This 1969 Ford Mustang Convertible presents beautifully, and the seller is confident enough to describe its condition as “mint.” That’s a bold call, but the car’s overall condition makes it plausible. However, one of the most intriguing aspects of their description is that the seats are trimmed in Corinthian leather. If true, that feature adds an extra layer of luxury. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Convertible listed here on eBay in Lakeland, Florida. Bidding sits below the reserve at $15,000 as the auction heads into its final days.
The 1969 model year brought the second major update to Ford’s iconic First Generation Mustang range. The company increased the physical dimensions to accommodate larger engines under the hood. It was also hoped that a refresh would slow the sales decline that had gathered momentum since the glory days of 1966. This Convertible rolled off the line in September 1968, ordered by its first owner in iconic Candy Apple Red. Its presentation is impressive, with sparkling paint, arrow-straight panels, consistent gaps, and no evidence of rust. One aspect of this Convertible that I find attractive is the power top, ordered in White. I have seen plenty of these cars with Black power tops, and the White ones look more classy, in my opinion. The trim and tinted glass are in good order, with the narrow whitewalls adding the ideal finishing touch.
Examining this Mustang’s interior confirms that it presents as impressively as the exterior. It is a sea of Red, from the seats to the carpet, the dash, the wheel, and the door trims. The color is as per the included Marti Report, but one aspect of the seller’s description may raise eyebrows. They describe the seat upholstery as Corinthian leather, a material Ford didn’t offer Mustang buyers in 1969. However, a brief online search confirmed that aftermarket leather in the correct shades and patterns is readily available, and it is possible that someone upgraded the trim. Only an in-person inspection would reveal the truth. There is no significant wear or deterioration, and no reason for the buyer to feel embarrassed to be seen behind the wheel with the top down. The first owner equipped the interior with air conditioning and a console, though the factory AM radio has been replaced by a retro-style AM/FM/Bluetooth unit.
Decoding the VIN confirms that this Mustang left the factory with Ford’s H-Code 351ci V8 under the hood. This two-barrel version delivered 250hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque, and while there were plenty of more potent powerplants available, the performance would have been quite competent in most circumstances. The first owner teamed the 351 with a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The seller provides no information about the Convertible’s mechanical condition, but I see nothing to suggest the news would be anything but positive. Therefore, flying in and driving home may be a viable approach for the winning bidder.
This 1969 Mustang Convertible presents exceptionally well and appears to have no genuine needs or shortcomings. Therefore, it is surprising that it has only received three bids. Of course, many interested parties may be biding their time, poised to strike in the auction’s final minutes. The listing statistics suggest that it is possible. Is that the approach you would take, or would you throw caution to the wind?
Very sharp car. The white top does make for a striking external appearance, and the red interior really pops. Not cheap.
This is a Primo Classics in Lakeland Florida and yes they have very nice inventory, but also will have a very high reserve
Very nice, I see it has the rim blow steering wheel and deluxe dash and door panels. About 25 years ago at a local car show there was a ‘69 GT convertible, 351, 4spd. in Acapulco blue with white deluxe interior mint condition for sale for $15k. Still kick myself for not buying.
I don’t need to tell anyone how often folks use
the word leather when vinyl is the word they want.
Corinthian leather? Ricardo Montalban must be spinning in his grave! “Look what they’ve done to my Mustang”. Still, this is a very nice piece. We’ll see what it goes for at the final gavel. I’ll bet it won’t be cheap.
Too funny Terry!
66,197 miles and mint.
Funny, the included Marti report states it has vinyl seats…
20k now,with more legs yet .A prime example of a nearly perfect summer toy ,and I’m not even a Mustang guy .It will take 30-35 to bring this home .
Very nice car. I have one in Acapulco blue, white interior and top, 408C and 5 speed that I personally restored. This car should go for $35K or the guy should keep it.
This body never did anything at all for me; too big and bulky. “Corinthian leather” is nothing exclusive. It was a marketing ploy for Chrysler, used first in the 1974 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron. So not only is it not period correct for the vehicle, it is also manufacturer incorrect. The leather also does not come from Corinth, rather, Radel Leather Manufacturing Company in Newark, NJ. Maybe they should rename it to “Newark Nubuck” (except that would be wrong too). It can be a pain in the butt to take care of as well.
Any car guy will tell you, that few vehicles are in “excellent” condition. Fewer still are in mint condition; this is basically another marketing ploy. Not sure how a car with over 66K on the clock can be “mint”. I’d like to see the underside pictures that prove it.
The car looks to be in really good condition, but paying a premium (for me at least) would require that the vehicle is all original, never been hit (difficult to prove) and not have multiple prior owners. But that just me. I’d want to see this in person before getting involved to make sure it is all it is supposed to be, because I would bet the reserve is well North of the current $20,101.00 bid.
“too big and bulky” compared to what?
I prefer the 1965, 1966 model years, never much cared for anything after that. I appreciate some of the others for what they are, but I don’t care for a lot of the styling.
This car guy will tell you there are many excellent condition classic cars out there. Just scan the classic car scene for evidence.
And there are many car guys out there that will pay a premium for the right car and this car is the right car for someone.
I’m not sure mint is a word we use in the classic car world, but this dealer obviously thinks it is, so take that with a grain of salt.
Very nice Mustang. By mint do they mean concourse condition. I disagree that few cars are excellent. Many excellent cars out there. Note that car is being sold by a dealer–they are known to stretch the truth and will be looking for big bucks.
It’s a wallet busting $47,900 on their website.
Better have a big bank account if you want to buy anything from them.
Ended, reserve not met at $21,101.00.
And relisted.
As my grandmother used to say ‘ the proof is in the pudding ‘ 21k?