Classic cars like this 1969 Mustang Convertible are a tempting proposition. Not only are they a desirable vehicle, but the bidding action on this one hasn’t been particularly strong. If the trend continues, it could see somebody scoring this classic at an affordable price. If they do, they will be the proud owner of a car that appears structurally sound and in reasonable mechanical condition. That could make it the perfect project for somebody looking for a spot of DIY with a worthwhile reward waiting at the finish line. If I’ve piqued your interest, you will find the Mustang located in Ontario, New York, and listed for sale here on eBay. The bidding currently sits at $7,600 in this No Reserve auction.
Someone once sang, “Let’s start at the very beginning. It’s a very good place to start.” In this case, the beginning is that we are dealing with a Mustang that seems to be structurally sound. The owner indicates that he has recently replaced the floors, and it appears that this was the only significant rust on the vehicle’s underside. Externally, the lower body extremities look particularly clean. Prone areas like the lower rear quarter panels and rockers show no evidence of problems, which is encouraging. The panels have accumulated a small collection of minor bruises and marks, but these appear to be repairable without resorting to replacing steel. The buyer will undoubtedly tackle these before applying a fresh coat of attractive Grabber Blue paint. The Black soft-top works as it should but needs a new back window. If I were to buy this car and reapply the existing paint color, I would be tempted to swap to a White soft-top to add an interesting contrast. It appears that all of the exterior trim is present, and most of it will either polish nicely or be suitable for restoration. The existing wheel and tire combination looks out of place on this Mustang, and the buyer will probably choose to swap them for something more appropriate. If this classic is as structurally sound as the photos and owner tend to indicate, it should represent a relatively easy project.
If considered purely as a survivor, this Mustang’s interior has some strong points. The seats show no significant wear or physical damage, but the upholstered surfaces generally look tired and stretched. The door trims sport some damage, and the carpet has faded. It isn’t possible to determine the state of the dash and pad, nor what optional extras the original owner may have ordered. There’s little doubt that the Mustang could be driven and enjoyed as is, but if the next owner is looking for a spotless presentation, they will probably decide on an interior retrim. That is where classics like this come into their own. Parts are readily available and very affordable. The buyer can find a complete trim kit for this Convertible for around $1,500. That represents a one-off expense, and the interior would present in as-new condition when the work is done. It is an option well worth considering because, if installed correctly, the trim should last for many decades to come.
There seems to have been a bit of an epidemic in recent times of owners listing classic cars for sale without engine photos. This Mustang continues that trend, although we know that its engine bay is occupied by a 302ci V8 that should be pumping out 220hp. The pony’s ponies find their way to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. Performance figures would have been pretty acceptable in a 1969 context, with this Convertible capable of covering the ¼ mile in 16.2 seconds. The owner doesn’t indicate whether this classic is numbers-matching, but it appears that it is in generally sound mechanical health. It runs and drives, and the owner recently replaced the fuel tank. He says that the Mustang requires some brake work but doesn’t indicate how extensive this might be. However, brake components for these classics are pretty cheap, and it is a task that the buyer may be able to tackle in their workshop at their leisure.
First Generation Mustangs have been a staple of the classic car scene for decades. That is a trend that doesn’t appear to be set to change anytime soon. They can command some eye-watering prices, and they are heading to a point where they could soon potentially be out of the reach of the average person. Finding a solid and complete V8-equipped Mustang project car for under $10,000 can be a battle, but that could be what is on offer here. Surprisingly, there have only been two bids to this point. With No Reserve in play, that opens the possibility that somebody could become this classic’s next owner without spending a fortune. If that sounds like a winning formula to you, it might be worth monitoring this auction carefully. A sneaky bid right at the end could be worth the effort.
Looking closely at the pictures supplied, I think this car has been massaged in the past…and I see overspray on parts of it, and it may have had a color change…it may have been black originally, as I see black in spots…it deserves an in person look-see, but I see ghosts of bondo past…nice find, though…
As with most cars, this needs a close look. It is a fairly rare car, V8, manual, factory AM/FM stereo, power top, and maybe a few other desirable features. What really concerns me is the photo of the passenger door jamb area where the quarter is attached, or in this case maybe NOT attached? I can’t tell for certain, but it appears that a quarter was replaced and the door jamb was not repaired properly. It appears you could put your hand through there. Just not sure if my eyes are playing tricks on me or this is a mess…
Even if i had all the $ to buy and have an old hot rod..this would fit the bill perfectly. Plenty quick convertible w stick. Short 1st gear , 2.79 rear end. Great cruiser, love the wheels, and no spoiler.
A trailer hitch on a 69 unibody convertible like a Mustang? Huh?? While this car looks like a “good” deal, the doors are racked(check drivers’ side), as someone pointed out the passenger rear quarter isn’t even attached, I see bondo, and no pics of the chassis – anyone who is serious needs to travel to Ontario NY to see this in person. Not to mention that upstate NY in the 60’s-70’s was nothing but a salt trap in the Winter.
Says “New Floor Pan” in description yet NO PICS of pan, no description of floor pan install (panels or full floor pan) and quality of install.
What Lurks beyond the Black Carpet!
The condition of this Mustang looks like every other classic muscle car pre-internet and pre-“reality shows” when the price for it would have been in the hundreds and rarely more than $1000. Reason back then, and just as much today, is that the cost to bring it back to life and restore it back to it’s former glory mechanically, structurally, and visually, would costs thousands to tens of thousands of $$$. And that is often why the fate of cars such as this one is still in that current state that it has been for decades as each successive owner found out the same financial reality. Unfortunately, in the past decade or so, the entry ticket price of initial purchase has become so bloated that buy the time such a car has been purchased there is little left in the bank to move to the next step. Inversely, there are buyers who do purchase then break the bank bringing them back to life only to expect to recoup all their investment when it comes time to sell. And such is our beloved classic car hobby in 2022 thanks to the internet and reality shows and punch drunk spendthrift buyers.
Its an old mustang so expect serious rust issues all over,
They were made as disposable and they really were …
But a convertible car with a v8 is a joy to drive around
$12k now, this might go pretty high. No engine photos.
Those wheels are called chrome reverse wheels and are sporting baby moon hubcaps! They look awesome polished up with some Turtle Wax chrome polish.
About 5 years back i was selling a beautiful red 69 convertible with 351W Auto, factory AC, new top and interior, nice respray including trunk and jams. Stack of records going back 40 +years. Tried to sell it while i lived in San Diego for $25k. Zero takers except for a flipper that wanted to send it to Europe so he wanted it for 16 k.
I kept the car and still enjoy it now in AZ.
I had a 69 convertible in college and sold it in 1987 as a deposit on my first house (5k) had a 4 speed toploader, zoom clutch, 9in rear, built up 302 w 650 double pumper, magnum wheels, silver blue with same interior. Off the line it was awesome and hard to beat but big blocks at top of 3rd gear would start to inch by me – loved that car and wasn’t a rust bucket at all. Showed it in the mall with the local mustang club on occasion. Fun times.
Knowing up front that this guy did the floorpans opens up other possible problems like torque boxes and front and rear rails. Without an inspection, you just don’t know. Up to 12k and if I couldn’t do in person I would pay someone to inspect it before parting with the money. Sucks that there are no engine pics too. And why not?
Good Bones and a solid project car. The Marti report should tell a lot more. looks like the deluxe (mach 1) style door panels are currently onit.
I had a 69 mustang convertible 289 with a 3 speed . Bought it as a father son project. My son wanted nothing to do with it . Let it go for 1200.00 didn’t look to bad until you looked underneath . Not a cord guy but now wish I had kept it