1965 Ford Mustang A/C, Restored, Documented

1965 Ford Mustang -- Description

1965 Ford Mustang Complete History From New 2-Owner Restored in 2002 76,270 Miles Springtime Yellow Dealer-Installed A/C! 289cid V8 / Cruise-O-Matic Trans Vin # 5R08C234299 5: 1965 R: San Jose, CA Assembly Plant 08: Convertible C: 289cid 2v V8 234299: Production Number Body: 76A (Convertible, Standard Interior, Bucket Seats) Color: 8 (Springtime Yellow - '65 Only) Trim: 26 (Black Vinyl) Build Date: 17T (June 17th, 1965) DSO: 73 (SLC, Utah) Axle: 6 (2.80) Transmission: 6 (C-4 Automatic) Evolve Motors and Chicago Car Club are pleased to present this 1965 Mustang Convertible! What We Know: We purchased this lovely Mustang Convertible from an elderly woman in Chicago who had owned it for the last 40 years, having bought the car from the original owner in Utah in 1975 and taken it with her when she moved to Chicago in 1995. Due to health issues in the late 2000s, she was no longer able to drive the car and retired it to her garage. She was massively enthusiastic about the car throughout her ownership, having the car meticulously maintained, as evidenced by the 50+ page stack of work receipts we have in-hand. A number of handwritten communications between the car's owner and a local body/mechanic shop manager detail many thousands of dollars worth of work performed and repeatedly fondly refer to the car by its name, Ms. Daisy. These letters go on to document the beginning of the owner's health troubles, with one note from 2002 describing her feelings about how, she no longer felt comfortable driving more than just within the neighborhood. Unfortunately these issues became severe shortly after the car was treated to a thorough restoration, which included new metal in both driver and passenger front and rear floors, both rockers, trunk floor, both quarters and doors, a fresh coat of factory-correct Springtime Yellow, and a significant mechanical service which has been outlined in the "under hood" portion of this description. At this time, the car had just shy of 73,000 miles on it. In the following years, use of the car dwindled and it was eventually parked for good around 2009 with 76,230 miles, which is where it remained until recently, when we pulled it out of that garage. When we got to the car, it was dusty, but clearly had been very well taken care of prior. When we got inside the car we found a daisy sitting atop the factory A/C unit mounted under the dash; we've since gotten Ms. Daisy back on the road and returned to her former glory. The Exterior: First off, paint. Springtime Yellow, which was only available for a year, is the original color and suits the car very well. The car was repainted in 2002 following the aforementioned extensive metal work. Paint shows very, very nicely; it shines bright and shows almost no signs of age. The only blemishes on the car are a chip at the forwardmost point of the hood (we have a body shop that can address this if so desired), and some bubbling beginning to form under the paint at the lowest corner of the driver rear quarter (see photo). There are no scratches, scuffs, running, or cracking in the paint whatsoever. There are no dents or dings to be found on the car. The inside of the wheel wells are free of signs of rust. Chrome shows some slight oxidation, the most significant spot being a small surface-rust concentration on the passenger side of the front bumper. Wheels are free of curb rash, though the chrome hubcaps on the front wheels do show a couple dings. White vinyl convertible top is powered and is in very nice shape, with no scuffs, stains, or tears. Overall, the car presents very well and looks absolutely phenomenal sitting in the sun with the top down. The Interior: Then unrestored interior is in fantastic shape. There are no scuffs whatsoever on the black vinyl bucket seats, the dash is crack-free and free of fading, and all interior chrome shines bright. The only imperfections to be aware of in the interior is about an inch of burst seam at the top corner of the driver seat back, in addition to a small tear on the driver's door panel armrest. Black carpeting is excellent throughout, with no stains, fading, or fraying. This car, though a convertible, was actually fitted with Ford A/C at the dealer when new (which is functioning), a rare option. Powered top works as it should, windows all track nicely, heat and air conditioning are both functional, as are all lights inside and out, and all gauges. The radio works nicely as well. Under the Hood / Under the Car: This '65 Mustang retains its original numbers-matching 289cid motor and automatic transmission. The car was well spec'd when new with the more powerful motor, which produces a very respectable 200hp and 282lbft. Even with the more powerful motor, the car is quiet, tame, and smooth. The car has seen just 76,270 miles of road throughout its 52 year life, with regular road use and routine maintenance from new until the late 2000s, when the car was parked. The car was road registered until recently, and had its last oil change in the late 2000s just prior to being parked, when the odometer read 73,974. Maintenance documentation is extensive; receipts dating back to 1975 chronicle every service down to the most minute of fixes, including new wiper blades and oil changes. The most significant receipts include a head gasket, valve springs, distributor, driveshaft rebuild, transmission reseal, alternator, regulator, shocks, thermostat, and power steering rebuild in 2000 at about 70,000 miles, in addition to a water pump, convertible top hydraulic cylinder, distributor cap and rotor, wheel cylinders and brake shoes, spark plugs, ignition cylinder, and four tires in 2003 at just over 72,000 miles. Aforementioned body restoration work completed between 2000 and 2002 totaled well over $10k at the time. As it currently sits, the car runs and drives extremely well and looks great doing it. It'll happily idle cool and quiet all day, tracks straight down the road as well as under braking, and makes more-than-sufficient power. There are no noises or tendencies of concern whatsoever. There are no exhaust leaks, the car is very quiet. The underbody looks excellent; as it should, considering that the car was restored to a high standard less than 15 years ago. The Final Assessment: Ms. Daisy is a true pleasure to drive and is sure to make the next owner very happy. This is an excellent example from a great era of Ford's history that has been babied throughout its life. With the exception of the 7 years of being confined to a Chicago garage, this car has seen regular use and been meticulously maintained since new. The car will come with its original manual, a thick stack of maintenance receipts dating back to the early 1970s, and three previous appraisal reports. The car was first appraised in 1995, then again in 1996 and again in 2001. In 1995, the car was appraised at $8500. In 1996, at $11,500. Then at $16,500 in 2001. With it's interesting, well-documented history, excellent color combo, rare dealer-installed A/C, great condition, and low mileage, this Mustang is truly one of the good ones. Please reach out to Jake or Mike at Evolve Motors / Chicago Car Club at 773-303-6122 with any further questions or requests.