Ford’s Mustang was nothing short of a sensation when it debuted in 1964. This original “pony car” was a runaway success because it was a compact sports car that coupled performance with comfort. It was also offered with a comprehensive option list that allowed customers to build their Mustang to their exact specifications. Of course, the Mustang sparked the creation of similar cars from every major American car company, but none achieved the Mustang’s enduring level of success. Thanks to its good looks, high level of comfort and performance, even in standard trim, and overall affordability, almost everyone in America wanted to have a Mustang parked in their driveway. To many, the most desirable Mustang available in 1965 was the convertible.

This 1965 Ford Mustang was completed at the Dearborn assembly plant on 2 July 1965, destined for the Indianapolis district sales office. It left the factory with a 76C body style, a convertible with bench seat, finished in special paint and a red vinyl interior. The special paint is believed to have been a charcoal gray metallic used on period Lincolns, this added $34.66 to the price of the car. It was born with a 200 hp, 289 cu. in. ‘C-code’ V-8 with a two-barrel carburetor. The engine was backed by a C-4 automatic transmission which sent power to a 2.80:1 rear differential. Additional features included front bench seat with center arm rest, backup lights, front disc brakes, push-button AM radio, tinted windshield, padded visors, visibility group, wire wheel covers, and the special handling package. Upon completion the car was shipped via convoy from Dearborn, Michigan to Pearson Ford Inc. in Zionsville, Indiana at a cost of $47.55. According to its window sticker, this Mustang carried an MSRP of $3,251.32. The car was sold new on 8 July 1965 to Lawrence B. Schmidt of Zionsville, Indiana.

Today this Mustang convertible presents nicely, having been refinished years ago in charcoal gray metallic with a white convertible top. When down, the top is concealed by a red vinyl boot cover, matching the interior, which has also been redone. The Mustang rides on Travelstar thin whitewall tires mounted on 14-inch steel wheels with wire wheel covers. The trunk features a plaid trunk mat and a four-ply double redline spare tire. This Mustang was featured in an issue of Mustang Monthly magazine, a copy of the article is included in the sale. According to the article this car had a history of drawing attention at judged Mustang events with its special paint. The Mustang is accompanied by its original window sticker, owner’s manual, and keys.

Ford’s most iconic car from the post-war period was undoubtedly the Mustang. This rare bench seat example, one of 2,111 built for 1965, was nicely optioned from new, highlighted by its special paint. It remains a unique example of Ford’s “pony car.”