Lot 319: 1965 Ford Mustang

The original pony car, Ford's Mustang established itself as one of the cult cars of the Sixties following its launch in 1964. Available in convertible, notchback and fastback guise, with 2.8 or 3.3 litre straight six and 4.2 or 4.7 litre V8 engines, it was to prove one of Ford's greatest sellers. It was with the largest engine, however, that the Mustang got the kick it really deserved, as the Shelby 350GT; Ford was keen to take on the Corvettes of rival Chevrolet in SCCA events and Carroll Shelby was commissioned to adapt his experiences with the AC Cobra and Ford GT40 to the somewhat soft Mustang. Nonetheless, the lesser specification 4,727cc Mustangs - available with an output of either 200, 225 or 271bhp - were no slouches, while roadholding was taken care of by independent coil spring front suspension and a live, leaf-sprung rear axle; brakes were drums all round with the option of front discs. For 1966 there were detail cosmetic changes to the Mustang range, but for the following year the body was widened to accommodate a two inch increase in track, the bonnet given a longer nose and the louvres deleted either side of the grille, while on fastback models the roof ran right to the rear of the body rather than stopping just before it. By 1968 Ford had substituted the 4,929cc V8 throughout the range for the 4,727cc motor. Powered by the latter, this convertible has spent much of its life in the rust-free climate of California. A recent 2,000 plus hours rotisserie restoration by Classicautocraft involved stripping, sandblasting and rebuilding the body to a better-than-new standard and included a professionally executed right-hand drive conversion using original Ford Australia parts; the original 4.7 litre V8 engine block was also re-bored and honed and fitted with new pistons, timing chain, bearings, oil and water pumps and the cylinder heads reconditioned, 'ported' and polished and fitted with a new Holley 600CFM four barrel carburettor on an aluminium manifold, together with a new Procomp Electronics billet distributor and a 140 ampere alternator. In addition the original three speed automatic transmission and rear axle were overhauled and the braking system fitted with new front discs, rear drums, tandem master cylinder and servo. Other notable fitments include an aluminium radiator, power assisted steering, Koni shock absorbers, front and rear anti-roll bars, a Monte Carlo front strut towers brace, an Export brace linking the towers to the bulkhead, 'Pony' two-tone interior trim and a radio with Mustang insignia. Finished in the attractive combination of Silver Blue with a power-operated white hood and two-tone blue and white interior trim, this Mustang also benefits from the GT model options of faux wood grain dashboard panels, centre console with faux wood grain insert, deluxe wood grain steering wheel, radiator grille with twin fog lamps, twin exhausts exiting through the rear valance and 15in x 7in wheels. Only used for shakedown testing since its restoration, this is a most desirable Mustang convertible and its impressive list of GT options and the right-hand drive conversion make it an ideal proposition for the coming summer months. A fabulous Ford and highly recommended.