1965 Ford Mustang Convertible (RHD)

Ford's biggest success story of the 1960s was the Mustang, a personal sports compact based on the Falcon that led to the creation of a whole new market segment, known as the "ponycar", and a wave of competitors, like the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird, soon followed. The Mustang was a great looking car right from the outset, nicely proportioned with a long bonnet and short boot and was initially sold either in notchback coupe or convertible form (the fastback 2+2 wasn't made available for another six months). Launched in April 1964 to rave reviews, the Mustang was an instant hit. Sales had been forecast at 100,000 per year but such was demand that Ford could barely keep up and total production exceeded 680,000 units by the end of 1965. Another key to the Mustang's success was the ability for the owner to tailor his or her car to their individual requirements through an extensive options list and as a result no two Mustangs were quite the same. The base six-cylinder engine was a relatively tame affair but the small-block 289-cid V8 transformed the Mustang from boulevard cruiser into a potent contender on the dragstrip or racetrack. For many enthusiasts, an early convertible Mustang equipped with a V8 and automatic transmission is the perfect compromise, ideally suited for a run up the coast on a sunny day.