With more than 10 million Mustangs built, and some long-lost cars like the pair used in Bullitt having surfaced in the last few years, it’s a surprise at just how many significant Mustangs are still out there and not well known. Like this one, the first pre-production Mustang hardtop. And it’s coming to auction in January.

This 1965 model is said by the seller to be “the very first Ford Pilot Plant/Pre-production Mustang hardtop.” That means it was hand assembled at the Ford Pilot Plant in Michigan. Originally the home to the Continental Mark II, it was later used to test out the assembly process for new products.

The listing says that this is one of just three known Pilot Plant cars to survive, and is the first hardtop built. It wears VIN 002. It’s been fully restored, but the seller says that every major component is still the original matching numbers piece.

While it’s usually the V8 Mustangs that get all the love, this one is powered by the 105 hp, 156 lb-ft 170 ci straight six. Paired with a three-speed manual gearbox.

It comes with two binders full of ownership and condition affidavits from the previous owners and photos, statements, and signatures from important Mustang names. More importantly, the binders contain the history of the car and restoration documents. Plus a letter from Ford confirming that this car is the first Mustang hardtop.

The beautiful car has seen TV and film appearances, including the upcoming Ford versus Ferrari movie set for next year. the car will be sold at the Barrett Jackson Scottsdale auction in January.

[source: Barrett-Jackson]

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