It is a question that invariably ignites debate: How profound must the changes be for a classic to be considered refurbished, not restored? I take a firm stance on the subject, believing that any deviation from factory specifications constitutes a refurbishment. This 1967 Ford Mustang GTA fits comfortably within that category, having undergone an exterior paint shade and interior trim color change during its refurbishment. However, it retains its factory drivetrain, including the fantastic S-Code 390ci V8. It is guaranteed to turn heads wherever it goes, including on its journey to its new home. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the GTA listed here on eBay in Cleves, Ohio. Seventeen bids have pushed the price to $49,600, which is below the reserve.

I am typically not a fan of cars wearing Black, but it is hard to ignore or criticize this Mustang. The seller admits that, as per the Marti Report, it underwent a color change during its recent refurbishment. It left the factory in Ivy Gold Metallic, but the fresh Raven Black delivers exceptional color and depth. There are no panel bumps or bruises, and the underside shots confirm the car’s rust-free status. This is unsurprising, as the GTA spent most of its life in California, a state with a climate well-suited to preserving classic steel. The contrasting White stripes look crisp, and the sparkling trim is first-rate. The first owner ticked the box beside tinted glass on their Order Form, and this Ford rolls on a sparkling set of Magnum 500 wheels.

The color change performed by the seller isn’t limited to this Mustang’s exterior; it left the factory with an interior trimmed in Ivy Gold vinyl. Most readers will believe the change is positive because it is virtually impossible to go wrong with Black. The overall appearance is consistent with this car’s recent history, because it is in almost showroom condition. There is no wear or signs of deterioration, and no evidence of abuse. The first owner focused on performance and didn’t load the interior with factory options beyond the center console, Sport Deck rear seat, and radio. However, most readers would probably listen to the bass rumble from the beast under the hood rather than what might be floating through the airwaves.

The 1967 model year brought the first significant change to Ford’s First Generation Mustang, and lifting this GTA’s hood reveals the primary motivation. The company could comfortably fit its iconic 289ci V8 into the engine bay, but larger motors were too big. Minor dimensional changes were the answer, allowing this Mustang to feature an S-Code 390ci powerplant. Producing 320hp and 427 ft/lbs of torque, the first owner teamed the motor with a three-speed C6 automatic transmission and power steering. The seller indicates that this GTA is numbers-matching, although it includes replacement parts such as an aluminum radiator and other minor components. The car runs and drives perfectly, and is a turnkey proposition for the winning bidder.

Whether restored or refurbished, there is one undeniable fact about this 1967 Ford Mustang GTA: It has generated enormous interest since hitting the market. The bid tally of 17 is the tip of the iceberg, because the listing has attracted 765 views in the past day, and 63 people have added the Mustang to their Watch List. What’s not to like? The presentation is first-rate, and the S-Code V8 should provide years of reliable service to its new owner. The action has been hot so far, and will undoubtedly intensify during the auction’s final hours. Are you tempted to join that party, or will you sit back as an interested spectator to discover where the bidding lands?