Between the VIN and the trim tag on the driver’s door, there isn’t much you can’t learn about how an early Mustang was built. Unfortunately, the craigslist seller of this ’67 with the “Sports Sprint” package hasn’t included those important pieces of information, but there are still enough clues to make some educated guesses. We can thank our steadfast Barn Finder T.J. for the materials to start our discussion on option codes and what options this original-paint Mustang likely had when it rolled off the line in 1967. After spending 29 years in California (it comes with its black plate in the trunk), it now finds itself in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. The seller says that it’s never seen salt, and the asking price is $19,700.
Let’s begin with the important parts of the Vehicle Identification Number. The first digit is “7,” denoting the 1967 model year. The second letter is the assembly plant; in this case, it could be “F,” “R,” or “T”: Dearborn, San Jose, or Metuchen, New Jersey. Because this car is from California, that letter is most likely an “R.” The next two numbers tell us the bodystyle, and the hardtop was “01” in 1967. The last letter before the six-digit “consecutive unit number” is the engine code; the 289 two-barrel V8 was given the letter “C.” To recap, the first five characters in this car’s VIN are most likely “7R01C.”
This looks as if it’s a lightly optioned original car, with the 200-horsepower 289, power steering, and not much else that’s visible from the engine compartment. Because it’s a California car (and most likely built in San Jose), it has the “thermactor” air pump and assorted hoses for emission control.
Now we’ll discuss the door trim tag, where we can find out more information about the paint and trim codes, transmissions and rear axles, date of scheduled production, and other interesting bits about the car. The first bit is the body code: “65A” for a basic coupe such as this one. Next is the paint color: “I” for “Lime Gold,” a color so popular that Ford reintroduced it on its “retro” Mustangs for the 2005-2006 model years. The interior trim code is third, and it is most likely “2G,” which means it has an “Ivy Gold” standard interior. Then there’s the date of scheduled production (a Marti Report would also tell us the day of actual production). It’s impossible to tell here, but this car was probably built in early 1967 because it has the “Sports Sprint” option (more on that in a minute), so expect a code of “##P,” “##Q,” or “##R” (February, March, or April). The next two numbers indicate the DSO, or “District Sales Office.” There’s no way to say for sure, but since it was a California car, it almost certainly is “71” or “72,” Los Angeles and San Jose respectively.
The next two codes represent the rear axle ratio and transmission. Because V8 “Sports Sprint” package cars were advertised as having Wide-Oval whitewalls, this car should have a “1” as an axle code: 3.00:1. The transmission is a C4 automatic, so the “Trans” code is “W.”
Now that we’ve taken a closer look at the likely VIN and trim tag codes, what is a Sports Sprint? It was little more than an appearance package Ford introduced as a gimmick to move some cars.
It included the following items (I found this on the Concours Mustang Forum):
- Full wheel covers
- White Sidewall Tires (Wide-Ovals on V8 cars)
- Louvered Hood with Integral Turn Indicators
- Vinyl-covered shift lever (with automatic)
- Bright Metal Rocker Panel Moldings
- Chrome-Plated Air Cleaner
- Special Springtime Colors (although Lime Gold was available anytime)
With all this being said, is a solid, 73,000-mile, original-paint ’67 Mustang coupe with a few dings (see above) worth almost twenty grand? Being that it’s been posted for four days now, I’d say that’s a bit high; however, it’s not ridiculous by any means. Original cars are (to many) preferable to restored cars, so I’d venture that the seller could find a buyer if they knock a few grand off the asking price. Either way, it’s an interesting study in Mustang decoding.
Not a Mustang fan, but it is nice to see one all original and in such great shape. Most rotted away, got wrecked, or were turned into hotrods a long time ago.
Aaron, hey excellent write up and decode.
Sometimes the value follows the a la mode assortment of options and sometimes we have a very nice car that appeals, above all. That is this one – light duty weekend car that is in really nice shape.
We used to own a similarly optioned Mustang, this color in and out and with ac, but a ’66 version. I feel the ’67 is an improved version. However, the 4 wheel drum setup was/is a disappointment. Need to adjust best you can.
I like this ’67 and the paint and body are eye catching.
So, light on options but very appealing – to me!
Would check this out and isolate the deal breakers – see what you can live with or change (brakes) and strike a deal.
Nice car, but a real nice early Mustang.
Water alone can rust old cars a lot – if it gets inside & just sits under the carpet & trunk mat.
Why a ’67 small V8 Calif Mustang would need an air pump, but no 49 state ’74 Pontiac V8(incl SD-455) had an air pump – boggles my mind.
Many California cars in 67 had air pumps where the 49 state cars did not. The 67 Olds 442 and turnpike cruiser cutlass both had 400 big blocks but only the California versions had air pumps.
From the beginning California has had their own unique emission standards that are more stringent than the other 49 states. Thus the need for the air pump on;y in California
Oddly, non Calif 49 state chevy v8s in the ’70s w/o a cat conv also got air pumps, but Pontiac v8s did not.
Years ago I owned a 1965 Mustang 289 Auto. Nice car but the heaters had a bad rap for the coil going bad and the auto trans was a dog. That car couldn’t get out of it’s own way.
I’d like an older Mustang but with a 6 cyl and manual trans, but that’s just me.
Brian as you know the 1st Mustang had a 6pot. And Ford offered buyers a sweet six from 2011-2017 in the 3.7 “cyclone” 🌀 A real runner when the revs are up, pairs well with a stick shift, sounds great 😀
My high school car was a 1967 Mustang this same color, vinyl top, but black interior. Mine was powered with a 390 with three speed transmission. On rainy days I would start to drive in second gear because the engine had so much torque the rear tires would spin. Paid a whole $600 dollars for it way back then. 3 on the floor, no power steering or brakes, a foot pump to spray water on the windshield, and an AM radio. Man I loved that car.
My sister had an identical car, same colors in the mid 70’s but it was a convertible. A neighbor was selling it for $400 and I talked sis into buying it. This was in northern Illinois so it had some rust and wasn’t in great shape but was ok for her first car. She never dropped the top much because she said it messed up her hair, but I did. The top was in bad shape but luckily someone slit it one night trying unsuccessfully to steal the radio, so she got a new one from insurance. Great car. This one seems a bit overpriced given the dings that need repair. GLWTS.
Very nice looking 1967. Not optioned like a new Mustang but that was the norm for 1960s cars except Cadillacs. Lincolns and imperials. The Mustang style still turns heads 58 years later.
Our similar equipped white, ‘67, bought new for $3010 total, is $28,778, in ‘67 dollars! These weren’t cheap, then. Only problem was, thin seat brackets. Driver’s side both broke while motoring, and seat back fully collapsed. Quite a surprise!
But unlike 2day, u could get a cheaper base stripper ’67 stang or even cheaper yet ’67 falcon. & in ’68 u could get a corolla for $1798, a pinto or maverick in 1970 for <$2000, & even a mid yr '74 t/a with 1st yr HEI & good drivetrain & suspension goodies, but no radio or hood bird – for $4300. Or a formula for less if u could do w/o p/s, p/b, posi & spoilers.
It’s in Minnesota and has never seen a salted road, where do they drive it, Don’t get me wrong I would love to have it sitting in my garage but the never seen a salted road claim is hard to believe being in Minnesota.
The weak seat brackets must have been a Ford tradition, the same thing happened to me with my 1986 Escort. Hell of a thing to happen at 55 MPH in traffic.
Nice ride to sure its $20k Nice but ok and I can care less about the California black plate I would be looking at selling the plate to someone in California
Hopefully there is a pair, single black California passenger car plates have cratered in value, many are listed on eBay in the $20 range and not selling.
Steve R
It’s a nice car, I wouldn’t touch the body, just make some changes so it would be fun to drive, then leave it alone. It’s seems too be aggressively priced, but how much would it cost to buy a rough around the edges project that needs paint, minor rust repair and more interior work into comparable condition?
Steve R
The special appearance packages have been a Ford thing right up to today and this is a regional So. Cal pkg I believe.
Fords still have great info on the door VIN tags, especially the trucks. Ratios, LS/Open different, trans etc all listed.
I’m thinking the seller doesn’t want this car transformed to a fastback, therefore the higher price.
Really nice original Mustang. Does not look modified or abused.
Rare to find like this.