The 1965 Ford Mustang is iconic for many reasons. Its epic styling and performance capability sparked an era that lasted decades. There’s a reason it has brought many into the world of automotive enthusiasm. When people take on the project to restore one of these marvelous cars, it is rarely done with an engine from a different manufacturer. However, that makes this custom 1965 Ford Mustang so unique, as it houses a General Motors engine under the hood.
The custom Ford Mustang was a seven-year project that started with a complete rotisserie restoration. That meant giving the car new body panels, including fenders, quarter panels, front/rear valances, and door skins. After that was completed, the car was painted Caspian Blue, and the drip railings were shaved. The rear quarter panels were widened, and a mini-tub was performed to fit the 275-wide rear tires.
Under the hood is where this car becomes most interesting, as it sports a 6.0-liter LY6 V8 engine. This engine could be found under the hood of GM trucks and SUVs between 2007 and 2010 and produces around 364 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque without any modifications. That is mated to a Tremec T56 4-speed transmission with a Quick Performance 9-inch rear axle with 3.80:1 gears.
The entire car rides on Bronze-finished 17-inch Saleen SC-style wheels mounted with Falken Arzenis tires. The suspension system features AJE with KONI adjustable inserts at the front while AJE drop spindles, a TCI torque arm kit, and RideTech rear coilovers are at the back. A 1993 Mustang Cobra steering rack and a Chevrolet-sourced power steering pump have been installed. Braking is provided by 4-piston Brembo calipers over slotted rotors at the front and single-piston calipers over cross-drilled and slotted rotors at the rear.
On the inside, Sparco racing seats trimmed in black cloth and color-coordinated replacement door panels ornate the cabin. Sound-deadening material has been installed under the black carpets, and additional features include a custom rear storage compartment in place of the rear seats, G-Force 6-point racing harnesses, a 4-point roll cage, fire extinguisher, JBL speakers, and a TMI one-piece headliner.
This exquisite restored 1965 Ford Mustang sold at No Reserve during the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, with a final bid of $44,000, letting a lucky bidder take the car home.
