owner. The power hood is in excellent condition with no marks, leaks or tears in the fabric.
Under the hood the 289 V8 runs smoothly and starts on the first turn of the key. The engine bay is clean and tidy with nothing out of place. The work done installing the aluminium radiator, fan and high capacity water tank has been completed to a high standard and gives the Mustang a real edge in the more challenging British traffic. The Mustang performs well on the road with its classic V8 torque, happy to coast along or lift up its skirts when requested. It even gets a fairly reasonable 22 mpg in the right conditions.
The Mustang was and always will be a poster car, it turned heads in the 60s and it turns even more heads today. With its perfect mix of timeless style and V8 performance the Mustang is a car that wants to hit the open road. This particular example has a real presence to it, the deep burgundy colour gives this convertible a more refined yet still sporty appearance. Couple this to a boundless expanse of, hopefully, blue sky above your head and the deep rumble of a Ford V8 in your ears makes this one American classic one of the best ways to transport yourself back to the glorious swinging sixties!
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
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1965 Mustang GT Convertible
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