The 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback remains the quintessential canvas for American road racing builds, famously serving as the foundation for the original Shelby GT350R. This specific example has undergone a meticulous two-decade transformation, evolving from a standard pony car into a focused track machine. Stripped to bare metal and reinforced with a full roll cage, the chassis has been engineered to handle the substantial torque of a modern V8 heart. It represents a deeply personal build that prioritizes mechanical grip and high-RPM reliability, capturing the raw, unassisted spirit of 1960s SCCA competition while benefiting from selective modern performance enhancements.
Gunmetal Gray Aesthetic and GT350R Aerodynamics
The exterior of this 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback is finished in a sinister Gunmetal Gray with Metallic Charcoal racing stripes, emphasizing its aggressive, track-oriented purpose. Every detail of the body has been reconsidered for competition, featuring an R-style front valance, a pinned hood with a functional scoop, and GT350-style rear quarter windows. The silhouette is anchored by 14-inch Torq Thrust-style wheels wrapped in General rubber, while the rear bumper was refinished to match the body for a cohesive, modern look. Beneath the skin, the car features extensive chassis stiffeners and a GT-style rear valance, ensuring the aesthetic is backed by structural integrity for high-lateral-force maneuvers.
Stripped Racing Cockpit with Hurst Precision
Inside the cabin, the transition to a dedicated track car is absolute, starting with the removal of the rear seats to make room for a custom roll cage. The driver and passenger are secured in race-style bucket seats equipped with multi-point harnesses, positioned behind a Grant GT steering wheel. The dashboard remains purposeful and devoid of a radio, instead housing a 140-mph speedometer and a column-mounted tachometer for quick reference at speed. A Hurst shifter controls the Toploader transmission, while new carpeting and a fresh headliner provide a clean finish. While some trim components are absent, the focus remains entirely on the tactile connection between the driver and the machine.
Rebuilt 351 Windsor V8 and Toploader Strength
Mechanical authority comes from a 351ci Windsor V8 rebuilt by Leonard Vahsholtz, featuring RHS aluminum heads and a Crane camshaft for a broad power band. This high-performance plant utilizes an Edelbrock high-rise intake manifold and a four-barrel carburetor to optimize induction, while an MSD ignition and Kwik Wire harness ensure electrical reliability. Power is managed by a four-speed Toploader manual transmission and a 3.00 limited-slip differential, providing the durability needed for sustained track use. The exhaust note is defined by JBA headers and Thrush mufflers, creating a signature small-block growl that matches the vehicle’s aggressive performance-oriented mission profile.
Technical Specifications
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | 351ci Windsor V8 |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Toploader Manual |
| Front Suspension | Total Control Products Coilovers |
| Rear Suspension | Replacement Leaf Springs |
| Differential | 3.00 Limited-Slip |
| Induction | Edelbrock High-Rise / 4-Barrel Carb |
| Cooling | 4-Row Aluminum Radiator / Electric Fan |
Two Decades of Dedicated Track Development
This 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback is the result of 25 years of continuous development under a single owner, a pedigree that ensures a high level of familiarity with every bolt. The build prioritized modern handling, utilizing Total Control Products front coilovers and adjustable strut rods to replace the dated factory geometry. Braking is significantly improved via power-assisted front discs, while the cooling system was overbuilt with a four-row aluminum radiator to handle the thermal demands of racing. Compared to a standard restored fastback, this track-spec Mustang offers a unique selling point: it is already reinforced and sorted for those who intend to actually use their classic on a circuit.
The Ultimate Expression of the Early Fastback
This customized 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback stands as a powerful tribute to the golden era of American road racing. By combining the legendary 351 Windsor V8 with a reinforced chassis and professional suspension components, it bridges the gap between a vintage show car and a legitimate performance tool. Its long-term ownership and documented bare-metal build provide a level of transparency that is rare in the modified Mustang market. Whether destined for local track days or high-speed mountain runs, this fastback is ready to deliver a visceral, high-RPM experience. It remains a definitive example of the timeless appeal of the first-generation Mustang when pushed to its mechanical limits.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
