We frequently get people asking where all the affordable—yet cool—hobby cars have gone? We would submit for your consideration this handsome 1965 Ford Mustang coupe, which remains as stylish as ever, very fun to drive, and incredibly reasonable to buy and own. From almost day one, Mustangs were icons, and that remains true today because you’ll find that everyone is your friend when you drive this pretty little coupe. Better yet, few will know how little you paid and given the lively performance offered by the torquey inline-6, it’s not like you’re giving up all the fun to the guys in V8 cars. You’re still a rock star when you drive a vintage Mustang, so if you’ve been wondering about an affordable way to break into the hobby, this is it.

Given the way all these clean, affordable 6-cylinder Mustangs sell almost overnight, we’d urge you to make a move on this one before it’s gone. Unlike most of its siblings, it has lived an easy life, somehow spending its entire life in Ohio without ever seeing a harsh winter. As a result, it’s incredibly straight and clean, and with just one repaint about a 12 years ago in its original code J Rangoon Red, it has a great look that is both authentic and usable. The sheetmetal remains laser-straight and unmolested by time, accident, or rust, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised that such an affordable vintage car can fit together this well. We’ve never had a Mustangs with doors that close this well. The repaint was extremely well done and looks quite authentic, with a soft shine that only time can create, and the bright red finish is quite appealing on the low-key coupe bodywork. Add in the familiar Mustang styling cues like the running pony in the grille, the chrome inserts in the quarters, and the tree-element taillights, and you can bet that you’ll always be the center of attention almost anywhere you go. The chrome, stainless, and glass details remain in great shape, most of it original.

Ford did their coding on the door tag a little different, but you’ll note the body code for this car is 65C, which means a coupe with a bench seat, a somewhat rare option. The upholstery is original and in fantastic condition, and one of the benefits of the bench seat is a center armrest, so it’s a lot more comfortable. There are no splits or tears in the seats, the door panels are crisp and bright, and only the carpets appear to be replacements, probably done some time ago so they look right. Factory gauges are all operational and the 87,254 miles indicated on the odometer is a correct reading (car has an actual mileage title). There are no frills, but the Mustang doesn’t need to be loaded up to be entertaining and charming, and we like the simplicity—nothing to break down the road. There’s an upgraded AM/FM stereo radio in the dash that has probably been there for 40 years and that keypad on the dash is for a security system probably installed at the same time (don’t worry, the code is included with the car). In the trunk there’s a correct plaid mat set plus a full-sized spare tire with its own matching cover.

The 200 cubic inch T-code inline-6 is a great little engine and you’ll find that there are a great many Mustang fans who love this indestructible powerplant. With some recent and extensive service including a top-end rebuilt, this one runs superbly and is 100% ready to go. New parts include a full tune up (plugs, wires, cap, rotor, etc.), new fuel pump, rebuilt carburetor, fresh belts and hoses, replacement radiator, new battery, and fresh fluids throughout. We don’t believe the engine has ever been out of the car and those decades of clean living are very much on display in the engine bay, where it wears original factory enamel and bright orange on the air cleaner and valve cover. Check out the condition of the inner fenders and firewall, which still appear to be wearing factory-applied satin black paint. It starts easily, idles well, and thanks to seven main bearings inside, it’s turbine-smooth out on the road. Maintenance is cheap, it’s easy on gas, and you’ll still find yourself driving around with a big grin on your face listening to the unique 6-cylinder growl from the single exhaust.

The 3-speed automatic transmission works well with the torquey inline-6 and it shifts easily with no issues. Out back there are ultra-tall 2.83 gears so it cruises easily at highway speeds. The floors are immaculate with no evidence of rust or accident damage and since this has always been a 6-cylinder car, it hasn’t been abused or raced, so it feels quite solid going down the road. Steering and brakes are manual, but this is a very light car and I don’t think you’ll find it difficult to drive, especially with rebuilt brakes all around—don’t underestimate their stopping power! It sits on factory 13-inch steel wheels with Mustang wire wheel covers and 175/75/13 whitewall radials that look right and handle great.

Extras include owner’s manuals, spare parts, a car cover, and more.

The Ford Mustang has always represented fun, and when you can get such a clean, well-maintained, no-stories car with all the work already done, it’s just a no-brainer. Step up and drive the car you’ve always wished you had bought years ago. There’s no time like right now to own a Mustang!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.