In the world of American collector cars there is not likely a more popular car than the Ford Mustang. These cars are the best supported collector car for parts, a strong club network and scores of shops that specialize solely in the Mustang.
The reason for this is that the Mustang, especially the 1960s models, have always been popular. Ford has had an uninterrupted production of the Mustang, and they have always been in the public eye. They are also the most identifiable classic car in the world. Ask anyone to identify one, even people not in the car hobby, and they will know what a Mustang is at a glance.
The Mustang is also a fun car to drive, and can be easily upgraded with modern drivetrains, suspension, interiors and brakes, making it a classic car that you can literally drive every day. It’s a V8-powered car that can cruise the highway at speed, get groceries, take you to work and also look great at any local or regional car show you might want to attend. They are usable, comfortable and remarkably modern for a car created in the 1960s and are always my recommendation for someone looking for their first American-made collector car. Every significant car collection always seems to have at least one Mustang.
Our AutoHunter Spotlight car, offered by a private seller in Washington state, is a 1965 Ford Mustang convertible.
If you are looking for a Mustang to drive and enjoy, this is one to seriously consider. This car has been upgraded with a 331ci stroker V8 backed by a five-speed T-5 Tremec manual transmission, an eight-inch 28-spline Eaton Truetrac limited-slip differential with 3.55 gears and an upgraded performance suspension. It was restored years ago and is ready to drive and enjoy. It is not in show condition, but with its many performance mods, looks to be an excellent option if you’re looking to enjoy a classic Mustang. It is a car you could buy to drive and slowly make better; a rolling restoration project if you choose – but also quite satisfactory as is.
This Mustang is finished in Poppy Red paint with a black top. The paint is in its original color and, while not perfect (notice the driver’s-side rocker panel and various chips around the body), appears to be presentable. Yes, there are paint issues, but again, these are things you can get to over time as you enjoy driving the car – or perhaps you’ll enjoy surprising people with what looks like an old Mustang but has impressive performance.
The interior is finished in correct white vinyl and is also presentable, though showing one wear. I personally would replace the seat covers with a set of the optional Mustang Pony interior covers, as they make the interior look so much nicer. I love the embossed horses on the Pony interior, and the kit for this is available from tons of places at a very reasonable price of about $800. It can be installed by any quality interior shop and would make the car immediately seem nicer. I not only love the gauge cluster in this car, which includes a tach and full instrumentation, but also the look of the stock steering wheel.
Under the hood is the original 289ci Ford engine, which has been rebuilt as a 331 stroker. This combination results in a very noticeable increase in both torque and horsepower. The specs of this engine rebuild will prove this, with modifications that include a Summit Racing 600-cfm four-barrel carburetor, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold, an Edelbrock Victor water pump, a Comp Cams performance camshaft, Air Flow Research 185 heads, a SCAT crankshaft and rods, Powermaster starter and alternator, Doug’s TRI-Y headers, ARP hardware and a Griffin radiator.
The suspension is more of the same, with modifications that include a front disc brake conversion, Stage 5 front suspension, Bilstein shock absorbers with street valving and 4.5 mid-eye leaf springs. This all works to make this Mustang handle much better than any stock example would.
What I like about this listing is how candid the owner is about the car’s needs. He discloses there are some pinholes in the rear floor pans but is including a proper replacement set. He also states there is a slight engine oil leak that is likely a rear main seal and that the top should be replaced, as the rear window is broken. (I would make this the first thing I would do after buying this car.) This seems to be a seller that will tell you about all the car’s issues – and that is a seller I personally like to buy a car from.
If you’ve been looking for a classic Mustang with thousands of dollars of good-quality performance modifications that still looks stock and can be slowly made a little better each year, this is one I would choose. Place your bid on this 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible before the auction ends on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. (PDT).
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery
