1965 Ford Mustang Fastback (Code 63A)

A 'first year of manufacture' model - very early Fastback and still features the original Mustang 2+2 badging

Produced on the 22nd May 1965 as part of the first production run; from the 'dry' state of Denver, Colorado (DSO code: 51)

Presented in its original combination of Vintage Burgundy (code: X) with a Red interior (code: 23)

Believed just 76,000 miles; replacement 302 V8 engine (with amended front wing badges) just 20,000 miles ago

The original Mustang was exactly the right car at the right time and this "sports car for the masses" sold a million in less than two years. Available as a notchback coupe, convertible or, from 1965, as a fastback coupe, the array of trim and engine options meant that there was a "Stang to satisfy everyone, although it was in powerful V8 form that this 'Pony Car' was most fulfilling. The fastback coupe is an effortlessly cool shape and is the Mustang profile that people default to in their mind"s eye.

The car presented here is a 1965 Mustang Fastback (code: 63A), from the first year of manufacture making it one of the very earliest fastbacks, and still features the original Mustang 2+2 badging. Ford extended manufacture to three plants to meet demand and opened the Metuchen, New Jersey plant on 1st February 1965. This car is from that first production run, dated 22nd May 1965 and is one of a total of just 71,303 built across all three Ford plants that year, so something of a rare beast, especially here in the UK.

It looks fabulous in its original Vintage Burgundy paintwork (code: X) with its factory Red interior (code: 23) and is believed to have covered just 76,000 miles from new. The car comes from one of the 'dry' States, Denver, Colorado (DSO code: 51) and appears very solid. It had a replacement 302 cu in (5.0-litre) V8 engine (with amended front wing badges!) about 20,000 miles ago in the US, and benefits from an "Edelbrock" inlet manifold and carburettor, plus MSD electronic ignition. The C4 auto transmission works well, having had a recent service at American car specialist E G Wright of Ashton-under-Lyne. During the last year, it has benefitted from new front and rear shock absorbers, new bushes, new brake pipes and linings, a new fuel tank, battery and solenoid, and four new tyres.

With its gleaming paintwork, bright red interior, and fresh BF Goodrich tyres on big chrome wheels, there is a lot to recommend this early classic Mustang, particularly at such a sensible guide.