Apparently with FOMOCO’s blessing, a Ford dealer in Beverly Hills, California, created about 50 “Musteros” in 1965 and 1966. They were conversions of coupes into Ranchero-like pickups, and many were exported. This 1966 Mustang is not one of them, but a tribute build that was recently done, retaining the patina of the original car. Located in Rochester, New Hampshire, and available here on Bring A Trailer, this current bid is $7,650 with no reserve. This cool tip is brought to us by “Curvette”.
Back in the day, Beverly Hills Ford (which no longer exists) took a standard Mustang (usually a coupe) and shortened the roofline to reduce the passenger compartment (goodbye rear seat), and a small bed for cargo was fashioned out of fiberglass. We assume no adjustments were made to the structural integrity of the original cars. There was nothing special about the propulsion of the “Mustero” as they retained their factory inline-6s and 289 V8s.
This Mustang coupe was acquired by the seller just two years ago, and that’s when the conversion began. It was already non-stock as the original 289 had been replaced by a later 302, which was rebuilt and modified by the seller. The C-4 automatic transmission may or may not be original. The interior was redone in a combination of parchment and black, and other mechanical refinements were made (like an aluminum radiator).
The exterior was mostly left as it was found, complete with patina, early rust holes, and loads of stickers indicating the car previously traveled the country, perhaps following a racer on his journeys. The conversion is said to have been documented and involved 2,000 hours of labor to pull off what you see now. Styled steel wheels are at each point, along with BFG T/A tires. Only 200 miles have been added to the Ford while the seller has owned it, and the overall total is likely somewhere north of 100k. The buyer will receive a New Hampshire registration as the state didn’t work with titles in those days.
I never would have imagined this for a Mustang, and I’ve never seen pictures of the 50 conversion cars. This is very well done. The rear window treatment is where these usually fall apart, but this one has a natural flow to it. And bonus points for a working tailgate. Kudos to the builder!
I can’t think of one reason why I wouldn’t want this car!
I really am not a fan of the pony cars, but this one really intrigues me. A Pony Truck???
It’s conversion is top notch. I give the “dealership” due credit. A job well done.
It’s very interesting. Would be a double take head turner on the road.
What an atrocity! This is even worse than the Mustang limo from a while back. I pity this car.
Kool with a really nice interior.
Pretty cool.
Saw a bmw 2002 that had this done to it at my local mechanic shop. It was done well, and very cute!
As we say in Maine, “Ah keepah!”
Very nice. Lots of patina along with some rust, but the interior looks better and the engine fine. Four days to go. We have to register to watch though or time ourselves thru Barn Finds.
I’m not really a mustang fan buuut,this is a really well done unique pony! Agreed back window looks great 👍
Well, just when you think you have seen everything done to a Mustang, here’s another mutation! It does look well done, although I’d get rid of the “patina” look and clean it up. I wonder where the driver and passenger side windows came from – it kind of looks like maybe from a Ranchero (Fairlane/Torino based, not the Falcon based ones), but I don’t know if they would fit right. The interior is clean, and having a working tailgate is a plus. The fuel cap in the bed may be an issue (don’t want to keep tapping it with items put in the bed), but overall, it does look like a truly professional build. Someone will snap it up for the second takes they will get on the street and/or at C & C.
Goofy.
I love it! Looks like the factory would have done if they ever had. This would draw a crowd at a car show!
Would be just the thing for a Ford Mustwang parts delivery vehicle. Or auto parts delivery.
Beverly Hills Mustang built the “Mustero”. They were not a Ford dealership. Beverly Hills Mustang was owned by J. Orion Brunk. Brunk’s Beverly Hills Mustang also built GT350 convertibles (1966 continuation models) authorized by Carroll Shelby. They sourced their O.E.M. parts from Santa Monica Ford. Early Mustang parts were plentiful at that time.I was their parts salesman at SAMO Ford back then. Jay and his son Major held over-the-top events at their location, showcasing their vehicles complete with a chamber orchestra performing in a gazebo.
Saw the “Duke Savage Racing” and could see how this would make a cool pit car! A set of tires and tools would be easily accessible with that bed and tailgate. A cargo cover would make this Mustero very practical!