The Story

The Ford Mustang recently celebrated its 60th anniversary. This Silver Smoke Gray Mustang coupe rolled off the San Jose, CA production line on March 22nd, 1965 with a 225 horsepower 289ci V8 mated to a Borg Warner T-10 4-speed manual. It has been in project status for more than four decades, spanning two owners during that time. The first owner, a young man, had it parked at his parent’s house for 20 years before moving away without completing the work. The second owners, a father and son duo, began restoration by stripping the body to bare metal, installing new brakes and lines, new front suspension, new gas tank, new heater core, and new instrument bezel before life circumstances forced them to let it go.

Both previous owners believed this was a factory GT, but closer examination suggests it's most likely either a dealer-optioned GT or a personal conversion from the 1960s or 1970s. A key GT component is present: the 16:1 quick ratio steering box, identified by the HCC AX marking on its metal tag. This GT box has been professionally rebuilt with zero miles. Supporting the dealer-conversion theory is the fog light switch mounted under the dash rather than on the lower dash face, a known characteristic of factory GT cars.

This Mustang holds a clean California title and is currently registered until February 2026 with new license plates.

What You Get

Drivetrain & Chassis:
This A-Code Mustang came from the factory with a 4-barrel 289 V8, which is no longer with the car, making it a rolling chassis. Engine parts included are a 1965 date-coded block, 1965 289 heads, and a 1965 four-barrel intake with four-hole spacer. A crankshaft is also included along with other engine parts: timing chain cover, water pump, distributors, oil pan, valve covers, air cleaner, fan, and exhaust manifolds. The T-10 transmission is correct for this vintage of Mustang, though it's unknown whether it's original as the metal tag with date code is missing. An aluminum bellhousing, new 10-inch clutch kit, and motor plate are included. The 8-inch axle appears original with 3.00:1 gears and open differential. A driveshaft is included. The front suspension was updated with new components 10 years ago and should be inspected. The rear suspension appears factory correct and there is a rear sway bar included.

Body & Frame:
The body is in excellent condition with no hidden bondo, having been stripped to bare metal by the previous owner. The exceptions are the typical rust spot on the bottom front corner of the driver door, some rust holes on the driver side roof, and a replaced passenger quarter panel. Body components included but uninstalled are the front valance, front bumper, and grille components. The front fenders are reportedly replacements and are loosely installed. The hood is in good condition except for one small drilled hole. The front and rear frame rails are in excellent condition.

Interior & Floors:
It's uncommon to see a bench seat in a Mustang, but this one has Trim Code 36: Black Vinyl Bench Seat. The matching rear seat is installed along with interior rear side panels. The dash has been updated with a new GT-style gauge bezel and replacement dash pad, which has a couple of flaws. The remaining dash knobs and glove box door are in good condition. The factory wiring harness appears complete and in good condition.

The floors are in great original condition with factory paint still visible. There is some rust underneath the heater core area in the front corner, likely from a leak. Surface rust is present on the rear floor under the seat but shows no rot. The trunk is in excellent condition with a new gas tank installed and no signs of rust.

What You Need

Drivetrain & Chassis:
With the original 289 missing, the included engine parts can be used for a rebuild or you can source the engine of your choice. The T-10 transmission spins freely with gears in apparently good condition, but should be inspected and rebuilt if needed, along with the shifter linkage. Several years have passed since the front disc and rear drum brakes were rebuilt, so their function will need to be checked. The single master cylinder was swapped for a new dual reservoir unit. The front end was rebuilt with new components but should be checked for cracked rubber and proper installation.

Body & Frame:
The front end requires reassembly, including fenders, hood, headlight buckets, headlights, turn signals, grille, and related components. The driver door needs a small patch on the rust spot. The driver's side roof panel requires sheetmetal patching or filling. The replacement passenger side quarter panel needs finishing prior to paint. New exterior door handles, door locks, and trunk lock need to be installed. The rear bumper is in poor condition and should be replaced. New tail light bezels and lenses are included, plus a host of other new and used emblems and trim items. The windshield is cracked, but the rest of the original glass is in good condition.

Interior & Floors:
The interior is ready for restoration: recover the seats, replace the carpet, add door panels, install headliner, and secure or replace the dash pad. The steering column is wired for a Rally-Pac, making that a worthwhile addition. The steering wheel is cracked and should be replaced. A new heater core has been installed and the blower motor will need to be installed. The passenger side front floor needs patching on the front edge where it rusted through. No other floor areas require rust repair, only surface rust cleanup.