The nicest 1965 Mustang built by Ford was never offered to the public. This very special car was built for Edsel Ford II, the son of Ford CEO Henry Ford II. Here’s more.
The Ford people originally circulated this story back in December 2013, amid the rollout of the 2015 Mustang, where it became a bit lost in the hoopla. We thought the car was worth circling back for another look. This one-off Mustang 2+2 was built as a 16th birthday present for Edsel Ford II, son of Ford chairman and CEO Henry Ford II, who presented it to him on Christmas morning, 1964.
It’s good to have your name on the building.
“I came downstairs that Christmas morning with my sisters, and my father indicated I should take a look outside,” Ford recalls. “This amazing Mustang was sitting in the driveway, and I immediately grabbed my coat and shoes and went outside to check it out.”
A few of the custom features on the trick Mustang: pearl white paint with blue hood and rocker stripes, eggcrate grille with Pony emblem, lush Lincoln carpeting, a modified dash, center stack, and console assembly, a functional hood scoop, and racing mirrors. The unique bucket seats might be our favorite addition.
Ford, who is now 66 and retired from day-to-day operations at Ford, though he still serves on the board, drove the one-of-one Mustang for four years, into his college days. Unfortunately, the car no longer exists. It was loaned to a friend and destroyed in a road accident. “That Mustang was my first car and one of my favorites,” Ford remembers. “Seeing the photos that were discovered in the Ford archives brought back many fond memories.” Photos below.
How many stories of favorite cars end with “I loaned it to a friend…” ?
Forget the fame and fortune, the only thing I’m jealous of is all the cool cars these guys had access to. Love this Mustang.
I move that we reassign the title of “America’s Sports Car” from the Corvette to the Mustang. Far more Americans have experiences with the Mustang, and know that the Germans have applied the moniker to SUVs I see no need to hold to the traditional two-seat definition.
This customized Mustang isn’t breathtaking but it’s different enough that I can see how a 16 year old would be very proud of it. I assume he’s had the opportunity to drive some even sweeter toys since then.
I frequently read of one-off cars from the Fifties and Sixties that were built for executives or family but I can’t think of any more recent examples. Isn’t anyone proud of their work anymore?
I believe there was a coustom,1955 Thunderbird built for for Josephine Ford. I would like to see a photo of that vehicle posted.
I have a custom 1964 Mustang built for Henry Ford II
In 1965, I was the Forman in the DAP Trim dept. when the men built 71 perfect units each and every hour. Those guys were awesome.
Hi Ray could we talk please. I would love to tell you about my car! Perry W Los Kamp on facebook