New here

Join Buy The Car

Create a free account to bid, set alerts, and sell your own. Takes a minute.

1965 Ford Mustang Fastback Conversion Project
Current Bid: Winning Bid:
$42,500
Ended:
Starts In:
June 29, 2026 12:08 PDT
Location:
Ventura, CA CA
mustang-project.jpg
Make: Ford
Model: Mustang
Type: Coupe
Seller Type: Private
Key Details
  • Seller : tattoo015
  • Location : Ventura, CA 93001
  • Seller Type : Private
Build Sheet
  • VIN: 5R07A126708
  • 407 HP 331 ci Cobra Automotive stroker V8 engine / Ford Performance block
  • Rebuilt Toploader four-speed manual transmission
  • Speakeasy 9-inch rear end with 3.50 Posi-traction
  • Moroso 4-stage dry-sump oil system
  • Cobra Automotive competition front suspension with Koni dampers
  • Heavy-duty rear competition leaf springs and Koni shocks
  • Kelsey-Hayes 4-piston front racing calipers with 12-inch rotors
  • Fastback body conversion sealed in epoxy primer
  • Integrated 6-point roll cage and weld-in subframe connectors
  • 21-gallon Pyrotect racing fuel cell
  • AutoMeter Sport-Comp gauge suite and MOMO steering wheel
Chris Esparza
Wrench Report

By Chris Esparza

RestoMods Head Mechanic. 20 year classic car mechanic & builder.

This is a serious mechanical foundation for an owner looking to complete a high-spec, track-focused Mustang build. Professional fastback conversion and an integrated six-point roll cage with a dry-sump, Cobra Automotive-built 331ci stroker V8, the project utilizes durable, road-course-ready components rather than standard street-car parts. I appreciate all the receipts and part lists, but worth going through to make sure you know what you are buying.

Description

This 1965 Ford Mustang is set up to be a high-performance restomod project that was converted from its original coupe body style into a fastback configuration by Desert Classic Mustangs. Currently in mid-assembly state, the project dates back to 2020 with the initiation of a blueprinted, dry-sump 331ci stroker V8 built by the vintage racing specialists at Cobra Automotive of Connecticut. In 2022, the fastback conversion and comprehensive chassis build began, and the project has since paused as of 2024. The body, chassis, front and rear suspension, and all associated parts are located in Ventura, California, while the complete engine is stored separately in a climate controlled facility at Cobra Automotive in Wallingford, Connecticut. The seller is including shipping to the lower 48 United States, and the vehicle is offered with a clean California title. All of components are itemized in the photo gallery below.

The body was completely converted into a fastback by Desert Classic Mustangs, a process that included the installation of front torque boxes, integrated subframe connectors, and a custom six-point roll cage before the entire shell was sealed in epoxy primer. Track-ready exterior details include a Shelby "R-Model" style front apron, a stainless-steel hood pin kit, and a competition front tow hook welded directly to the chassis structure. Included are 12-inch competition front brake assemblies with a cooling duct kit and Kelsey-Hayes four-piston racing calipers. The seller notes many exterior functional components are included such as headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and windshield wipers.

The engine bay is prepared to house a 331ci stroked V8 built, blueprinted, and dyno-tested by Cobra Automotive to produce 407 horsepower.

The engine incorporates a new Ford Performance block, a Scat rotating assembly, Race Tec pistons, World Products cylinder heads, and a performance Cobra intake manifold topped by a Holley 715-cfm carburetor. It is uniquely equipped with a professional Moroso four-stage dry-sump oil pump and matching dry-sump oil pan, supported by premium Brown & Miller crimped -12AN and -16AN oil lines. Included is a custom Griffin aluminum radiator with an integrated oil cooler and a SPAL electric fan to handle cooling, while fuel is to be delivered via an Edelbrock pressure pump and regulator drawing from a 21-gallon Pyrotect racing fuel cell. The project is set up to have power directed through a rebuilt Toploader four-speed manual transmission using a hydraulic clutch master cylinder setup, leading to a Speakeasy-built 9-inch rear end with 3.50:1 gears and a Posi-traction differential.

The highly modified chassis has been braced using a Total Control Products Monte Carlo bar, weld-in subframe connectors, and an export brace. The front end end upgrades include Cobra Automotive competition front suspension components, including oversized spindles, billet aluminum hubs, upgraded coil springs, heavy-duty tie rods, adjustable strut rods, Koni dampers, a thick front sway bar, and a specialized rollerized steering kit. The rear suspension layout mirrors this heavy-duty approach with competition leaf springs, a high-performance shackle kit, one-inch lowering blocks, Koni shocks, and a Total Control Products rear sway bar. Hydraulic pressures are split via a dual Wilwood master cylinder assembly equipped with a manual proportioning valve, and steering assistance is provided by a modern Borgeson power steering box and KRC pump.

The stripped, race-oriented cabin is structured around the integrated six-point roll cage. Interior components included with the project are a MOMO steering wheel, and an aftermarket Borgeson steering column with a quick-disconnect hub. A custom instrumentation panel houses a comprehensive suite of AutoMeter Sport-Comp digital/analog gauges designed to monitor engine speed, vehicle speed, oil pressure, oil temperature, water temperature, voltage, fuel level, fuel pressure, and total operating hours. The interior layout remains a blank canvas ready for custom seats and upholstery to complete the build.

Above, the seller shows the many bins of included parts that will be shipped with the project car.

Photo Gallery
Videos
Highest Bid
$42,500
Final Sale Price
$42,500
SOLD
Sold After Price
WITHHELD
SOLD AFTER
Highest Bid
$42,500
Reserve Not Met
Comments & Bid History

Press Enter to post · Shift+Enter for a new line

Commenting on this auction is now closed.

Munch69Protour • Jun 29, 12:06 pm PDT Jun 29, 12:06 pm PDT
jbalzowski • Jun 29, 12:06 pm PDT Jun 29, 12:06 pm PDT
tattoo015 Seller • Jun 29, 12:05 pm PDT

Reserve has been removed from this auction item!

kensanders3242 • Jun 29, 12:04 pm PDT Jun 29, 12:04 pm PDT
Munch69Protour • Jun 29, 12:03 pm PDT Jun 29, 12:03 pm PDT
jbalzowski • Jun 29, 12:03 pm PDT Jun 29, 12:03 pm PDT
Munch69Protour • Jun 29, 12:03 pm PDT Jun 29, 12:03 pm PDT
kensanders3242 • Jun 29, 12:01 pm PDT Jun 29, 12:01 pm PDT
Munch69Protour • Jun 29, 11:59 am PDT Jun 29, 11:59 am PDT
kensanders3242 • Jun 29, 11:59 am PDT Jun 29, 11:59 am PDT
mrgt350 • Jun 29, 11:58 am PDT Jun 29, 11:58 am PDT
kensanders3242 • Jun 29, 11:51 am PDT Jun 29, 11:51 am PDT
TugboatIdaho • Jun 29, 11:07 am PDT Jun 29, 11:07 am PDT
Munch69Protour • Jun 29, 9:33 am PDT Jun 29, 9:33 am PDT
Sal • Jun 29, 9:24 am PDT Jun 29, 9:24 am PDT
mknudson • Jun 29, 1:47 am PDT

Gone in sixty seconds ouchie that is a great car movie

Brucebark • Jun 28, 9:02 pm PDT Jun 28, 9:02 pm PDT
MrMark • Jun 28, 4:46 pm PDT

Would the current shop consider completing the build and if so, rough idea on cost. Thank you

tattoo015 Seller Jun 28, 5:04 pm PDT
Sorry no, i do not have the resources and funding to complete the job, I was going to do the mock up as far as i could, then find a trustworthy shop to complete the job, i never got to point of figuring the cost to finish.
MrMark Jun 28, 6:19 pm PDT
Sorry for the confusion, I was wondering if Desert Classics would be willing to complete the project.
tattoo015 Seller Jun 28, 6:24 pm PDT
Hello, they have the expertise to do it , Elliot know the car is up for auction, call him and ask
Bklynne • Jun 27, 3:43 pm PDT

Just to make sure, still needs glass, wheels, tires, exhaust, driveshaft? These are most major items that are not included correct? Thank you for your time.

tattoo015 Seller Jun 27, 3:58 pm PDT
Correct, those items i did not choose which option to go with, there is 1 wheel and 2 Hooker Hearers CERAKOTE painted.
DeuceSevenoff • Jun 26, 5:33 am PDT

I'd like to ask what I think is the most obvious question: Why not just finish it?

tattoo015 Seller Jun 26, 5:37 am PDT
I had to retire, sell my house, put everything in storage
DeuceSevenoff Jun 26, 5:39 am PDT
Fair enough. I appreciate the reply.
kensanders3242 • Jun 24, 7:34 pm PDT Jun 24, 7:34 pm PDT
wmoody1959 • Jun 23, 11:29 am PDT Jun 23, 11:29 am PDT
tattoo015 Seller • Jun 23, 8:51 am PDT

Hello all. Happy to answer any questions and provide more photos and informationnon request. Good luck bidding!

Proranchero Jun 25, 8:03 am PDT
Is there glass or any interior pieces
tattoo015 Seller Jun 25, 8:08 am PDT
No, door glass or mechanisms and no front windshield or rear window, there are 2 options, go with stock or racing option

All vehicle descriptions and listings are provided exclusively by the seller and are assumed accurate by the platform without independent verification. Buyers maintain the sole responsibility to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of any description, and independent research and physical inspections must be completed prior to bidding.

The Wrench Report is generated solely for informational purposes and is based on a subjective analysis of information provided by the seller. The contents of the Wrench Report constitute a good-faith opinion only; they do not constitute mechanical advice, professional valuation, or an assurance or guarantee of the vehicle's quality, safety, or condition.

Vehicles may possess latent mechanical, cosmetic, or bodywork defects not visually apparent in photography. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all lots are sold "As-Is, Where-Is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. The sale is conducted between the buyer and seller. Please review our full Terms and Conditions for comprehensive liability terms.

Key Details
  • Seller : tattoo015
  • Location : Ventura, CA 93001
  • Seller Type : Private
Build Sheet
  • VIN: 5R07A126708
  • 407 HP 331 ci Cobra Automotive stroker V8 engine / Ford Performance block
  • Rebuilt Toploader four-speed manual transmission
  • Speakeasy 9-inch rear end with 3.50 Posi-traction
  • Moroso 4-stage dry-sump oil system
  • Cobra Automotive competition front suspension with Koni dampers
  • Heavy-duty rear competition leaf springs and Koni shocks
  • Kelsey-Hayes 4-piston front racing calipers with 12-inch rotors
  • Fastback body conversion sealed in epoxy primer
  • Integrated 6-point roll cage and weld-in subframe connectors
  • 21-gallon Pyrotect racing fuel cell
  • AutoMeter Sport-Comp gauge suite and MOMO steering wheel
Auctions Ending Soon
Get the Inside Track

Auctions sent to your inbox daily. No spam.

Secure & Private
You're on the List

Thanks for subscribing! Watch your inbox for the latest auctions.

Auctions Coming Soon