Ford picked a winner when they debuted a Mustang with a fastback and a 289 CID V-8 engine in 1965.  When a co-worker of Gary Anderson bought one new, Gary knew that was the car for him.  Unfortunately, his wallet did not agree.  Gary tried to trade his friend his 63 ½ Ford Galaxie XL500 for the Pony Car, but it was no go.  

When Gary finished a side job in 1989, he had enough cash to pay for one and it looked like he would have his Mustang.  Then wife Glenda reminded him that they had scrimped on her wedding ring when they were married and that she was a lot more important than any car. Even a Mustang.  Gary agreed and the Pony lost to a rock.  Then came kids and more financial obligations.  

In 2003, Gary and Glenda agreed it was finally time and they got their 1965 Mustang fastback.  It was an original car with 100,000 miles on the 289 CID engine, cheap paint and a number of other issues, but it was a good start.  Since then Gary has redone almost everything on the car, except for the engine, although he added a four barrel carburetor. Since the engine doesn’t smoke or burn oil and gets an average of 22 MPG, Gary has left it alone.  After all, why mess with a winner?

Story by Ron C. © 2007 • Photos by club photographer, Edie H.