1965 Ford Mustang V8 302
Expertly restored and upgraded

Registration No: FAW 351C
Chassis No: 5R07A138851
MOT: Exempt

• Lavished with a comprehensive, rôtisserie restoration by Marshall Bodywork Restorations, clearly restored to a very high standard
• Uprated with a Kenny Coleman 302ci (4,950cc) V8 producing 270bhp, with an overhauled five-speed T5 gearbox
• Finished 4th overall in the Hainan Open International rally in China in 2024
• Less than 5,000 miles shown on the odometer since the end of the restoration
• Highly desirable factory 'A-code' example

Introduced at the New York World's Fair on April 17th, 1964, the Ford Mustang was primarily aimed at the post-war 'baby boomer' generation. Backed by an enormous publicity campaign that included television coverage beamed to over 30 million homes and some 2,500 newspaper advertisements, it proved an instant hit. Originally predicted to sell 100,000 vehicles annually, the 1965 Mustang became the most successful vehicle launch since the 1927 Ford Model A—over 400,000 units were sold in its first year and 1,000,000 had been sold within two years of its launch. Soon available in Coupe, Convertible, and Fastback guise, it came with a range of straight-six and V8 engines together with a beguiling array of factory options. Already an icon in standard guise, modified performance versions have become legendary, with those produced by Shelby in the 1960s being particularly prized by collectors today. A colossal 501,965 1965 Mustang hardtop coupes were produced, including the so-called 1964½ models.

This smart ’65 Coupe, finished in Ford Poppy Red, started life practically at the top of the Mustang tree. As an A-code car, it came with the 289ci V8 and 4bbl. carburettor, which produced 225bhp and was the top performance engine, except for the rare K-code. It also had the four-speed manual gearbox and 8in. rear axle. It came to Britain in 2013 from a salvage yard as “an original Southern California rust-free car.” It had had just one owner, who converted it for mild competition use after retiring it from family duties. Because it had a holed cylinder block and an unhealthy-sounding axle, the importer decided to completely renovate it for modern touring. After the body was media-blasted, new floors were fitted because assorted bolt holes and roll-cage paraphernalia littered the originals, and the rear valance had to be replaced following shipping damage. The interior was retrimmed to standard, but with the attractive Shelby GT350 steering wheel.

The suspension was renewed with new bushes, front arms, steering arms and rear shackles. A Ford 9in. rear axle was built by Hauser Racing with a Truetrac differential. The rear brakes received new cylinders and shoes, while the front brakes were converted to 320mm discs and four-pot callipers. A 302ci engine was sourced and the oil, water and fuel pumps were renewed. The head was ported and flowed, all engine machining being done by drag-racing engine builder Kenny Coleman. The gearbox is now a five-speed T5 with a new hydraulic clutch. A new fuel tank was made, the battery was relocated to the boot, and Hooker headers lead to a stainless exhaust. MSD electronic ignition and a DAB-Bluetooth stereo also feature. Upon completion, the Mustang was sold in 2014 and has remained with the same registered ownership, the Mustang receiving use as its build intended. Taken to the Hainan Open International regularity rally in China 2024, the Mustang placed fourth overall. A beautifully presented and highly capable muscle-car, it is supplied with the V5C, an owner’s manual, and assorted invoices and MOTs.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
paul.cheetham@handh.co.uk
07538 667452