Gauging the desirability of a project vehicle is sometimes tricky, but this 1969 Mustang Fastback leaves little doubt. It requires a total restoration, but its flaws and defects are no worse than many First Generation Mustangs we’ve previously seen at Barn Finds. Although it isn’t original, the big-block V8 under the hood may help to explain why it has received forty-three bids since the seller listed it here on eBay. It is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and the intense action pushed the price beyond the reserve to $7,300. There is plenty of time remaining on the listing if you wish to stake your claim on this classic.
The 1969 model year was significant for the Mustang, but the car achieved something the good folk at Ford would not have celebrated. Apart from its release year, it was the first where sales dipped below the 300,000 mark. That total would continue plummeting until the Mustang II appeared in 1974, but it is an event that wouldn’t have seen much dancing for joy in the corridors of power. The history of this car is unclear, although previous owners have made changes throughout its life. Its panels wear Blue paint that appears to be the result of what I would diplomatically call a second-rate respray. Actually, it’s pretty awful, and any high-end refurbishment will almost certainly involve stripping away the offending paint. Once the next owner does that, they face rust repairs to ensure the vehicle is sound and ready for the paint it richly deserves. The seller indicates the doors open and close cleanly, suggesting the Mustang is structurally sound. However, the buyer needs to brace for new rear quarter panels, lower door corners, lower fender repairs, and possibly, new floor pans and repairs to the torque boxes. The hood is relatively new, and the glass looks fine.
Apart from the missing radio, the Mustang’s interior looks complete. Inspecting the supplied photos confirms a mix of mismatched and faded vinyl upholstery, making a retrim essential. The interior is an area that demonstrates why these cars are such popular project candidates. Trim kits designed to achieve a factory-fresh appearance retail for around $2,000, including seat foam and a dash pad. Buyers can also upgrade to Mach 1 or custom upholstery, with many companies offering tempting alternatives. The finished product, in this case, will depend on how focused the buyer is on originality.
The VIN for this Mustang indicates it rolled off the line powered by the F-Code 302ci V8, producing 210hp. Coupled with a three-speed automatic transmission, it would have allowed this classic to cover the ¼-mile in 16.4 seconds. The seller indicates the ‘Stang is no longer numbers-matching. However, the motor occupying the engine bay offers a wealth of possibilities. The seller describes it as a 429, but we receive little information on its history or specifications. It is merely sitting in place and doesn’t run. The installer added a C6 automatic transmission while the car retains its original front disc brakes. The buyer might delve further into this engine to confirm its specifications and suitability, or they may choose to slot another motor under the hood. If the V8 is sound and suitable for a rebuild, upgrading it to Cobra Jet specifications could prove impossible to resist.
First Generation Mustang projects always generate interest when listed for sale. While some of that interest stems from the general desirability of these classics, they possess a couple of significant positive attributes. The first is the ready availability of high-quality and affordable reproduction parts. An enthusiast with enough cash could conceivably build a brand-new ’69 Mustang using parts off the shelf. However, desirability provides the second attribute that some consider when assessing a potential project. It provides the catalyst for values to continue climbing at an extraordinary rate, and the trend shows no signs of slowing. Even non-original examples command impressive prices, providing an enjoyable ownership experience and a rock-solid long-term investment. Determining the potential value of a car like this is challenging because any modified vehicle is only worth what someone is willing to pay. However, if its V8 roars back to life and the new owner performs a high-end refurbishment, it should command a value well beyond $50,000. You don’t need to take my word for it because the bidding history tells the true story. Are you tempted to join the party on this Mustang?
Painted everything even the chrome with that awful blue, even the rust. That 429 looks like a boat anchor, and the few shots of the underside look bad. if you are willing to take this roach on with a full resto, better look it over first. Dont think they ever put a garden variety 429 in the rustangs when they still had the boss engines and FE’s. Good luck.
Cheers
GPC
You are correct. The only 429 that was an option for a 1969 Mustang was the Boss 429. In 1971 the 429CJ and 429SCJ became options however they were only available that one year. They were no longer on the option list for the 1972 model year Mustangs.
“T” code mustangs were 200 cid 6 cylinder cars. That’s probably an 8 inch rear end under there too. Right now the price is too much.
Sorry, put the T in the wrong spot. It’s an F code car so a 302 and without the door tag you wouldn’t be able to verify anything else. I still bet that’s an 8 inch under there though.
So they put in a different engine that they do not know its condition??
put the pieces together to make it look like a whole car. Do your homework. bidding is fraught with scammers. Used much lipstick on this porker,
Cheers
GPC
Interesting start. But I’ll tell you right now in the late 60s and early 70s Ford would put anything you wanted in a new ordered car. I have and have had for over 25+ years a 70 mach 1. With a 429scj super t10 and a 430 drag pack rear. I have traced it back to Ford and the org. Owner ordered and it built the way he wanted this mustang. I know all the Ford guru are going to say BS. But they always do that till proven wrong. Hope they get what the want for it and build it. Because mine was a street monster. And has been sitting for years. But will be again someday.
Marti Report?