The secret to the success of the First Generation Mustang was diversity. Buyers could order a base model, but keep adding options to create a potent package that was a genuine sleeper. Such was the case with this 1969 Hardtop. The first owner ticked plenty of boxes on their Order Form, equipping the car with the S-Code 390ci V8. It has fallen on hard times, but is far from beyond help. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this beauty listed here on eBay in Las Vegas, Nevada. The seller has received no bids on their No Reserve auction, which opened at $8,969. However, there is a BIN option of $11,660 for those wishing to bypass the auction process.
Ford performed its second cosmetic upgrade to the Mustang for the 1969 model year, adding what the company described as ‘heft” to its body. There would be one further restyle in 1971 before the Mustang II arrived as its 1974 replacement. This Hardtop rolled off the San Jose line in February 1969, ordered by its first owner in Winter Blue with a contrasting White vinyl top. It appears that the car spent its life in dry locations, which has baked the paint and destroyed the vinyl. However, it has also limited the amount of rust that has afflicted this classic. The floors and lower rear quarter panels require attention, but the rails, torque boxes, and shock towers are rock-solid. The seller states that they would also replace the doors and passenger-side front fender to eliminate any potential future problems. Many trim pieces require restoration or replacement, and the seller includes another windshield to replace the badly broken original.
The Marti Report confirms that this Mustang would have given a Mach 1 a run for its money. The first owner ordered it with the S-Code 390ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The S-Code was a potent beast, generating 320hp and 427 ft/lbs of torque. The seller confirms a couple of facts for potential buyers to consider. The car doesn’t currently run, and they believe that a faulty starter may have been the culprit, leading to a previous owner parking it years ago. The Mustang isn’t numbers-matching, with the original S-Code replaced by a 351. It is a two-barrel version that produces less power and torque, but options are available for those wishing to return the car to its factory form. The seller has a 1969-coded 390 that they will include for an additional fee. It requires a rebuild, but with the heads already refreshed, it sounds mighty tempting.
The photos confirm that a previous owner added custom seat upholstery to an interior originally trimmed in standard Blue vinyl. Thankfully, everything has deteriorated badly, completely justifying a retrim that would eliminate the custom work that does the Mustang no favors. Kits to achieve a factory result are readily available and quite affordable, and the seller includes a rimblow wheel, adding a classy touch. It is missing a range of small parts, meaning that the shopping list will still be relatively long. However, the results should justify the effort and expense.
This 1969 Mustang hasn’t generated as much interest as many might have anticipated, but the listing is still in its early days. If history has taught us nothing else, it is that auctions will often gather momentum if the vehicle is desirable enough or the price is low. This Mustang might not be a Mach 1 or a GT, but it was a pretty special car when it left the line. The loss of the original motor is disappointing, but the possibility of purchasing a suitable replacement from the seller will tempt many people. Do you believe the interest in this classic will soar, or will it struggle to find a new home?
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