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Final Year Model: 1969 Ford Mustang GT

Ford’s decision to introduce the Mach 1 variant to its First Generation Mustang range for 1969 had one unintended consequence. Buyers warmly embraced the Mach 1 but turned their backs on the previously popular GT version. This dramatic shift motivated the company to drop the GT before the year ended. This 1969 Mustang GT is a spotless example that needs a new home. That appears to be the only thing it needs because it is a rock-solid example that runs and drives well. If you are tempted to own the last of a breed, the GT is listed here on eBay in Campbell Hall, New York. Bidding sits at $28,300 but is yet to meet the reserve.

The seller indicates this GT underwent a repaint in its original shade of Indian Fire Red in 2017. Since then, it has been garage-kept and received limited use. As a result, it continues to present superbly. The paint holds a beautiful shine, and there is no evidence of chips or scratches. They claim that the vehicle retains all of its original steel apart from the front and rear pans. They replaced the pans as part of the repaint process, using NOS parts to continue the “genuine Ford steel” theme. The GT has no history of prior rust issues and remains rust-free. It isn’t clear whether the cosmetic refresh included new or reconditioned trim, but it sparkles as impressively as the paint. The GT wheels, center caps, and trim rings look flawless, while the same is true of the glass.

Lifting this Mustang’s hood reveals an H-Code 351ci V8 producing 250hp. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission, while the original owner included power steering and power front disc brakes. If the driver pointed this classic at a ¼ mile, it would complete the journey in 15.8 seconds. That may not make it the most potent version to roll off a Ford production line in 1969, but buyers considered it pretty respectable. The seller doesn’t specifically say that the GT is numbers-matching, although they claim it has a genuine 75,000 miles on the clock. They also don’t mention supporting evidence, but since they appear approachable, those are questions worth asking. They replaced the radiator, fuel tank, brake booster, and tires. They say it runs and drives well, making it a turnkey classic that needs nothing but a new owner to slip behind the wheel.

When assessing the Mustang’s interior condition, we can afford to keep it short and sweet. The carpet is original and is in excellent condition for its age. The owner treated the rest of the interior to a total retrim, which I believe occurred in 2017. The lack of use since means it presents in as-new condition. There is no wear or physical damage and no apparent aftermarket additions. If this proves correct, the Marti Report indicates that the buyer won’t score air conditioning or other creature comforts, although the AM radio would be welcome on long journeys.

The fall from grace for the Mustang GT is demonstrated by its sales figures. In 1968, with no Mach 1 as a competitor, 17,458 buyers ordered a Mustang GT. Ford introduced the Mach 1 in August 1968 for the 1969 model year, with 72,458 buyers ticking the box on their Order Form. The poor GT’s sales figure plummeted to 5,396 cars, leading the company to discontinue that variant before the model year ended. It wasn’t that the GT was a bad car, but it was more a case of the Mach 1 striking the right note with the buying public. There is something appealing about owning the last of a breed, which is the opportunity offered by this classic. The relative rarity means genuine GTs don’t often hit the classic market. So, if you want to own a Mustang that will receive plenty of positive comments from knowledgeable enthusiasts, this could be the car for you.

Comments

  1. Avatar Bob_in_TN Member

    Nice write-up Adam. I had a 1969 GT coupe back in the 90’s. It was originally Black Jade but had been repainted in a non-Ford bright red during a restoration. Oddly equipped: 390 4-speed, vinyl roof, AM radio, air conditioning (!!), but no power steering or brakes or other niceties.

    The Marti Report does provide the data to learn there were only 1311 GT coupes in 1969.

    This looks like a very nice car. A cool feature is the “geared” gas cap, specific to the GT. I like Indian Fire. If you don’t have to have a Mach 1 this would be a great second choice.

    Like 14
  2. Avatar Bob_in_TN Member

    I’m glad a kept this copy when I sold the car.

    Like 12
    • Avatar 67Firebird_Cvt Member

      4 gallons of gas….$1.33!

      Like 4
      • Avatar Bob

        I noticed that too. Probably represents about 50 miles.

        Like 1
  3. Avatar bobhess Member

    Beautiful car. The ’69s are my favorite of the early Mustangs. Easy to look at, fun to drive. What more could you ask for?

    Like 12
  4. Avatar Claudio

    Original ford replacement floor pans ?

    Like 0
  5. Avatar CCFisher

    This is a great example of a very seldom-seen Mustang variant.

    “no rust ever in this car, ORIGINAL sheet metal except for the front and rear pans that were replaced wit NOS”

    1) If there was no rust, why were the floors replaced?
    2) I call BS on the NOS floorpans. Any NOS floors that were out there were snapped up decades ago by the concours restoration crowd.

    Like 2
    • Avatar jwh14580

      I’m confused. I see no mention of floorpans…. when it said front and rear pans, I thought that meant the valances. Both front and rear were subject to alot of damage on this generation of Mustang.

      Like 0
  6. Avatar PMacD

    Had a 69 Grande in black jade as my first car in 1973. I was going to buy a Pinto, but 69 was traded in with only 21000 miles. Wish I still had it!

    Like 2
  7. Avatar Howie

    Very nice, $33k now and reserve met, with 3 days left it should go higher.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Guardstang

    I think Ford should have kept the GT option, after all you could order it on coupes and convertibles too. Mach 1’s were fastback only.

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Burt

    As I understand, Mach 1 was mostly a cosmetic package where you got a tach and some gauges and decals and it had to have at least a 2 bbl carb V-8 but no upper level performance. What did the ‘69 GT option get you?

    Like 0
  10. Avatar scottymac

    CCFisher: I think the seller meant SPLASH pans, not floor pans. You know, the panels under the bumpers that get beat up with gravel and road debris?

    Adam Clarke: “…last of a breed,…” I understand, but don’t forget the Mustang GT was reintroduced in 1982.

    Like 1

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