A 1965 Ford Mustang convertible that’s been sitting for a very long time is fighting for survival in an intriguing condition and with everything still in place.
Mustang projects are common, but finding the right candidate for the job is harder than you think. Most cars come in horrible condition after spending decades in storage, while others previously served as donors and lack all the important parts, including the engine.
The convertible posted on eBay by seller prafitsway_4 has everything you need for restoration, though you shouldn’t expect all parts to come in spotless condition.
The car also spent decades away from the road, so it’s a project needing a full overhaul. The seller also emphasizes the owner would have to replace many parts, and while no further specifics were shared, an in-person inspection should help you figure out how much work it’ll need to get back on the road.
The body looks decent, with no rust and rot, but I don’t expect the undersides to be flawless. Cars sitting for a long time come with massive rust damage, and this Mustang is unlikely to be an exception. The convertible top looks wrecked, and the interior seems in good condition, with all seats in place. The photos do not reveal some critical parts – for example, the seller didn’t expose the floors, but the car comes with good news (you’re also getting the door panels, and it’s a sign this Mustang didn’t previously serve as a donor).
The eBay listing includes zero information about the engine, but considering the owner said most of the car is still there, I’ll assume the original V8 is under the hood. The Mustang rolled off the assembly lines as a C-code example, using a 289 (4.7-liter) with a two-barrel carburetor.
The 1965 Mustang witnessed important changes in the engine lineup, with Ford dropping two units used on the 1964 1/2 model year, namely the 170 (2.8-liter) six-cylinder and the 260 (4.3-liter) base V8. The new straight-six unit was a 200 (3.3-liter) Thriftpower with 120 horsepower, while the 289 2-barrel installed on C-code Mustangs became the base V8.
This complete Mustang is a compelling restoration candidate, mainly because it’s a convertible. Ford produced nearly 560,000 Mustangs in 1965, and the hardtop accounted for over 410,000 units. Only over 70,000 convertibles rolled off the assembly lines, most with the base V8 engine or the six-cylinder configuration.