I get it. Some people avoid auctions like the plague. It can be frustrating to bid, monitor the auction, think you’re home and hosed, only to get trumped at the last moment (been there, done that). However, that may not be a concern with this 1969 Ford Mustang Fastback. The auction action has been impressive, but the bidding remains below the reserve. That could be good news, because the seller indicates they will also consider sensible offers. That could make the Fastback worth more than a passing glance. The seller has listed the Mustang here on eBay in Dallas, Texas. Bidding sits at $9,100 with time running down on this auction.
After the stellar performance in 1966, Mustang sales fell sharply during the rest of the 1960s. It became particularly apparent in 1969, when the tally fell below 300,000 cars for the first time since the badge’s truncated first production year. It wasn’t a total disaster, but it represented an almost 51% decline in three years. That trend would continue until Ford retired the First Generation at the end of 1973. The history of this 1969 Fastback is unclear, although the seller confirms that it has spent its life in Texas. That would typically protect it from the typical rust issues, but this classic hasn’t been that lucky. Some lower exterior extremities show minor problems, and the underside is almost completely coated with heavy surface corrosion. Whether there is steel penetration beneath the corrosion is an open question, but the interior shots reveal holes in the driver’s side firewall. I do not doubt that the next owner will adopt a nut-and-bolt approach to their build, because anything less is probably tempting fate. Many trim pieces show significant age, but the tinted glass looks pretty good.
If the Mustang remains faithful to its VIN, this V8 should be the F-Code 302ci powerplant, which generated an official 220hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque when the car was shiny and new. The first owner also ticked the boxes beside the three-speed automatic transmission and power steering on their Order Form, but skipped power brakes. The car’s performance would have been respectable without being startling, and the engine bay offers a slice of positive news. The seller states that the engine fires into life with fuel in the carburetor, which is quite encouraging. The car’s overall condition suggests it hasn’t seen action for many years, and it is a sure bet that it would take more than a few days of tinkering for the buyer to return this classic to a roadworthy state. However, if the V8 is healthy, that’s not a bad starting point.
There’s no nice way to say this, but this Mustang’s interior needs almost everything. Critical components like the seats are present, with the front buckets wearing what I believe are Mach 1 covers that are in good condition. However, the inside requires almost a complete retrim. The gauges might look okay with new lenses, but I suspect that items like the console are beyond salvation. The beauty of Mustangs as project candidates is that it is almost possible to build a complete car from reproduction parts. Therefore, if the buyer seeks a factory-fresh look, that goal is achievable.
Okay, let’s play hypothetical. The bidding on this 1969 Mustang Fastback is below the reserve, and the seller’s expectations are unknown. Would you accept their invitation by submitting an offer? If so, what would you consider to be a fair figure? It could be fascinating to monitor the listing, even if you have no genuine interest in parking this classic in your workshop, to see whether someone does make an acceptable offer. Do you think that will happen, or will this auction continue to its scheduled conclusion?
No offense to anyone but if I made an offer, it would be $500.00. To me, this just looks like a money pit at best.
If making an offer was serious he’d have a BIN price listed to give potential buyers a starting point. If you look at this dealers completed listings he has a couple of dozen cars, none of which sold.
Steve R