’65 MUSTANG 2+2 FASTBACK
VIN 5F09C397850
A Survivor!
This 2+2 Mustang was purchased new by
Phyllis Sherman on February 6, 1965 from Swirsding Motors in
Bustleton (Philadelphia area), PA. The Swirsding dealer decal is still on the
rear taillight panel. It was next sold in 2005 out of her estate. I am
told it was always garaged. The second owner, who is from New
Jersey, purchased it from her estate in 2005 at 48,850 miles (mileage
recorded on the title). According to the Pennsylvania safety
inspection sticker on the windshield, the mileage was 47,702 on May
19,1979.It is believed that the car sat idle after the 1980 expiration of the inspection,
as only 1148 miles were added until it was sold 25 years later. The
actual present mileage upon arriving here was
51,171.
The paint is original except for some areas on the passenger
fender and door, and a small area just above the "289" emblem on the
driver side fender that was refinished and is cracking. It appears
the passenger side upper areas were refinished, between the upper
cove line and fender peak/door edge at the glass. The repaint is
also cracking here. The areas below remain original. There is a dent
on the refinished area of that door, plus a couple of dings on that
side.
The remainder of the paint is factory original. It has been
heavily buffed by the second owner, and is thin on the hood, with
some blushing noticeable upon close examination. The top of the left
fender has a spot where the paint is rubbed through. The taillight
panel has scratches, probably from hoisting things in and out of the
trunk. There are the usual chips, flaws and touched up spots all
around the body. But the paint has good gloss, and the car presents
itself well, although the photos make it look slightly better
than when seen in person. The chrome trim is all in good
condition, bright with minimal pitting. The underside is
undercoated, a common practice in those days. I found no evidence of
rust or accident damage. The bottoms of the lower front frame rails
are dented, probably from improper jacking.
The glass is all original Carlite; there is a small star
break on the windshield but I believe it can be repaired. There is a
screw through one of the rear window moldings to hold it down, and a
lot of sealer in that area. I suspect the rear window leaked and was
repaired. This may also explain the black paint on the left side of
the trunk floor, as it is on the same side.
The interior is original. It has the usual patina, and a few
small flaws. The plastic plating is peeling off of the door trim
panels. The radio and all of the gauges work. I'm not sure what to
make of the Shelby signature on the glove box, it seems out of place
on this car! The spare tire is the original 6:95-14 Firestone, with
the jack and ratchet handle intact. The trunk mat is original, but
has a repaired split across the front edge.
This is a wonderfully original car. It drives very well, smooth
and tight as one would expect. The doors close with a nice, easy
"thunk". The hood and trunk are the same, closing with no effort.
The original Ford "final OK" stamp is still visible on the underside
of the hood. One of the headlights is factory original. The engine
and drive line appear to all be original. The carburetor has been
replaced with a newer Motorcraft 2300 and lower exhaust heat
shield is missing from the air cleaner system.
They are only original once, and this example still has it.
Honest intact examples are becoming scarcer every day. This Fastback
has only had two owners, and the first one kept it for 40 years! If
you’re thinking "Well, I would have to restore this car", then look
elsewhere – this one should be preserved!
Price $19,500
