Here at Barn Finds, we’ve seen some quite cheap Mustang project cars, but this is probably one of the cheapest. This one has its share of rust issues, but as someone once said, “No car is beyond saving. It just depends on how deep your pockets are.” You will find this one listed for sale here on eBay. It is located in Osteen, Florida, and comes with a clear title. So, how cheap is cheap? The owner has set a BIN price of $2,250 for the Mustang, although there is also the option to make an offer.
The Mustang is essentially complete, but this is a car that is going to require major restoration work. It’s hard to tell what the rockers are like, but there is obvious rust in the lower quarter panels. There is also rust in the floors, and the owner says that they will need replacing. What we don’t know is the state of the frame rails, torque boxes, or other rust-prone areas. Rust in a Mustang is a bit like an iceberg: For the amount that you can see on the surface, there’s seven times as much hiding below the surface.
The interior of the Mustang is also a pretty sad sight, but it is largely complete. It is also possible in this shot to see some of the rust in the floor, and it isn’t that pretty. I guess that looking on the bright side of things, the interior is essentially complete, and non-genuine parts are readily available.
This Mustang has a 289ci V8 and a top-loader transmission. However, this is not the combination that it started life with. This car used to have a 6-cylinder engine, but that was given the heave-ho some time back. The engine currently doesn’t run, but we also get no indication as to whether it turns freely. Judging by the liberal coating of rust on the fan-belt pullies, it doesn’t look like the engine has turned in quite some time, so your guess on that is as good as mine. Trying to put a positive spin on it: At least it isn’t a numbers matching car, so replacing the engine, if necessary, doesn’t pose the sort of dilemma that it would if that was the original engine sitting there.
When it comes to restoration projects, this is a big one. There is so much work involved in this car, that it’s enough to make your head spin. As I said at the start, any car can be restored with the right amount of money. This is one of the cheapest Mustang project cars that we’ve seen in a long time, but does the cheap sale price justify the expense involved in the restoration? Over to you for an answer.
Run do not walk to the nearest exit. Do not look back. You will turn to salt.
I really like the condition of the back seat. I wonder what happened to the rest of the car?
Florida, not likely. Salted roads, probably.
I like the before and after photos, and all it took was a good washing with a high pressure hose to dangle that bumper.
that’s a lot of coin for a beat 289 and a toploader. Being a fla car you might have to deal with rust in the roof also. Looker over real good. rust in the cowl too. Good luck to the new owner!
Adam, I think the Seller is in fantasyland. This car is a parts donor at about $1400.00 Maybe. There are a ton of Mustangs out there at more or less realistic prices related to market values, where much less work is needed.
They priced it as a parts car. They have 279 items listed on eBay, if this doesn’t sell it will wind up there piece by piece.
Steve R
Only if you got it for free and had a huge sentimental attachment to it. No other reason to pick this crusty booger.
Interesting shifter platform.
Sloppy engine and trans swap with a probably-not-upgraded suspension? For $2200? Nope. There was a ’66 with a 6 cylinder and an auto for sale near me in very nice driver shape for $6500 not long ago. This is a $1k parts car.
Looks like the rear end was upgraded but the front wasn’t.
It appears that this is the result of picking the best parts from the extensive collection in the background. All it needs is a complete new body, interior, suspension, tires, motor and transmission. The shift knob/handle looks like it could be refurbished to new. You might be able to polish the glass. I wonder if the two-barrel carb is unusually high making the addition of an Autozone hood bubble necessary. Wait, the hood seems to have dissolved in the carwash. Nevermind. Oh, and it may need an alignment.
Rode hard, put away wet. Time for the glue factory for this old pony. Pull a few parts and let ‘er go.
That’s a ridiculous price. This is a pretty poor parts car, realistically only worth between 500-750 bucks. I bought a much better running registered ’70 coupe for 1,400 bucks a few years back. After fixing it up some, to the tune of another 3000 dollars I sold it for 4,000.00. A year later I saw it on CL offered at 4,000.00, again. Lots and lots of early Mustang coupes out there. No need to rush into buying a piece of crap like this!