Editor’s Note: When I was a teenager, there was a guy just one-year older than me, who owned a 1968 Mustang Fastback that was Vintage Burgundy. I thought — this guy is some little rich kid, and he was. Still, he had great taste in cool cars. This particular Vintage Burgundy ’65 Mustang 2+2 looks even better than what that neighbor kid owned. The Mustang was sold at the RM Auctions John Staluppi Collection sale in December 2012. RM Auctions, thank you for bringing back fond memories from my cool car lusting childhood and for providing this article, replete with the stunning photos.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of RM Auctions
Photo Credit: tpieper@tedisgraphic.com

Lot 210
1965 Ford Mustang 2+2 Fastback Coupe
Sold for $62,700

Chassis no. 5F09A315845

Equipped with rare, factory disc brakes

Model 09. 225 bhp, 289.0 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, four-speed manual transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and disc-front, drum-rear hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 108.0 in.

And then there were three. On October 1, 1964, Ford introduced the “true” 1965 Mustangs. The cars built since the April 17th debut, although officially 1965s, they were in a rapid stage of development and have been retrospectively called “1964-1/2” cars. With the revamped coupe and convertible came an entirely new model, the fastback coupe, a sleek 2+2 in the European gran turismo fashion. Although a niche car, it immediately became popular and even outsold the convertible.

This car, built on October 7th, is one of the earliest 2+2s. It was originally delivered to the Davenport, Iowa district. It is equipped with a correct “A-code” four-barrel V-8, though not the original to this car, which develops 225 brake horsepower. The transmission is a four-speed manual. Disc front brakes were a factory option beginning with the 1965 models, and this car has them. Somewhat unusual, they were a Kelsey-Hayes development and not available with power assist.

Recipient of a full restoration, this car is finished in correct Vintage Burgundy, a deep, deep maroon, with black vinyl upholstery. All contours are correct and excellent, the paint is exceptional, and the trim, nearly all of which is original, is very, very good. Original spec B.F. Goodrich Silvertown double-redline tires have been fitted. The headlights are original Ford Motor Company items.

The result of this attention to detail has been a number of awards. In nine Mustang Club of America events it has earned Regional, National, and Grand National Gold recognition, multiple Choice, Top Ten, Best of Show awards, and one MCA President’s Choice. All award trophies accompany the car.

All Mustangs are special, but some are more special than others. This car’s correct originality and adherence to authenticity set it apart. “The Fastback 2+2 comes on bold,” said the brochure, “with style you’d expect only from Europe.” This is the most stylish Mustang of its time.