1965 Ford Mustang

1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop Since it was introduced 4 months before the normal start of the 1965 production year the earliest Mustangs were referred to as the 1964.5 model by enthusiasts. Nevertheless, all 1964.5 cars were given a 1965 standard VIN at the time of production. Production began in March 1964 and serial number 1, (5F08F100001), was sold on April 14th, 1964 at the George Parsons Ford dealership in St. John's Newfoundland, Canada. The official introduction followed on April 17th at the 1964 World's Fair. The gentleman whose name will be forever written in Mustang history was Captain Stanley Tucker. He walked into George Parsons Ford and found an all too eager salesman who sold him the car....3 days before the model officially went on sale. The rest, as they say, is history. We honor the service of Vietnam veterans, who at the time of the war, were at the age of buying their first car. Some bought one before they were drafted, others bought one immediately upon their return. Many others did not make it home. Here's a veteran who bought a yellow mustang before he was drafted. He abruptly sold it to his parents and upon his return, for whatever reason, they would not sell it back. Fast forward to 2014 when a loving wife purchased a car of the same year in the same color to celebrate his retirement. We say every car at the mall has a story to tell. That's a good one. Classic Mustangs are some of the most recognizable and popular classic cars that come through our hallowed halls, and this one is a fine driver that will elicit looks and conversations for many years to come. Restoration receipts and details will accompany this car. Exterior Looking like a Palomino horse, this Mustang wears Phoenician Yellow paint and has a Parchment vinyl roof. This car has the GT fog lights inset in the grille and wire wheel hubcaps on 14-inch steel wheels. The '65's had the optional reverse lights to the rear valance below the bumper where we also find a pair of chrome tips on the tailpipe. The black pinstripe along the shoulder line accentuates the body lines of the car. The paint, metal trim and bumpers, and vinyl top are absolutely presentable, and the panels are straight. It has a touch of patina that is a welcome change from pristine show cars you would be hesitant to drive more often. This one is a driver! Imperfections include some scuffs and scratches, chips, some bubbling, and cracks in the paint. Interior The black vinyl door panels are immaculate and the vinyl bucket seats and rear bench are in great shape. Molded plastic interior trim pieces in the back and in the footwells look great. The 3-spoke steering wheel wrapped in a vinyl aftermarket grip shows some patina but is complete with Mustang center cap. The gauge cluster features a horizontal speedometer to 120 mph flanked by round gauges for temp, gas level, and other important information. A JVC AM/FM/Cassette radio looks right at home in the center of the dash, and a large glove box is positioned under the dash cover in front of the passenger. A standard Mustang shifter takes its place on the floor, surrounded by black loop style carpet in great shape. The headliner shows a bit of age but is tight and undamaged. Trunk is clean and lined with the common plaid mat. Drivetrain A 289ci V8 is under the hood, fed by a 4-barrel carburetor and tied to a C4 3-speed automatic transmission. The engine was factory rated at 225 horsepower which was transferred to the rear wheels via a Ford 8 rear and 3.00 gears with limited slip. Power drum brakes are supplied on all four wheels. We would categorize the engine bay as driver quality and original looking with the exception, of course, of the yellow Optima battery. Undercarriage Driver quality under here as well with its fair share of surface rust on the leaf springs, rear axle, and other uncoated metal. The shock towers have been repaired in the past and photos of the welding are