If you watch TV and read the magazines, it isn’t’ a surprise that everyone thinks the only Mustangs worth owning are those with big engines and lots of options and giant price tags. Well, that’s simply not true. The Ford Mustang remains an enduring part of the hobby specifically because there’s something for everybody. It’s one of only a handful of cars that are comfortable in any setting, in any collection, and at any price level. And for a hobby that is quickly running out of affordable fun, entry-level Mustangs like this 1965 coupe start to make a lot of sense.

Hailing from the warm southern US, this ultra-clean 1965 Mustang coupe is a very affordable way to get into the game with a turn-key car that needs nothing. It’s also interesting in the fact that it was used to prototype an electric power steering system for Unisteer, so there’s a lot of recent work under the skin to make it a first-rate driver. It’s wearing a respray in its original code P Prairie Bronze and has an honest, no-nonsense look that’s actually quite appealing in a world filled with red and blue Mustangs. It’s got a pleasing gold undertone that looks great in the sunlight and a Mustang coupe doesn’t need to be flashy to attract attention. Better yet, thanks to living its entire life down south, rust is a total non-issue, even in the cowl where these cars can be particularly problematic—not here! The doors fit well, the hood closes with a gentle push and even the tough-to-fit trunk lid does indeed lineup perfectly with the quarters. The car has never been wrecked, the sheetmetal is 100% original and in excellent condition, and if you want a simple, honest old Mustang, we’ve scarcely seen better than this. Entry level doesn’t have to mean “project car.”

We especially like the bright and airy code 29 Palomino interior, since it contrasts nicely with the Prairie Bronze paint and lends the car an upscale vibe that seems to be missing in the basic black interiors. There’s an argument to be made that the seat covers are original, as they show some age but no issues, and the level of detail is far superior to most of the reproduction stuff available today. Certainly the carpets are replacements and the dark floors are a good way to anchor the interior without it being white overload. There’s a beautiful new steering wheel that sits on a custom tilt steering column that was part of the Unisteer power steering upgrade, and we’ve got to say it’s a fantastic addition. Most folks won’t even notice that it’s not OEM, which is a sign of the best work, and it allows for a much more comfortable driving position. You can also see the silver electronic control box tucked under the dash, controlling the power steering motor on the steering column. It’s pretty slick. The factory gauges are bright and crisp and they all appear to be functional, although the temperature gauge seems to read backwards, going full hot when you first start, but heading towards the middle of the scale as it warms up. There’s also a newer AM/FM/cassette stereo neatly installed in the center of the dash with no cutting required. The dash pad is probably too nice to be original, and things like the headliner and package shelf are in great shape. The trunk is neatly outfitted with a correct plaid mat set, including a matching cover for the full-sized spare.

It would be a mistake for you to under-estimate the 200 cubic inch T-code inline-6 that lives under the hood. Yes, we know, the V8 cars get all the attention but with seven main bearings, the gutsy little six is turbine-smooth and a glutton for punishment. This one runs superbly, always starting easily and idling well and it zips through traffic just as well as its V8-powered siblings. The lighter front end makes for tidy handling, too! It’s wearing a proper red air cleaner and valve cover on a black engine block, just the way Ford was doing it in 1965 and there are reproduction decals throughout the engine bay to make it look right. New wiring, a fresh alternator, and correct details like tower hose clamps all make this car feel loved, not neglected. There’s awesome service access under the hood and it’s cool to have power steering but not have any of the pumps, hoses, and fittings that are constantly leaking on cars with traditional setups.

That slick little six is backed by a C4 3-speed automatic transmission that’s a great choice. It’s unobtrusive in daily use and with well-chosen gear ratios, it lets the six do its thing to the best of its abilities. What that means is that it always feels like this car is on its toes and the automatic transmission shouldn’t be considered a demerit because it doesn’t seem to sap any power and in fact enhances the driving experience. You also shouldn’t worry about taking this car on a long trip, because in addition to the thrifty six-cylinder engine, it’s got 2.83 gears in the rear end, so it’s a comfortable highway cruiser at today’s speeds. Thanks to those seven main bearings, the six doesn’t mind spinning and the car never feels out of place, around town or at speed. Thanks to the power steering conversion, all the front end components are new, including the tie rods, making this car a tidy little handler. Manual drum brakes are plenty adequate for the car’s relatively light curb weight and there’s a recent exhaust system that has a pleasing six-cylinder grumble that’s endearing. And, of course, you’ll find no rot underneath, not in the floors, not in the rockers, and not in the critical torque boxes that secure the rear leaf springs to the chassis. This is a very clean little car. Finally, it sits on stock steel wheels and familiar Mustang spinner hubcaps, along with a set of 195/75/14 whitewall radials that have plenty of life left in them.

Look at the solid bodywork, the nice detailing, the handsome interior, and the great driving experience, then check the price. This is the going rate for clean, no-stories Mustangs and given their rising values, it’s a great time to get behind the wheel of an icon. Life always seems better from behind the wheel of a vintage Mustang. Call today!