1965 FORD MUSTANG FASTBACK - Lot 123

1965 FORD MUSTANG FASTBACK - Series N°5T09C166947 - French collector's registration - Shelby GT350 H body kit When the Ford Motors Company brought the Ford Mustang to market, it created a niche where there was as yet no competition. Young Americans in the midst of the American Way of Life were not really interested in sedans. The Ford Mustang's indestructible image was forged by the launch of an à la carte GT car, at a competitive price, with a strong marketing push and a commitment to competing with the best. In 1965, Ford launched a new, sportier body: the Fastback, recognizable by its swept-back lines. This is the most desirable body on a Mustang, a statement that still holds true 60 years after its launch. Equipped with a four-speed manual transmission and a refined chassis, the Fastback is a veritable concentrate of emotions, perfect for the road as much as for the icon. The model presented for sale is a 1965 Fastback base on which a 350 Shelby "HZ" kit has been installed. It has its Windsor , which has been tuned for around 300 hp, with Code K ignition, Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor and Edelbrock aluminum intake pipe. The car has its original "Top-Loader" 4-speed gearbox. A pair of front disc brakes have replaced the original drums. The rear axle has been modified to make way for a self-locking 4-Link axle, with independent spring and shock absorber. A double GT 2.5-inch exhaust adorns the rear diffuser. The last owner carried out a complete repaint in 2023, dressing this Mustang in gold stripes, reminiscent of the "Hertz" kit, when Caroll Shelby and the well-known rental company Hertz joined forces in a collaboration that marked automotive history. Used sparingly since then, this mustang is a great opportunity for enthusiasts of the model. When the Ford Motor Company launched the Ford Mustang, it created a brand-new market segment with no direct rivals. Traditional sedans didn't really appeal to young Americans immersed in the American Way of Life. A configurable GT at carefully targeted prices, backed by a major marketing push and high-profile competition entries, helped forge the Mustang's indestructible image. In 1965, Ford introduced a sportier body style: the Fastback, recognizable by its sweeping rear lines. It remains the most desirable Mustang body style, a verdict that still holds 60 years after launch. Equipped with a four-speed manual transmission and a sharpened chassis, the Fastback becomes a true distillation of emotion-perfect both as a road car and as an icon. The car offered for sale is a 1965 Fastback base fitted with a Shelby 350 "HZ" kit. It retains its Windsor 302 "C-Code" V8, tuned to around 300 hp, with K-code ignition, an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor, and an Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold. The car still has its original four-speed "Top-Loader" gearbox. A pair of front disc brakes has replaced the original drums. The rear end has been converted to a 4-link limited-slip setup with separate springs and dampers. A 2.5-inch GT dual-exhaust exits through the rear valance. The most recent owner carried out a full repaint in 2023 and added gold stripes evoking the "Hertz" kit, recalling the era when Carroll Shelby partnered with the well-known rental company Hertz-an association that left its mark on automotive history. Used sparingly since, this Mustang is an excellent opportunity for enthusiasts of the model.