The term "Pony Car Craze" was coined to describe Ford's incredible success with its Mustang, which spawned a string of imitators from other manufacturers.
The '65-'66 Mustang Fastback is regarded as one of the most desirable and iconic Pony Cars of all time, since it was the first one to be successful on the track, in drag racing as well as road racing. Growing up during the free-wheeling Sixties, we were daydreaming of piloting a GT-350 around Riverside International.
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Due to its late introduction perhaps, the Fastback was outsold by Mustang Coupes and even Convertibles by a wide margin. It's exceedingly difficult to find an excellent, unrestored example today. Too many of these sporty cars were used up, ridden hard and put away wet, or modified beyond the boundaries of good taste. "Restored" examples often have a more than questionable provenance. With so many Taiwanese replacement parts available, it's easy to "put lipstick on a pig" and pass off an otherwise unremarkable--or even rusty--Mustang to inexperienced old-car enthusiasts. Just sayin' . . .
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On the other hand, the 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback 2+2 presented here, VIN *5R09C254313*, one of just 71,303 standard Fastbacks manufactured during the model year, possesses all the desirable traits of a true collectible. It has had a single owner for 47 years, still wears its original, black-and-yellow California license plates with pride, and has never left the Golden State. In fact, built in San Jose, it was sold new at CHAFFEE Ford-Mercury in Hawthorne, Calif. and garaged less than 5 miles from the dealership for the next five decades!
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This true survivor comes with its original California "pink slip," as the old, small title certificate is known.
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The Fastback was purchased by Miss Emma, a vivacious lady of German descent, then in her mid-thirties. Still vivacious, 47 years later, Miss Emma doesn't drive anymore and reluctantly decided that it was time to find a new caretaker for her baby.
Let's now inspect this amazing Fasttback in great detail, starting up front, with the engine compartment.
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Toothbrush clean engine bay houses the original C-code Challenger V-8 motor, sending 200 lively ponies via Ford's ever-popular Cruise-O-Matic to the rear end, which--with its 2.80:1 ratio--seems geared for the Autobahn. We took the car up to 100mph briefly and were still accelerating when we ran out of road.
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Engine doesn't have any bad habits, such as leaking, smoking, or (oil) drinking. Emma always took good care of her pride and joy; just recently, the timing chain and cover were replaced, a new radiator and battery were installed, and the fuel system was completely gone through, from gas tank to carburetor.
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Mustang's exterior looks bone stock, "as delivered," with unmolested coachwork, perfect door and hood gaps, and nary a ding to report, apart from some wrinkles on the lower front valance. There's not the tiniest rust bubble to be found, and the car has never been in any major accident; all body panels are original.
Bumpers and chrome trim pieces are in very good to excellent condition throughout, as is the original weatherstripping.
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Confirmed by scrutinizing the car with almost forensic meticulosity, this 47-year-old carries most of its original, factory-applied, and still very glossy Wimbledon White paint. Hood and parts of the rear fenders apparently have been refinished; a few areas have been blended in, and there's been careful touch-up of paint chips with a small brush. When was the last time you saw another Fastback sporting factory original paint?
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Factory steel wheels sport the optional Deluxe wheel covers with knock-off hubs, have just been fitted with a brand new set of HANKOOK narrow whitewall radial tires of the size 205/75-14.
Moving on to the interior, the good news continue.
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Exploring the pony's cockpit confirms its superb originality. Miss Emma's Mustang never needed any restoration work.
Original white headliner; apart from a stain at the padded driver's sun visor and a 2-in. tear, it's an outstanding original.
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100% stock dash looks better than restored--because it's original. No inferior reproduction parts anywhere! There's one hairline split on the dash top. The optional FORD AM pushbutton radio still works great. Ash tray and lighter remain unused; Miss Emma never allowed smoking in her car.
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Gauge panel looks sweet. All lights, instruments, and switches work perfectly, even the optional backup lights, just as Henry, Edsel, and Miss Emma intended.
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Very rarely will you see a preserved interior like this on a '65 Mustang.
No, this is not repro this and repro that, this is FoMoCo's much-touted blue vinyl, anno 1965!
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Details, left to right: seats show very little wear. Stock AM radio. Floor-mounted shifter with T-handle for the Cruise-O-Matic.
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Rear seats are large enough for two adults, hence the car's 2+2 moniker. Original carpets are quite faded.
Note working interior lights.
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Long before Audi re-invented the "reach-through" trunk, Ford's fabulous Fastback pioneered its 4-in-1 rear seating/storage arrangements, all the way to a 35x41-in. platform, more than tripling luggage space. Even ski gear and surfboards can easily be carried inside a Mustang Fastback!
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Super clean trunk. Factory jacking equipment and spare are all accounted for.
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More details: pass-through trunk compartment. New gas tank. Rust free trunk floor was protected by a coat of Cosmoline during installation of new tank. Healthy rear panel: never any damage, and that's guaranteed!
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Ready for a test drive?
So are we, but before we take off, let's check out the undercarriage!
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Underneath, we find nothing but virginal and perfectly healthy sheetmetal. No signs of rust, damage, or repairs of any kind. The vulnerable subframe rails--often injured by carelessly applied floor jacks--are dent free. Absolutely no non-factory undercoating anywhere. Everything down under is factory original; you could never restore a Mustang to this level of originality, it's truly as good as it gets! Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view |
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Mustang aficionados will salivate at the sight of this amazing, rust free underbelly.
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Friday, February 3, greeted us with blue skies and bright sunshine. Ahh . . . winter in Southern California.
What a great day for our much-anticipated test drive and photo session!
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Freshly lubed and tuned, the 'Stang starts, runs, shifts, handles, and stops flawlessly. Power comes on smoothly, without squeaks, burps, or rattles. Mash the loud pedal and even the kickdown works flawlessly. The entire driving experience defines the term "fresh." Main reason: this Fastback has never been apart--no restoration can duplicate this impression of utter solidity. It is a priceless sensation, much cherished by enthusiasts!
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Piloting the Fastback puts a big smile on your face. The car is quick, nimble, and easy to handle on all kinds of roads. It never overheats or shows any other weaknesses.
Best of all, seeing such a time-warp condition Mustang stops people in their tracks.
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Indeed, driving this Fastback across this great country would present no challenge at all. Whether in Podunk Holler, Nebraska, or Anchorage, Alaska, you'll be able to find reasonably priced parts and affordable expert help, should it ever become necessary. Be it as a cherished reference car to be shown with pride, competitive rallying and touring companion, or well-loved daily driver, the Fastback is very satisfying to own.
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Here it is, a rare opportunity to acquire one of the few remaining, unrestored, one-owner '65 Fastbacks in the Country--rust free, from Southern California to boot.
It's a true heirloom car, a conversation piece of the first order that would belong in a museum, were it not so much fun to actually drive it!
Addendum:
We sold this Ford Mustang early in 2012.
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