Ford’s approach with its First Generation Mustang wasn’t revolutionary. However, offering a six-cylinder engine as the entry point made its new model affordable enough to generate significant sales. This 1967 example demonstrates that, and its sheltered existence has left it almost totally rust-free and unmolested. It recently emerged after decades in storage, and while it would seem an ideal candidate for restoration or a custom build, it would command as much respect if preserved in its current form. It is listed here on eBay in Tacoma, Washington. Bidding has raced to $7,500 in a No Reserve auction.
The record-setting 1966 model year was always going to be a tough act to follow, especially considering the Mustang faced its first serious competition in the pony car market segment in 1967. It came to the table with a car that featured the first significant updates as Ford began shoehorning larger engines under the hood of the Mustang. This car is a claimed one-owner vehicle that spent years in dry storage. The Beige Mist paint is original, with the vehicle never receiving repairs or restoration. It shines surprisingly well, and preserving this Ford in its current form seems viable. However, there is enough deterioration to warrant restoration for anyone seeking perfection. The best news is this classic’s lack of significant rust. There appear to be small areas in the lower corners of both doors and evidence that some may be emerging from around the taillights. Otherwise, this beauty is said to be rock-solid. The chrome and glass are in excellent condition for their age, and the car retains its original hubcaps.
There is no escaping the fact that this Mustang’s drivetrain components made it the least potent offering available in 1967. The engine bay houses the T-Code 200ci six that sends 120hp and 190 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission. Many enthusiasts focus on these classics with a V8 under the hood, but the fact is that it is cars like this that were Ford’s bread-and-butter in the Mustang range. The seller confirms this survivor is numbers-matching, which some consider vital when contemplating its potential future value. They claim it has a genuine 96,000 miles on the clock, and although they don’t mention verifying evidence, its known ownership history means there may be documentation supporting the claim. This Mustang spent over two decades in storage but has been revived. Its engine runs well, and the transmission shifts smoothly. The seller states that with some minor brake work and new tires, it will be ready to return to its rightful place on our roads.
One aspect of this Mustang requiring TLC is its interior, although it is serviceable in its current form. The splits on the driver’s seat are beyond repair, and the painted surfaces require a refresh. However, I would thoroughly clean everything before compiling a shopping list because I suspect it will be short. It will include front seatcovers and a driver’s armrest, but the remaining trim and upholstery seem acceptable. The dash and pad are excellent, the gauges feature clear lenses, and the factory console adds a touch of luxury. That appears to be one of only two major interior options, with this Mustang retaining its AM radio.
This 1967 Mustang has attracted seventeen bids, and it would be fascinating to talk with those individuals to ascertain their plans if it finds its way into their garage. It is a prime candidate for preservation or restoration, although slotting a more powerful drivetrain under its skin may prove irresistible. I typically lean towards originality, but sacrificing this Mustang for a custom build wouldn’t worry me unduly because Ford produced so many in 1967. However, there is an indefinable quality that will probably have many leaning towards maintaining it in its current form. Do you agree, or are your visions grander? The No Reserve factor means it is mere days away from finding a new home. Are you tempted to make it yours?
I enjoy seeing six-cylinder Mustangs as much as (or more) than the more-commonly-seen V8 models. It reminds us that not everything was a muscle car back in the day. This example looks really good from the lead photo, but studying the pics it shows its age. It would be fine to do the minor mechanical work noted then drive and show it as a survivor. Or maybe spend the bucks for rust repair, paint, and interior work. I do understand how it is a prime candidate for a performance-oriented build, but I hope it stays closer to its roots.
One minor tidbit: the seller claims the engine paint is original. Could be, but the paint on my straight six Mustang was mostly gone after not many years.
Thanks Adam.
These were nice driving little cars in their day. With the lighter 6 they handled really well, and didn’t need power steering (although the turns lock-to-lock were more than you would expect, both with manual and PS.) The advent of radial ply tires in place of the original bias ply tires made a tremendous improvement in ride, handling and braking, so these are much better now than they were when new. If you look at this Mustang as a sporty weekend runabout and not as a high performance car, it’s just about perfect. I’d love to have one like this as a toy (and even more so with a manual transmission!) and hope the new owner will enjoy it as it is, rather than remaking it into something different from its origins (remember, someone bought and loved it just like this!)
Another car that would be much more fun with a manual. I guess I’m just a manual maniac when it comes to my play toys; (full disclosure: my 50 and 55 DeSotos were automatic). I always enjoyed shifting. In fact I never even owned a daily driver automatic until 1996 when we bought a new Chevy Lumina for my wife. I confess that I’m on a bit of a rant today. I’ll blame it on the dreary winter weather that Scotty so aptly referred to.
Nice little runner there and bought at a good price.
I had one of these back in the day, 6cyl. stick, talk about a very easy engine to work on, this was it.
I have a white 1967 Mustang with the six cylinder 200 engine.It is a lot of fun and is my daily driver.
I had a 67 coupe with the sport sprint 6, I heard it was a 300 ci. I do know it was pretty quick for a 6, traded it for a 23 t-bucket, wish I would have kept it.
Feedback rating is terrible. Good luck to buyer.
Those little 6’s run like sewing machines. I would leave it alone.