Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Blank Canvas: 1969 Ford Mustang

There are a hardy group of enthusiasts who would love nothing better than to create the car of their dreams, but the thought of destroying an original classic in the process is more than they can bear. Their choices are to either let their vision go or start their quest with a car that has fallen into a sad state of disrepair. Often, they will face plowing vast sums of money into rust repairs before they can start, but this 1969 Mustang might offer a promising alternative. This is not a numbers-matching survivor but a rock-solid classic that would make an excellent foundation for any build. The owner has decided to part with the Mustang, so he has listed it for sale here on eBay. It is located in Madison, Minnesota, and while thirty bids have pushed the price to $15,100, this figure remains short of the reserve.

The history of this Mustang is unclear, but its future could be whatever the buyer wants. The exterior of the car appears to be complete, with no significant components or parts missing. The panels are in excellent condition for their age, with no apparent dings or dents. The trim appears to be in good order, as does the glass. However, the ace that this Mustang holds up its sleeve is its rust-free status. The panels look spotlessly clean, but they are merely the entree with this classic. The floors wear the occasional spot of surface corrosion, but there is no penetrating rust to be found anywhere. I would go as far as to say that this is one of the nicest original and unrestored ’69 Mustang bodies that I have seen for a very long time. As the basis for a project build, they don’t come much better than this. It would help to explain why the bidding has been spirited, despite this Mustang not featuring an engine or transmission.

Harry Houdini was a master illusionist, and he graphically demonstrated on numerous occasions that there were times when our eyes perceived something, but that reality was entirely different. That is the case with this Mustang because the owner has listed it as a Mach 1. However, when we decipher the VIN on this vehicle, we discover that it indicates that the car rolled off the production line with an F-Code V8 under the hood. For the 1969 model year, that would’ve made it the 302-2V unit that produced 210hp. Unfortunately, Ford didn’t offer that motor in a ’69 Mach 1, which means that this is a clone. Still, that probably makes it more worthy as a candidate for a project build. The owner does have an engine and transmission that he might be willing to negotiate on for potential buyers. That is something worth considering if the combination meets your project objectives. Beyond that, the Mustang rolls and steers, and this photo also provides a clear indication of how structurally sound it is.

This Mustang’s interior is complete, but it has seen better days. What can be seen of the upholstered surfaces looks tired, while the same is true of the carpet and headliner. The surprise packet is the dash pad, which shows no evidence of cracks. I wouldn’t be popping the champagne corks too fast because the vinyl looks dry and close to succumbing to the stresses of UV exposure. How the buyer tackles the interior will depend on their vision for the car. If a faithful restoration is the goal, they should have no trouble finding a complete trim kit for under $1,500. If the upmarket appearance of Mach 1 trim appeals, these kits sell for around $2,000. Of course, the buyer might have other ideas, which is a case where they would only be limited by their imagination.

I would hate to estimate how many ’69 Mustang project cars I have seen over the years, but the figure would be pretty significant. Sadly, many of those cars have been in desperate need of major rust repairs, and this prospect can cause potential buyers to pass them over in a search for something better. Our feature car would seem to be the better option that is on the radar for many buyers. It is one of the cleanest examples that I have seen for a long time, and a buyer could transform it into the pony car of their dreams without the trauma of destroying a numbers-matching classic. If a Mustang is on your wish list, maybe you need to give this one a closer look.

Comments

  1. Avatar Terrry

    This looks like a definitely good project. I think, since the price is already well into five figures, the buyer will install a new or rebuilt engine and tranny. It would be worth it.

    Like 1
  2. Avatar flmikey

    I always thought non-Mach One Mustang sport roofs didn’t have the side scoops, so maybe the rear quarters were replaced…I couldn’t find any info on the interweb…

    Like 3
    • Avatar Terry Kreppel

      69 sport roofs had the side scoops, all of them. The 1970 model eliminated the scoops.

      Like 4
      • Avatar Guy

        I don’t think The 69 Boss 302 had the side scopes

        Like 1
    • Avatar Thomas miller

      All 1969 mustang fast backs had the fake brake scoops with the exception of the boss 302. Larry Shinoda didn’t like them so they disappeared on those cars only.

      Like 7
      • Avatar steve

        The one thing I will always disagree on with Larry. I want my scoops!!!!

        Like 3
    • Avatar Miminite

      All ’69 Sportroofs had the scoop except Boss 302. I thought maybe Boss 429s also, but a quick search shows them with.

      I had a ’69 Sportroof back in the day, Not a Mach 1, 351-2v, C4, open rear of maybe 3.0ish ratio, manual drum brakes and steering. It would go pretty good, do a great one wheel peel, but you had to put both feet on the brake and push really hard to hope to slow it down.

      That car was a hand me down from my older brother that bought it new and kept it pristine. I got it and ran the livin’ dogcrap out of it. He still brings that up from time to time…

      Like 1
  3. Avatar JBD

    Not a mach 1! Where do I start? Non- deluxe is interior, none I’m-blow steering wheel. Orig. F code 302-2v motor, etc.

    It does appear to be a solid rust free roller.
    Something of a good solid starting point for a project.

    Like 5
  4. Avatar markp

    Would love to make this into a John Wick movie car!

    Like 1
  5. Avatar Fireballr Member

    There’s another one listed as well. Looks alike on the surface. More days to go and already more money.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-Ford-Mustang-Mach-1-/234194160009?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Howie Mueler

    I saw this posted on FB, yes many reasons this is not a real Mach 1. $16,400 now and reserve not met.

    Like 1

Leave a Reply to Terrry Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.