On the Turntable: Jerry Howard's 1965 Mustang Fastback

This beautiful Twilight Turquoise Mustang has been on Jerry Howard's radar since moving to Abilene, Texas in 1972 to attend school. He first saw the car in the driveway of a house a couple of blocks away from where he lived. Having never seen this color on a Mustang before, Jerry was immediately smitten. He introduced himself to the owner, Rafe Harshberger, and the duo became fast friends. Rafe explained that it was his first car, having bought it at a Ford dealer in 1967.

After Jerry moved temporarily to California for more schooling, Rafe sold the Mustang to another of Jerry’s good friends, Jim Smith. Jim used the car for a few years, eventually storing it around 1980.

During its time in mothballs, Jerry tried many times to convince Jim to sell him the Mustang. The answer was always no—Jim planned to keep it until he died. So you can imagine Jerry’s surprise in 2014 when Jim called and said he was ready to let the car go. Jerry wasted no time rushing to Jim’s house with his trailer and a pocket full of cash. After 42 years, the Mustang was finally his.

It took Jerry a few months to get the 71K-original mile Mustang back in driving condition. The brakes seized during the car’s hibernation so a full brake rebuild was performed. The fluids were changed and a 3 x 2 intake system was added to the car’s original 289 A-code V8 for a little more pop. The original white standard vinyl interior remains, as does that beautiful turquoise finish that first attracted Jerry to the car. Even the original factory dual red line spare tire still resides in the trunk.

Since completing the car, Jerry and his wife, Deb, have added about 5,000 miles to the odometer. Jerry reports the Mustang goes down the road every bit as good as it looks and is loads of fun to drive. And after seeing it in person, we have every reason to believe him!

FAST SPECS
• 289 cubic inch A-code V8 making 225 horsepower
• 3 x 2 induction system
• Factory cast iron exhaust manifolds and full dual exhaust system
• Factory 4-speed manual transmission
• Stock frame, suspension, and brakes
• 14” x 5” factory ‘Styled’ steel wheels 
• Ford Twilight Turquoise paint, about 50% original
• Original white standard vinyl upholstery, carpet, headliner, and door panels
• Original dual red line spare tire in the trunk