Some project candidates require more work than others, and this 1969 Mustang Fastback is no exception. It is missing a few pieces that the new owner could easily obtain if they choose the faithful path. However, they could also view this classic as a blank canvas, embarking on a restomod or Mach 1 tribute build. They will be limited by nothing but their budget, imagination, and determination. Let’s take a look so that you can decide if you possess those attributes in sufficient quantities to tackle this project.
The 1969 model year brought the second significant upgrade to the First Generation Mustang range. As with the previous changes, these were designed to accommodate larger engines and provide a greater physical presence. This Fastback rolled off the line that year wearing Lime Gold, but a color change occurred many years ago. However, that will be the least of the new owner’s concerns. First Generation Mustangs have a reputation for rust, and even though this one is in a dry location, it hasn’t avoided the worst that the tin worm can throw at it. Sadly, it would be quicker to list the areas unaffected because this classic needs new floors, torque boxes, and a trunk pan. Those problems aren’t insurmountable, but the dissolving front and rear rails will add significantly to the workload. Externally, rust has consumed the typical lower extremities, meaning the quarter panels, rockers, and lower door corners require plenty of work. Some trim pieces are salvageable, and the tinted glass might be okay.
The VIN confirms the original owner ordered this Mustang with the F-Code version of the 302ci V8, which sent 220hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission when this classic was at its peak. Those days are far behind it, and there are unanswered questions. The transmission is a distant memory, and the seller is unsure whether the engine is original. They aren’t even sure whether it is a 302. Whether or not it turns is a further mystery, and if someone tackles this build, the restomod path might prove irresistible.
Unfortunately, the news gets no better when we focus on this Mustang’s interior. It appears to be a “what you see is what you get” proposition. There are no front seats, rear seat base, carpet, or headliner. The dash appears intact, but the pad has the typical collapsing area around the speaker grille. I would normally discuss a trim kit at this point, but there are plenty of hurdles to clear before that is required.
The seller has listed this 1969 Mustang Fastback here on eBay in Wylie, Texas. They set their price at $9,800 OBO, which appears, at face value, to be pretty affordable for a relatively complete First Generation Mustang project candidate. However, the new owner faces a veritable mountain of work returning the body to a rust-free state. The steel required to achieve that goal is available, and most parts are very affordable. The big question is whether we have readers who would rise to that challenge. Is this a viable project, or does your crystal ball predict that this Mustang’s future is as a donor for other builds?
Credit to the seller (an auto salvage operation?) for tons of pics. Which reveal this Mustang to be in very poor shape. Needs everything, surely will take tens of thousands of dollars to bring it back to “something.” So my first thought was, not a viable project.
But for reference, I looked at Autotrader Classics. Restored fastback (i.e. “Sportsroof”) Mustangs, even non-Mach 1’s, bring big bucks. Maybe there is a future for this 1969, a favorite Mustang model year for many (me included).
Another car for sale by Dennis Collins, his YouTube channel and appearances on Fast and Loud opens him up to a variety of cars for sale most people could only dream about. It goes to show the best deals are never advertised, otherwise he wouldn’t do the volume he does. They’ve mad mention that only a fraction of the cars he buys are shown. No wonder he comes across as happy in the videos.
Steve R
He turns a lot of his buys on BAT and thru the major auctions. Sold off a few Vette’s just the other day. The Z/28 he bought up north off the orginal owners widow he has already turned. I remember when the Jeep brothers first started in that field up by the famous South Fork Ranch – it’s up by Lucus where I found my stolen 2+2.
Come on Dennis, not every car can be saved.
A true Fred Flintstone car, if there ever was one. Bet you Dennis got it for nothing.
Lifted with the fork truck, should have kept going to the crusher. The way the stance is, the appearance is that the engine is gone; is the rear so eaten out that it sags that much? Odd.
For a rot wagon that needs everything and then some, it is too much money. Cars are often advertised for big bucks, but they don’t always sell.
A Dynacorn body complete is about $19,000. I feel that it would cost about that much to purchase and repair that body. He has this old mustang priced too high. It is too close to the margin. You are better off to purchase a new body.
A Dynacorn body might be a way to go with this one if it were in any way a rare model, but it isn’t.
It’s a 302 Fastback auto, not even a GT or Mach 1. And he has it priced too high to even be a parts car for a viable project.
Dennis should have just let this one die in peace.