First 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe Going Is Up For Auction

Ford celebrated the production of the 10 millionth Mustang this summer, but fans wanting an early example will need to head to the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona this January.

Up for grabs is the “very first Ford Pilot Plant/Pre-production Mustang hardtop.” Sporting VIN 00002, the car was hand built in Michigan and is one of three known surviving Pilot Plant Mustangs.

The model has been restored to its original condition and the auction house says all major components having matching numbers. The listing was light on additional information, but the car has a 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine which is mated to a three-speed manual transmission. This isn’t a sporty combination as the engine likely develops 105 hp (78 kW / 106 PS) and 156 lb-ft (212 Nm) of torque.

While the car doesn’t have a V8, it comes with tons of documentation including “ownership and condition affidavits from all previous owners, along with photos, statements and signatures from high-profile originators of the Mustang, including Lee Iacocca, Hal Sperlich, Don Frey, Gale Halderman and others.” Besides those details, the car comes with photographs and video of the restoration as well as a letter from Ford confirming the car is the first Mustang hardtop.

If that wasn’t special enough, this particular Mustang has also made several television and movie appearances. The listing didn’t go into specifics, but said the car will be featured in the Ford v. Ferrari movie that will hit theaters next summer.

The car is being sold without a reserve and it will likely attract some pretty big bids. Of course, the Mustang isn’t the only rare Ford being auctioned off as Barrett-Jackson is also offering a 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition.