1965 Ford Mustang

“I bought this Californian import from an American muscle car dealer in Hull two years ago for £28.5k,” explains the vendor. “It had undergone a partial restoration prior to coming into my ownership, including a full re-spray, a new exhaust system, wheels, tyres, upholstery, etc”.

The vendor then undertook further improvements to bring the car up to its current superb condition. “I had the cylinder head re-skimmed and rebuilt with a fresh head gasket fitted, at a cost of £2000, while I also had the gearbox reconditioned - a further £1000. I decided to fit new alloy wheels - £1500 - and a new fan/radiator combination - £475”.

To aid summer cruising he had a new sound system, complete with concealed digital head unit, fitted at a cost of £2000. Finally, in came a Clifford alarm system - £500 - to ensure that his pony remained firmly tethered at his homestead, and his alone.

“It’s very boisterous to drive; the sound/feel is exceptional. So many people comment when I’m out driving in it. The manual gearbox makes a really big difference to the driving experience”. 

The vendor says that the general condition of the car’s underside is one of its biggest selling points. “It’s next to flawless. Mechanically too, the car is in superb condition. In general, though, there are some small touches that I would have done to bring the rest of the car up to the same standard if keeping hold of it”. More on that, below.

So why is this lovely Mustang now up for grabs?

“I’m very sad to let it go, especially as I have not really driven it since spending such a large amount of money. I had the intention of keeping it and using it during the summer to take to shows, etc. However, we’re upgrading our home, so it must make way. I will buy another in future, though”.

Undoubtedly, the mighty 289’s fast approaching exit is sad news for the vendor, but good news for its next lucky owner.

There’s no doubt that a 1960s Ford Mustang’s profile is simply iconic. Presented here in White, this example is pure Americana. It’s had a bit added visual goodness in the form of those lovely Magnum 800 alloy wheels, complete with appealing three-eared spinners. 

Paintwork looks very smart with good panel fit – the doors in particular line up nicely with the scalloped recesses in each rear wing. “There is a bit of bubbling in the passenger door that needs to be rectified,” says the vendor. “And the window seals could also do with re-fitting; and the driver’s wing mirror with replacing, as it can sometimes move. These were to be my next jobs! It’s worth noting that the back indicator bulb/brake light also went on the drive up to Bonhams|Cars Online in Oxfordshire, which is typical”. 

All light clusters remain nice and clear. Bright work is clean and tarnish-free. Up front, the numberplate is a bit bumped and wavy in places, but we like that; this is a muscle car, and a bit of grisliness and machismo is always welcome. The alloy wheels are shod in matching, relatively new Nankang Cross Sport SP9 tyres. 

Visually, the best bit about this car is being able to whip down the windows for that ultra-cool, pillarless Coupe look.   

Perfection.

If the exterior is iconic then the cabin is pure Ford. Simple, elegant and functional. It’s a mix of part restored (the seats, carpets and dash top are all good as new) and semi-original (steering wheel, back seat corner trims and dashboard). 

“Again, the interior could do with some minor work. There is a little bit of paint bubbling, this time on the inside of the passenger door. The main fuel gauge on the console doesn’t indicate the true amount to be found in the tank; there is a new console in the boot, if needed. It’s possibly just a loose connection”. 

The door cards are good, although some of the material is coming loose on the driver’s door pull and there’s a scuff on the same side. Up front, the painted dashboard has a few scrapes and chips directly below the instrument cluster, as well as a few drips elsewhere, so it’s probably due a repaint.

The Retrosound upgraded sound system has been beautifully integrated into the original unit; you wouldn’t even know it’s there, at least until the electrics come online and you fire up the music. 

The original wheels and radio head unit can also be found in the boot, which is great from an originality point of view.

The vendor again points out the condition of the car’s underside as being one of its main selling points. “It really is a great example. I have had the owner of West Sussex-based specialist Muscle Car UK, as well as several other mechanics, view the car and they are all in agreement that the car is solid and in mint condition underneath – where it matters most!” 

To triple check that, head to our Photo Gallery where you will find swathes of clean, well-protected metal, running gear and an exhaust system in rude health. 

He previously mentioned the car’s boisterous driving manner and, having taken it out for a spin or two, we’ve decided he does a good line in understatement; it’s a snarly beasty. 4mins 54secs into our Video Review confirms this as the twin-exit exhaust pipes do their aural duty.

Marvellous.

The V8 is a desirable A-Code variant. It fires to life every time with an unerring reliability… these engines rightly have a reputation for being able to go to the ends of the earth. “The brakes are good,” says the vendor. “It has power steering, so it’s a breeze to manoeuvre and the manual ‘box means it’s more involving to drive than one with an auto. 

“I’m always being asked for pictures… people also love to honk their horn at me! It just feels special to drive”.

As you will see from the ‘Documentation’ section of our Photo Gallery below, there isn’t a huge amount to be found in the Mustang’s history file. It’s just the basics: the V5c document confirming the first UK date of registration as being 01/04/2021, with just two UK owners in that time; and a recent online vehicle check that notes the car’s importation and indicates no issues with theft, outstanding finance, write-offs, etc. 

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos to support our claim that this car has been restored and then fettled to a lovely standard.

This is a very nice example of a 1965 Ford Mustang. As a manual-endowed vehicle it’s perfectly suited to a UK owner. Tastefully semi-restored and since further improved, it offers a great driving experience. 

On that note, back over to the vendor: “It’s worth noting that the drive from my house to Bonhams|Cars Online was just over 2 hours and the car performed flawlessly, with the temperature never registering above 80 degrees. That shows that the work I have just had done is tried and tested!”

There is still room for further improvement and as such, we think this example will realise somewhere between £20,000 and £25,000. For that, the next owner will receive a wonderfully evocative classic muscle car; one that can be enjoyed straight away, and further improved at their leisure.

Apt timing as the American rock band The Kings of Leon have just released a song called Mustang. As one of the lyrics asks: “Are you a Mustang or a kitty?”

We know what we’d rather be. And 289 in flavour, please. 

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.