Daily Driver: 1969 Ford Mustang Fastback

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The thought of using a First Generation Mustang as a daily driver sounds pretty attractive, and that is one of the possibilities offered by this 1969 model. Its presentation isn’t perfect, meaning that the occasional chip or mark is unlikely to cause sleepless nights. However, its lack of rust problems and generally clean panels make it a prime candidate for restoration. Located in Buffalo, New York, you will find the Mustang listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has hit $18,988, taking it beyond the reserve.

It is pretty common to find First Generation Mustang project cars carrying rust problems ranging from minor to catastrophic. That isn’t the case with this Fastback. The seller states that the floor pans and torque boxes have been replaced and mentions no other problems. The engine bay shot shows shock towers that are sound, and there’s nothing visible externally in any of the prone lower body extremities. That gives us cause to believe that the grinder and welder won’t work overtime on this classic. Its Candy Apple Red paint has minor flaws and defects, but these are acceptable if the buyer wishes to retain the vehicle as a survivor. The panels have some blemishes, but these are repairable without the need for any replacement steel. If the buyer chooses to perform a cosmetic refresh, the process should prove easy. The seller added an aftermarket rear spoiler and louver, but the rest of the exterior is unmolested. The Mustang rolls on its original steel wheels, but a set of aluminum wheels are among the collection of parts included in the sale.

Lifting the hood reveals an F-Code 302ci V8 that produces 210hp. The original owner elected to add a three-speed automatic transmission and power steering, making the driving experience pretty effortless. Ford produced more powerful Mustangs in 1969, but this car’s ability to storm the ¼ mile in 16.4 seconds looked respectable when it was new. The engine bay presents nicely, but that’s only the first slice of good news. The seller indicates that the Fastback is numbers-matching, which will only serve to improve its potential future value. They rebuilt the transmission eight years ago, and the rest of the car is in sound mechanical health. The seller uses the vehicle as a daily driver, suggesting there are no nasty gremlins lurking below the surface with this classic. They include the original Owner’s Manual, the previously mentioned bin of parts, and some restoration books for those wishing to give the car a bit of a birthday.

One aspect of this Mustang requiring no attention is its interior. The listing suggests that the seller performed a retrim when the floors and torque boxes received attention. It presents superbly, with no signs of wear or abuse. The Black vinyl is flawless, there are no issues with the carpet or dash, and the wood-rimmed wheel adds a touch of class. The buyer doesn’t receive a long list of optional extras, but I think there is a radio to relieve boredom on long journeys.

What would you do if you found this 1969 Mustang nestled in your garage? Its overall condition means that it has no immediate needs, and the buyer could drive it knowing that its value won’t plummet if it cops the occasional chip. Alternatively, with its rust now a distant memory, it would make a straightforward restoration project that will appreciate with time. I’d probably opt for the instant gratification route of driving and enjoying it now but returning it to its former glory as time and circumstances allow. That would give me the best of both worlds, and I can’t see any negatives in that approach. Can you?

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Comments

  1. Fred W

    I love owning a classic in this condition. Yes, the car show snobs may sneer if you enter it in a high end show, but the local show sponsored by the Rotary club will love it. Drive it up to the hardware store with no worries about one scratch or ding costing you $3000 in value. If this were closer I’d be all over it!

    Like 10
  2. James Quinn

    First thing I would do is ditch the wing (wings are for planes), non factory louvers and the ugly pinstriping.

    Like 4
  3. Walt

    First Generation Mustang? Wouldn’t this be a Third Gen?

    Like 2
    • Bolivar Shagnasty

      nope.. 1st gen 64-73.. 2nd gen 74-78.. 3rd gen 79-93.. 4th gen 94-04.. 5th gen 05-14.. 6th gen 15-present.

      Like 9
      • Walt

        Guess I was too focused on the styling changes.

        Like 3
      • Rodney

        Although correct, I’m with Walt. Take 4th Gen even. A 94 and a 04 are vastly different cars.

        Like 0
    • Steve

      I feel the same way Walt.
      To me, the Mustang generations would be: 1st) 64.5-66, 2nd) 67 & 68, 3rd) 69 & 70
      and the 4th gen, before devolving into the Ghia style, would be years 71-73.
      There were considerable differences between my 67 and my buddy’s 66, but I guess the changes must be pretty drastic to to move into new gen territory.

      Like 1
  4. Rodney

    Drivers rear has has some work. Entire panel repaint.
    I would be concerned on what is underneath that paint.

    Like 1
  5. Howie

    Yes very nice, not crazy over the hubcaps and whitewalls.

    Like 5
    • Brad460Member

      I’d get rid of the white walls but keep the hubcaps. Magnums are nice but you see thousands of mustang’s with magnums, very few with these cool wheelcovers.

      Like 0
  6. Christopher Gentry

    Drive it and enjoy it. It’s fine as is.

    Like 4
  7. Dave

    First thing I would do is put a set of new tires and magnum 500’s on this one. Change the whole appearance.

    Like 2
  8. Christopher Gentry

    I’ve never gotten the 1st gen running from 65 -73 either. Always thought a automobile generation was model years that shared more common parts than different. But I Grew up with 65/66 Mustangs as Dads daily used car. What they had in common other than name with a 73 is beyond me

    Like 1
  9. Gary c MacDougall

    A true MACH 1 came with high back Buckets and a 351,, either Clevland or Winsor And were commonly ordered with trunk Fins and Louvears. so That means it is just a Fastback not MACH 1. Still a nice car just pointing out the facts and money difference involved at resale.

    Like 0
  10. GREGORY M SMITH

    It is not a Mach1 poorly done clone without the decals! It is a fastbck or what some referred to as a 2+2 with the 302 cid.
    I owned one in 1971 it was my 1st car

    Like 0

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