After peaking in 1966 for annual sales (more than 600,000 units), Mustang production had dropped by half by 1969. But there was plenty of competition by then and the market was well saturated. To help stir interest, Ford came out with the Grande, a Mustang with a higher level of trim and creature comforts. It may or may not have helped much as Grande sales for ‘69 would only account for about 7% of the total. This coupe, the only body style available with the Grande, has been sitting for years, accumulated some rust along the way, and the motor isn’t complete. If you’re looking for a ’69 Mustang project, this one is in Acworth, Georgia and available here on eBay where the bidding holds at $2,650.
The Grande was introduced for the 1969 model year and would run through the end of the first generation of Mustang production in 1973. It was offered in contrast to its muscle car brother, the Mach 1. If you ordered one of these upscale Mustangs, you got an upgraded interior with imitation wood trim and a smoother, more refined ride thanks to more sound-deadening materials. There were no performance options offered per se, but the Grande could be had with any engine/transmission pairing. While most came with a mild 302 cubic inch V8 and an automatic, the rumor mill says a few Grandes with a 428 Cobra Jet engine are floating around.
This ’69 Grande appears to have come finished in Beatnik Blue, but that paint job is pretty well faded at this point. It had a vinyl top originally, but that’s all but gone now and replaced by surface rust. A troublesome spot is that big patch in the roof on the driver’s side and further scrutiny is recommended to be sure it was done right. The quarter panels are said to have a bit of rust as well, something the seller says is “nothing major.” Some of the glass appears to be out of the vehicle and laying in the back seat, suggesting the interior of this car has been exposed to Mother Nature.
At 72,300 miles, the small-block 302 is said to be original but will need work to get it running again, including replacing some of the parts, which the seller does not indicate if they’re still around. The hood is not attached, so access to the engine compartment will be easy. This Mustang wears a set of Japanese racing rims, but we’re told they’re fitted with a brand-new set of tires. The interior is going to need some effort, including new upholstery, dash pad and at least one door panel, which seems to be missing. The seller clicked the box “Rebuilt, Rebuildable & Reconstructed” for the title so that should also warrant verification before taking the plunge.
Next door neighbors had a ’69,in light yellow.
Fast car,I think it had a 351 in it.
I remember helping my friend change plugs on
it.The rear plus were near impossible to get to.
I’m intrigued about converting these coupes into a fastback
I think it’s a worthy idea, considering the repair that’s been done. And to me, there is NO Mustang coupe that’s attractive. GM pulled it off with the Camaro. Ford did sell a few though so maybe I’m wrong…
Ford sold more Hardtops and Sportsroofs/Fastbacks every year from 1967 through 1973 (1966 and earlier #s aren’t readily available). Of course, most 1969 and 1970 models up for sale now are Sportsroofs.
Skorzeny:
If you add all coupe production numbers and all fastback production numbers…the COUPE OUTSOLD the fastback every year from 1965 through 1973. Some years the margin was small, but for some reason coupes VASTLY outsold fastbacks in 1966.
My mother’s sister, the closest thing our family had to an Auntie Mame, would own 3 Mustangs: a 66, a 68, and a 69 Grande. I only ever got to drive the Grande, a funky sort of green color with a black vinyl roof. I liked the car, but it struck me as a mini-Thunderbird as it was so quiet.
As far as I am concerned, I prefer the coupes to the fastbacks. But I am a bit prejudiced as I currently own an 05 convertible.
really!
Had a green Grande with black vinyl top in the 70’s, only Mustang I ever owned. This one needs a lot of help.
Leaving the carb off and the engine internals exposed to the elements bugs me !!!!!
So easy to temporary cover the openings.
Yet the seller had time to remove all the wheels and fitted new tyres instead ?
Yes, this one need some a lot of help.
A buddies mom had 69 notch back in the mid-late seventies with a 302/automatic. Loved riding around in it when he could get it from her. For a high school kid it seemed fast.
Love a notchback mustang, far too many fastbacks out there in my opinion. Not a fan of a grande, or anything with vinyl roof either for that matter.
Sourcing a 351w & 4 spd would be a big plus.
Price looks good for a mustang as this one looks salvageable.
But …. needs a lot of work.
Not a grande, all grande’s had deluxe interior, this one does not
True enough. There are no earmark’s of this being a Grande, visually or by VIN tag.
The eBay pictures are the worst ones I have ever seen. Not sure if this is a “worth the time and money” restore but in 69 they were fun cars to have. I am a ’67 man and have had many, and I do like the 72’s (had a Grande)… but this one seems to have seen better days.