One of the car discovery scenarios I still can’t believe happens is the buying of a house and finding a vintage ride in the garage. It does still seem to occur with enough frequency to not be considered a fluke, and the seller of this clean 1976 Ford Mustang II Ghia with optional V8 under the hood is offering it up for grabs after finding it tucked in the garage of a recent home purchase. The Ghia trim was an upgrade over the standard cabin finishes, and the 302 V8 is one of the few features that make a Mustang II an intriguing option as a project car. This one looks to be in decent shape despite being left behind by the previous owner and is listed here on eBay with bids to $4,551 and no reserve.
Now, this is an interior! Too bad the days are gone when you could get upholstery this wild without having to have it custom-made. The seller had to have been mildly shocked when opening the door to the “abandoned” car on his property and seeing it was obviously properly loved and cared for at one point in time. The carpets appear to be clean and the door panels look even better than the seats. With the Ghia spec, automatic transmission, and V8 under the hood, it’s obvious the first owner of this Mustang II wanted a car with all the trimmings. Perhaps pride of ownership is why it has survived to such a high standard.
Mileage is listed as 28,644, but obviously, that’s not been verified. Odometer failure was rampant at this point in automotive history, so unless there’s a paper trail backing it up, I wouldn’t put too much faith in that number. Still, the interior cosmetics at least suggest it could be a possibility, even if there are obvious paint issues on the panel between the edge of the hood and the windshield. The engine bay is clean, and given how many Mustang IIs lost their V8s to other more desirable models, this car is a survivor in more ways than one. The V8 fills out the engine bay nicely, and the seller notes he has cleaned out the gas tank, replaced some fuel lines, dropped in a new battery, and the Mustang fired right up.
The bodywork looks nice and clean down all sides of the car, which makes the isolated paint damage on the front bodywork odd, to say the least. The hubcaps are all accounted for and the luxurious half-vinyl roof is in good order. The paint shines nicely as-is, and I doubt the seller has had it professionally detailed; it’d likely look even better once that single-stage paint has been brought back to life. Overall, this is a solid entry into classic car ownership, and even if the humble Mustang II isn’t your thing, it’s easy to love it just for somehow surviving the test of time and emerging from a forgotten garage as a healthy, happy driver.
Looks like a reasonably well-kept Mustang II. I also love the interior, it is so different as compared to today’s models and gives this example some character. A bright red V8 Ghia for those who like Mustang II’s is a nice combination. I think Jeff’s last sentence is fitting, if nothing else I appreciate this car for having survived in good shape.
When they were first introduced I thought they were a laughable replacement for the Mustangs that came before them. But Ford got the last laugh. “He who laughs last laughs best.”
And now I think the Mustang II is a pretty nice collectible.
People actually looked for Mustang II carcasses to salvage their week kneed V-8’s Jeff? Not in my part of the woods.
With all due respect to you, Bob_In_TN….
AARGH!!! Plaid!!!
LOL,
One of the nicest interiors I ever had was blue plaid in a ’72 Cougar.
Plaid interiors, plaid jackets, plaid pants. That was the 70s, man!
One of my favorite cars. Had a beautiful green plaid interior. A ’72 Cougar Xr7, I loved that car.
The metal that the cowl panel is made of is different from the body panels. I have seen this before. Factory did not prep the metal properly, and the paint didn’t stick.
I’ve often wondered, how does the new homeowner get a title in situations like this?
As far as title is concerned, first thing would be if there is a lien on the car.If not and your state requires a title maybe have to apply for salvage title. Here in Maine if the car is 15yrs or older no title required, just bill of sale and that would be fulfilled by the sales agreement on the home. Once papers signed whatever’s left in the house is the new property owners.
Since the car is in Missouri, state law says you fill out a form, send that into the Dept of Revenue. Then you get another form for a state trooper to inspect the vehicle to confirm it’s not stolen. The state will then give you the address of the last registered owner. You send them a certified letter, giving them opportunity to claim the property. If they dont respond in 30 days, the state will send you a title and you can register your car.
That would be if its sold to someone in Missouri, If its sold out of state they’re laws would apply as far as registration…..
The seller should do the leg work and obtain ownership of the car BEFORE selling it.
‘even if there are obvious paint issues on the panel between the edge of the hood and the windshield.’
Note the bad panel fit between the grille fascia and the hood as well.
Something a bit off, but not criminally bad. Decades on the road will do that
Very nice car.
Also, odometers were far easier to roll back before digital ones came around but this one is seems aged appropriately for a car with 28,ooo miles and 46 years of time on it.
Quite unlike the “36,000 mile” ’64 Falcon wagon featured a few days back.
My goodness how fashion have changed , talk about under powered
Located in:
Ballwin, Missouri
Mustang Ii, Boredom 0. Red car check. Cool red patterned upholstery. V8 check. Automatic transmission mandatory for me. Air conditioning freon upgrade? Who knows. Mileage a total gamble. What does get a red flag for me is the certificate of motor vehicle title in order to license, insure and drive this cool Barn Find. Buying the real estate gives title to the land and buildings but does not transfer a car title. Can apply for an abandoned vehicle title if left behind. Just something for a buyer to ask the seller.
Ebay ad states “clean title”
$5,300 now, nice interior, i guess the odometer has flipped.
302 / 5.0 / Lots of after market parts for these. I’d love to put this back on the road and warm it up a little bit. Change the rear end and make it 5 lug. Have Fun. I’ve seen some sweet Stang II’s.
Two of these have just come up for sale by the same owner here in central New York and i may finally get one. One is yellow and the other black. Ill drop in a 300hp. 2.3 l engine and have the best sleeper around.
Wow! This looks like a great little affordable car, even if someone (not necessarily an enthusiast) just needed one! $5300 with 5 hours to go. The condition of the interior is excellent and under the hood doesn’t look bad either. Mileage is questionable but regardless, this will be a good buy for anyone IMHO. It’s ready to go with lots of life left in it most likely. Can’t go wrong with a V-8, either!
Sold $6,850.
Ended: Feb 27, 2022 , 11:49AM
Winning bid:US $6,850.13
[ 18 bids ]