Mustangs were so popular in the 1960s that few of them are rare, but many of them have an interesting combination of options. For example, take this 43,000-mile, two-owner, rust-free, all-original 1969 coupe. It has standard dog-dish hubcaps and little to hint that it’s packing any more punch under the hood than a six or a 302 two-barrel, but no…it’s an original M-Code car, which means that it has the first-year 351 Windsor with a four-barrel carburetor. On top of that, it has air conditioning, too, and while the seller hasn’t purchased a Marti Report for the car, it would be enlightening to see how many (or few, more likely) were outfitted like this one. It’s being offered here on eBay as an auction in Decatur, Illinois, with the top bid so far being a strong $15,300.
I love when sellers post the door tag on a Ford, the Fisher Body tag on a GM, or the fender tag on a Mopar; it makes things so much easier. Through this one, we learn that the Mustang is an early-year build: September 24, 1968. It’s wearing its original paint color of Silver Jade, which was more popular than you might think; CJ Pony Parts reports that 30,211 Mustangs were painted that pretty color in 1969. The “2A” trim codes tells us that the interior has standard black vinyl bucket seats, while the “21” District Sales Office code means that the car was originally sold in the Atlanta area, which explains its rust-free condition. (Additionally, the seller says that he bought it from its original owner in Georgia.)
Finally, the rear axle code of “6” denotes a 3.00:1 rear axle, and the “X” means that the transmission is the FMX automatic.
The “M” code in the VIN means that this basic hardtop has the 290-horsepower 351 Windsor four-barrel, which was new for 1969. (For those who don’t speak Ford, the 351 Cleveland wasn’t introduced until 1970.) The differences between the M-Code and its two-barrel H-Code brother were minor; aside from the carburetion (an Autolite 4300 shown here), the four-barrel Windsor had higher-compression pistons. A period Hot Rod Magazine road test proved that a Mach 1 equipped with this engine could trip the quarter-mile lights in a little more than 15 seconds at around 90 miles per hour, which wasn’t muscle car performance in 1969, but it wasn’t bad for a middle-engined pony car.
You may have noticed the air conditioning compressor, although its missing belt implies that it will need some repairs. This car also has power steering and power brakes.
It’s implied that the interior is original to the car, and if so, it’s held up remarkably well. I don’t see any torn seams in the pictures, and the carpet has even maintained its color.
The undercarriage is spotless: the seller posted a video here. There’s also a walkaround video here.
So many Mustangs are customized that it’s always a treat to see one looking as it did when it rolled off the line, in September of 1968 in this case. While the understated exterior hides an optional engine you might not expect, it’s not a big-block car, so it shouldn’t break the bank. Bidding is strong, however, so obviously at least a couple people appreciate its originality, and it is a nice-looking little coupe.
I like it. From back when one could option the car how one wanted it. This example is a mix of a base coupe with a plain black interior and dog dishes, but with a 351 and air. Silver Jade is a very attractive color. Given the low miles and the overall good condition, I’d keep it just the way it is.
The seller could do his audience a favor if he didn’t SHOUT AT US, and if he wrote in sentences and paragraphs.
Thanks Aaron.
Talk about plain Jane, $20,100 now.
Pretty close to how i’d want my 1969 Mustang,having owned a 1969 Boss 302 in a big city i wasnt comfy with the almost zero rear visibility and always preferred the coupe.And green is my favourite colour :P