This 1965 Ford Mustang fastback was acquired by the seller in 2003, and subsequent work consisted of stripping and refinishing the body, reupholstering the interior, and installing a replacement Hi-Po 289ci V8 linked with a Toploader close-ratio four-speed manual transmission. The car is finished in white with blue stripes over black vinyl upholstery and features a Shelby-style fiberglass hood, rear quarter louvers, front disc brakes, 15″ American Racing wheels, a Hurst shifter, an AM/FM radio, latch-and-link harnesses, and a center gauge pod with Carroll Shelby-branded instrumentation as well as dual side exhaust outlets and four Weber carburetors with eight velocity stacks. This Mustang fastback is now offered with refurbishment photos, car show awards, and a clean California title.
Finished from the factory in Ivy Green Metallic (R), the car was stripped and repainted in white with blue racing stripes and GT350 rocker stripes under current ownership. Details include a Shelby-style fiberglass hood, rear sail-panel louvers, chrome bumpers, dual mirrors, and side exhaust outlets. Exterior chrome and stainless steel components are said to have been replaced during the refurbishment.
The 15″ Shelby American wheels wear Shelby GT350 center caps and are mounted with 225/60 BFGoodrich Radial T/A white-letter tires. A full-size spare is mounted in the rear cargo area. Braking is handled by factory-style front discs and Currie 11″ rear drums. The suspension was reportedly overhauled during the refurbishment and features a rebuilt quick-ratio steering box, an oversized front sway bar, replacement front coil springs and rear leaf springs, Koni shock absorbers, and Shelby-style control arm mounts.
The cabin features bucket seats reupholstered in black vinyl joined by a color-coordinated replacement dash pad, headliner, door panels, and carpeting. Equipment includes a GT350-style rear storage shelf, a Hurst shifter, a floor-mounted fire extinguisher, an AM/FM radio, Shelby-branded floor mats, and latch-and-link harnesses. A Carroll Shelby signature adorns the glovebox door.
The wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel features a Cobra center logo and frames a horizontally sweeping 120-mph speedometer and gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature. A gauge pod mounted on top of the dashboard houses a Carroll Shelby-branded tachometer and an oil-pressure gauge. The replacement five-digit mechanical odometer shows 104 miles and was replaced under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.
The factory C-code 289ci V8 was replaced with a 289ci Hi-Po V8 that was rebuilt and installed under current ownership along with four Weber carburetors with velocity stacks. Features include a Ford dual-point distributor, tubular exhaust headers, and a Cobra-branded coolant cross-over tube, oil pan, and “buddy bar” valve covers. The engine is said to have been rebuilt using a Hi-Po camshaft, pistons, and cylinder heads, and the carburetors were rebuilt by Jim Inglese.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Toploader close-ratio four-speed manual transmission and a large bearing 9″ rear axle with 3.89:1 gears. The transmission is said to have been rebuilt under current ownership. An aftermarket dual exhaust system with bullet-style mufflers has been installed.
Photos taken during the refinishing process are shown in the gallery. A calendar featuring the car is also included in the sale.
The vehicle warranty number reveals that this 1965 Mustang 2+2 fastback was built at the San Jose, California, plant with a C-code 289ci V8 equipped with a two-barrel carburetor. The data plate further decodes as follows:
- Body: 63A – Mustang 2+2 fastback, standard interior
- Color: R – Ivy Green Metallic exterior finish
- Trim: 26 – Black Crinkle vinyl upholstery
- Date: 23R – April 23, 1965 build date
- DSO: 71 – Los Angeles, California, sales district
- Axle: 6 – 2.80:1 rear axle ratio
- Trans: 5 – Four-speed manual transmission
A replica Shelby GT350 serial number tag has been fitted to the fender apron.