Autohunter Spotlight: 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible

In the world of American collectors There is no more popular car than the Ford Mustang. These cars are the most supported collector cars that are parts, a strong network of clubs and only dedicated stores in the Mustang.

The reason for this is that Mustangs, especially the models from the 1960s have been popular. Ford Mustangs are produced uninterrupted and they have always been in the eyes of the public. They are also the most recognizable classic cars in the world. Ask anyone to identify a person, even someone with no car hobby, they will know what a Mustang is.

The Mustang is also a fun car that can easily upgrade modern drivetrains, suspension, interior and brakes, making it a classic car you can drive every day. This is a V8-powered car that can drive the highway at a speed, buy groceries, take you to work, and looks great at any local or regional auto show you might want to attend. For cars created in the 1960s, they are available, comfortable, and very modern, and this is always the advice of the people I’m looking for their first American-made collector car. Every important car collection always seems to have at least one Mustang.

Our Autohunter Spotlight car is a 1965 Ford Mustang convertible, provided by a private seller in Washington State.

If you are looking for a Mustang to drive and enjoy, this is something to consider seriously. The car has been upgraded with a 331CI Stroker V8 and is powered by a five-speed T-5 Tremec manual transmission, an eight-inch 28-second Eaton Truetrac Limate-Slip differential with 3.55 gears and an upgraded performance suspension. It has been fixed a few years ago, ready to drive and enjoy. It’s not in the display state, but has many performance mods, which looks like a great option if you want to enjoy the classic Mustang. This is the car you can buy, you can drive and slowly get better. A rolling fix project if you prefer – but also very satisfying.

This Mustang is finished with a black top with a poppy red paint. The paint is original color, although imperfect (note the rocker panels on the side of the driver and the various chips around the body) seems to be presentable. Yes, there are some paint issues, but again, these things can do over time as you like driving – or, maybe you’ll be surprised by someone who looks like an old Mustang, but the performance is impressive.

The interior is done with the correct white vinyl, which can also be presented despite showing a wear. I personally would use an optional set of Mustang Pony interior covers instead of seat covers as they make the interior look better. I love the embossed horses in pony interiors and the kit can be offered at about $800 from a large number of places for a very reasonable price. It can be installed by any quality indoor store and will make the car look better immediately. Not only did I like the dashboard in this car, which included a rotary meter and full instruments, 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 leads to both torque and horsepower being very noticeable. 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 crrankshaft and rods, Powermaster starter and alternator, Doug’s TRI-Y headers, ARP hardware and a Griffin radiator.

The suspension is more identical, with modifications including front disc brake conversion, stage 5 front suspension, Bilstein Shock absorber with street valves and 4.5 Mid-Eye Leaf Springs. All of this can make this Mustang much better processing power than any stock example.

What I like about this list is the owner’s candor about the demand for cars. He revealed that there were some pinholes in the back bottom pan, but included a proper replacement kit. He also noted that a slight oil leak could be the rear main seal and that the top should be replaced when the rear window is broken. (I’ll make this the first thing I’ll do after buying this car.) This seems to be a seller who can tell you all the problems with the car – I personally like to buy cars from there.

If you’ve been looking for classic Mustangs with thousands of dollars in quality performance modifications that still look pretty stock and can slowly get better every year, this is my choice. Put your bid on the 1965 Ford Mustang convertible and ended on Monday, March 24, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. (PDT).

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