Rotisserie Restoration/289ci V8/Rangoon Red/No Stone Unturned

1965 Ford Mustang Convertible

Advertisements became popular reminders of the Mustang's youthful spirit, such as one featuring two mature adults sitting in a new Mustang with the words, “Youth is a wonderful thing. What a crime to waste it on children.” It was the car to have it you were seeking the fountain of youth. The 1965 Ford Mustang was the car to have if you were looking to win over your neighbor or hit the road for fun and adventure. It was also a must-have for enthusiastic drivers and car enthusiasts who simply liked to drive.

Born on May 2nd, 1965, this Mustang Convertible has undergone a rotisserie restoration in 2006. Retaining its original Rangoon Red exterior and white with red appointments on the interior, the restoration did take some liberties such as adding 14" chrome Magnum 500 wheels and a rarely seen front bench seat.

Exterior
A very smooth shiny coat of Rangoon Red now covers the straight, well gapped steel panels. All brite work, and chrome appears in very nice condition, with all windows and mechanicals related to the convertible top functioning well. Top is good with no tears and the rear window, being plastic, is crystal clear. There is a lever to electronically raise and lower it…what could be more convenient? Chrome Magnum 500 wheels are wrapped by raised white letter tires on all four corners. A flip of the trunk reveals a very well-done space covered with Ford plaid stripe vinyl in very nice condition. Paying particular attention to the grille, one can see the quality of restoration that took place with a perfect prancing horse surrounded by a black honeycomb and framed by a rectangular border with 4 distinct mounting bars.

Interior
Very much like the exterior in that it was meticulously restored with no stones left unturned. A beautiful white vinyl front bench seat sits in an ocean of red thick pile carpet, which presents in like new condition. No fading or soiling is present. Seen sitting proudly within that hump is the chrome T-handle automatic shifter. Dash appears like new with red metal topped by red padded vinyl. Within this area of the red metal, one can view 2 matching shaped rounded rectangles in faux woodgrain framed by chrome, that house the Mustang gauges on the driver's side, and the glovebox on the passenger. Fronting the dash is a pristine Mustang steering wheel with a red hoop on the outside and an optional Rally Pack, (tachometer & clock), is proudly perched on the steering column. Remaining knobs and levers are all very nicely restored. One can't forget to mention a matching vinyl rear bench seat covered in white stretches from side to side and is in near perfect condition.

Drivetrain
A 289ci 2V V8 sits in the middle of a beautiful engine bay. Tasteful chroming has been applied to the air cleaner while the rest of the engine is Ford Blue. Attached to this mill is a 3-speed C4 automatic transmission and on the back is a Ford 8" rear axle assembly weighing in with a 3.00 conventional ratio.

Undercarriage
As with the topside, a totally rust free, clean underside can be seen. 4-wheel drum brakes as well as independent coil spring front suspension and leaf spring rear are seen. A dual exhaust system takes spent fossils to the rear of the car via a pair of stock style mufflers all of which ends with a pair of chrome trumpet style tips that poke through the rear valance.

Drivability
This car started easily and ran great. It handled our test track like a champ, and we found no issues with it mechanically or cosmetically.
Here we have a meticulously restored early Mustang Convertible. Not totally original, but a great combination to boot. If you are in the market for a moderately priced classic, that starts right up, and runs smoothly, this is the car that should grace your garage. Leave the kids at home in front of the TV, lower the top, and enjoy the sound of kid silence as the wind whips through your hair, and you have nothing but great conversation, and a smile on your face.

VIN DECODE
5F08C722121
5-1965
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
08-Convertible
C-289ci V8 2bbl 200hp
722121-Sequential Unit Number

WARRANTY TAG
BODY 76A-Convertible, Buckets Standard Interior
COLOR 3-Rangoon Red
TRIM D5-White W/Red Trim
DATE S2-May 2nd Build
DSO 32-Cleveland
AXLE 1-8" 3.00 Conventional
TRANS 6-C4 3 Speed Automatic