Restoring a classic car can be a fulfilling experience if you’re a collector and only want tip-top shape examples in your garage, while other people make a fortune from buying projects and selling them in a perfect 10 condition.
I can’t tell for certain what was the case with this 1965 Mustang, but investing big bucks in its restoration was undoubtedly the worst idea. The car was wrecked three weeks after the restoration was completed, turning a pony worth a small fortune into a pile of metal worth… much less.
The Mustang has now landed on eBay courtesy of seller hbmustangs, who says that it can serve as a great parts car or front clip donor.
As an A-code convertible, this Mustang left the factory with a four-barrel carbureted 289. It was the most powerful choice in the “regular” engine lineup, with only the HiPo version developing more horsepower. The base engine choice on the 1965 Mustang was the 200 straight-six, which replaced the original 170 offered on the 1964 1/2 pony. The base V8 was the 289 with a two-barrel carburetor with 200 horsepower, while the four-barrel version produced 225 horsepower.
The 289 four-barrel installed on HiPo configurations produced over 270 horsepower.
The seller says this Ford Mustang, wrecked after the owner took delivery, comes with low miles because, well, it was abandoned shortly after. The car has been sitting ever since, but the 289 four-barrel isn’t seized. It turns over and comes alongside a 3-speed transmission.
The interior is complete and includes a bench seat.
However, starting a complete restoration project doesn’t make sense financially, as the overhaul would include significant costs. Buying it and using the available parts on another 1965 Mustang make more sense, so if you already have an ongoing project, this convertible could help.
Unfortunately, despite the previous restoration, the Mustang no longer exhibits a tip-top shape, which isn’t surprising, considering it’s been sitting for so long. The interior looks good, and the working engine makes it a solid donor for another project. It’s unclear if the metal parts, such as the undercarriage, are dealing with major rust damage, but the chances are you won’t find major problems, given the previous restoration.
The selling price makes sense for a Mustang donor with nearly everything except for the rear part. The owner is willing to let this convertible pony go for $3,400, but they also enabled the Make Offer button to listen to other offers. You can see the Mustang in person in Aragon, Georgia, and you’ll need a trailer to take it home, considering its condition. The listing will expire in 23 days, so you have enough time to decide if this Mustang is worth your money.