With the Ford Mustang celebrating its 50th birthday this year, pony car enthusiasts are finding that prices for classic Mustangs are even higher than usual. With all the buzz around the Blue Oval these days, the interest in classic Mustangs seems to be surging, both here in America and across the Atlantic in places like Europe, which will be getting their own version of the 2015 Mustang.

But you can’t match the sheer appeal of a classic ‘65 Mustang, and outside of the U.S. these cars fetch even bigger money. The recent RM Auction in Paris, France, concluded with a real treat for American car fans: a ‘65 Mustang built for historical track racing. When the gavel fell, someone was about $91,000 poorer, but one very awesome Mustang richer. 

Outfitted with a tuned-up 289 V8 and a manual transmission that allows shift-for-yourself-fun, this ‘65 Mustang also has all the required safety features and suspension elements to allow it to compete in historic races. A six-point roll cage and Cobra Evolution racing seats, along with a fuel-cell and bigger brakes to ensure this Mustang handles as well as it looks.

Finished in Ford France colors but registered in the U.K., this ‘65 Mustang has only shakedown mileage on it, making it a virtually new vehicle in many regards. Obviously built with racing in mind, let’s hope the new owner breaks this Mustang in the right way; with a no-holds-barred road race or endurance competition.

After all, that’s the American way, and it works pretty well even in France.