1965 Ford Mustang 289 'A-Code' Fastback

First released in 1964, the Ford Mustang created a storm when it hit the streets and it still does to this day. Ford wanted to make the Mustang affordable, and it therefore needed to share much of its engineering with an existing Ford product so the decision was taken to base the Mustang on the smallest US Ford at the time, the Falcon. The Mustang was initially offered as either a 'notchback' coupe or convertible. It shared its front double-wishbone/coil spring and leaf spring rear suspension with the Falcon, however, compared to the Falcon its cockpit sat further back on the chassis, resulting in a longer front end and shorter rear design and both its roof and cowl were also lower in comparison. It's with those proportions and detailed with such iconic touches as the running horse in the grille, the cut-away side panels and the rear lights divided into three sections, that the Mustang became a car people were instantly passionate about.

Supplied new on 25th May 1965 by Ray Whitfield Ford, Inc of Taylor, Michigan USA, this 'A-code' Mustang is finished in Black with a White crinkle vinyl leather interior and was first owned by a Ford employee, Clement Moore of Dearborn, Detroit - the city where the very first Mustang rolled off Ford's US production lines ahead of its public debut in 1964. The original bill of sale is included in the comprehensive history file and shows the car included such options as a radio, tinted glass, 2-speed electric wiper washers and the Rally Pac instrument binnacle, all for the princely sum of $2,899!

In 1983, Mr. Moore & his wife moved to Sun City in Arizona, and took their beloved Mustang with them. An Arizona Certificate of Title shows the couple's new address and records the mileage to be 17,409 miles, confirming that the car was infrequently used. After some time, the Moores moved back to Michigan, and in 1992, after some 27 years of ownership, the car was sold to their friend, also a Ford employee, 'Larry' Gasparotto. During his tenure, this fabulous Pony attended many car shows and even won a few Concours events in the Dearborn area. A copy of 'Centreline', a Ford employee magazine, shows the car displayed proudly at an employee vehicle display under the watchful eye of Larry. The cylinder heads have been changed to unleaded versions, but the originals are included in the sale.

Included in the history file are not only the original 'Bill of Sale', but also an original warranty card, a Ford Service book, owner's card and an original owner's manual, all of which are in fabulous condition and are rare finds in themselves.

Our vendor, forever a Mustang fan, carefully sourced this car last year and brought it back to the UK, getting it MoT tested (until November '16) and registering it with the DVLA. Now showing, what we can only assume to be the correct mileage of 23,456 miles, this genuine 'A-code' Mustang is only being sold due to lack of space and the imminent arrival of a 'K-code' Mustang. Rarely do Mustangs in such original unrestored condition come to market and with a superb history file to boot, this is one muscle car you do not want to miss.