1965 FORD MUSTANG CONVERTIBLE

Originality is something that usually means a lot when it comes to classic cars, but in the case of Mustangs of this era, it seems to run a poor second to the amount of options or performance engine mods the car can be upgraded with. Let's face it, few 'Stangs from the first years of production are kept as they came from the factory. Adding GT options, Pony interior, different wheels and a hotter engine seem to be the rule rather than the exception.

In the case of this Mustang, however, there is a compelling reason to keep it in original condition, as it was originally sold with a unusual combination of add & delete options. MG Sales & Service sourced this car from San Francisco late last year, and its condition suggests it has been unmodified since its original purchase. The original owner must have had an eye on comfort and practicality as they ordered this particular convertible with a bench front seat and factory air conditioning.

The bench seat was introduced with the 1965 models, but was never a popular option. Convertibles equipped thus accounted for less than half of one percent of total Mustang production for the year. Sounds rare based on that stat, but actual production of over 2,100 units puts that figure into perspective. What is unusual is that the bench seat has been trimmed with the 'Pony' embossed panels - part of the 'Interior Decor Group Option'. This option also included the woodgrain applique on the dash and door panels, simulated woodrim steering wheel and GT gauge cluster.

While the Pony interior/bench seat combo is unusual, the addition of factory air - to a convertible - for California - seems just plain odd! Factory air conditioning was the priciest option you could add for '65, (US$283 over the US$2,550 base price for a convertible) so why the owner of a convertible chose to have it fitted is a mystery. (potential buyers should note that the compressor for the air con unit is broken and needs replacing).

Other comfort options include auto transmission, power steering, power operated convertible top (with cover), factory pushbutton AM radio & antenna, plus a remote-control driver's door mirror. The latter was part of the 'Visibility Group Option' that also included a day/night inside rearview mirror, two speed wipers and windshield washers. Our feature car carries all these options.

On the body, the side air scoop ornament has been deleted, replaced with the 'Accent Paint Stripe Option' that traced a coachline around the bodyside contouring. This was usually matched with a sill moulding, but the specific nature of the options on this Mustang suggest it may have never been included. A respray at some stage of this vehicle's life has covered over the coachline.

The previous owner has been a little cheeky in adding a pair of 'GT' badges to the front guards! While this Mustang definitely isn't a GT, the addition of the badges is hardly surprising, given the very quirky nature of this vehicle's accoutrements. Overall condition of this vehicle is good. There are some dints and paint chips throughout the body, but importantly for a 45-year old convertible, the body is rust free (especially around the usual rear wheel well and floor trouble areas) and shows no sign of accident damage.

The convertible top works well, but is fraying in the usual wear areas. The 200hp 289ci V8 is in good running order, as is the automatic transmission. A repaint and tidy up would turn this Mustang into a more than respectable daily driver - one you can really enjoy in the Summer, too. Yes, it is an unusual combination of options, but no more unusual than an MG specialist trading in Mustangs! So, if you're after an individual Mustang (yeah, I know that's a bit of a tautology!), this convertible is worth a closer look.

Mike Ryan

WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & HOW MUCH
Model: Ford Mustang convertible
Year: 1965
Dealer: MG Sales & Service, 197 Torrens Road, Ridleyton, SA, 5007, Ph: (08) 8346 0888
Price: $32,000
0-100 kph: Around 8.5 seconds
Best point: Affordable Summer 'Stang
Worst point: Needs some work
Recommendation: A very good entry into Mustang ownership

Trivia:With V8-equipped Mustangs outselling 6 cylinder models at a rapid rate in early 1966 - and supply almost exhausted - Ford created a special package to push the 6 cylinder models - the 'Sprint 200' Mustang. Featuring chrome dress-up items and a number of optional extras, the marketing of the 200ci 6 cylinder Mustangs as 'limited edition' models did the trick. Buyers lapped them up, which gave Ford valuable breathing space to catch up on V8 production.