It is easy to understand why the Mustang was a runaway sales success. Ford catered to every taste and budget with its iconic pony car, and even the most humble-looking vehicle could hide a performance secret. Such is the case with this 1967 Hardtop. It is a solid and restrained survivor, but the original owner’s decision to order it with the S-code 390ci V8 makes it a genuine sleeper. It has no immediate needs, although the new owner could perform a cosmetic restoration as time and circumstances allow. The Mustang is listed here on eBay in South Bound Brook, New Jersey. Bidding sits below the reserve at $18,600, although there is a week for that situation to change.
The 1967 model year brought the first significant upgrade to the winning recipe which was the First Generation Mustang. The cosmetic changes were largely evolutionary, although those below the skin provided scope for installing larger engines. The original owner ordered this Hardtop in Lime Gold, and it is unclear whether it has received any form of restoration or a repaint. Its appearance is acceptable if considered purely as a survivor. However, the developing matte appearance of the paint suggests the winning bidder will probably splash the cash on a cosmetic refresh. The panels are straight, but the best news is that this classic is rock-solid. The grinder and welder can stay safely tucked away because the exterior is clean, and the underside shots reveal the floors, rails, and torque boxes are structurally sound. The chrome and glass are comfortably acceptable for a survivor or driver-grade vehicle, and although the wheels are a later addition, they suit this car’s character perfectly.
The original owner ordered this Mustang with Ivy Gold vinyl trim, adding a tachometer, console, and AM radio to provide a more luxurious feel. There are no aftermarket additions, which is admirable for a classic of this type and age. The seatcovers show no significant wear, and the carpet appears relatively new. The dash and painted surfaces are excellent, and the only flaws are slight deterioration in some plastic components. However, the overall impression is that it has no urgent needs and an enthusiast intent on preservation would find it acceptable as-is.
Buyers could order their new 1967 Mustang with the T-Code 200ci six under the hood, developing 120hp and 190 ft/lbs of torque. Many chose that path because that was the most affordable way to justify parking one in their driveway. However, others yearned for more, which was the case with our feature car. It is equipped with the S-Code 390ci V8, producing 320hp and 427 ft/lbs of torque. When teamed with the three-speed automatic in this car, it resulted in a ¼-mile ET of 14.5 seconds and a top speed of 130mph. Those were seriously impressive numbers in 1967, placing the Mustang on par with some of the most iconic muscle cars. The seller indicates this classic is numbers-matching, although the engine bay houses an aluminum radiator and a few aftermarket additions, like headers and a dual stainless exhaust. The winning bidder needs to source and fit new header gaskets, but those are the only needs for a car that is essentially a turnkey proposition. If this package isn’t tempting enough, the complete spare 390, genuine GT hood, and Marti Report could lift this classic from attractive to irresistible.
It is sometimes challenging to determine whether a classic car is genuinely attractive, but there are no such doubts with this 1967 Mustang Hardtop. Any First Generation example will attract attention, but the drivetrain configuration of this car makes the thirty-two bids submitted unsurprising. That total will undoubtedly climb as the auction progresses, and the action will probably become quite frantic as the end draws near. Have you ever owned a Mustang with a 390 under the hood? Did you enjoy it enough to consider a repeat performance? I wish you luck if you feel that way and pursue this one further.
I might like fastbacks and convertibles better, but I’m fine with Mustang coupes too. This example looks clean and (mostly) unmodified. The 390 is a nice bonus. The white letter tires and styled steel wheels look good. I’m not surprised at the high bidding.
Here’s some trivia courtesy of the Marti Report. I remember Lime Gold as being a very popular color in its day. Here’s how popular: Almost 16% of 1967 Mustang Hardtops were this color. That’s interesting given the large number of color choices available. But only 1.2% of Hardtops had this powertrain.
Thanks Adam, we appreciate your work.
“The winning bidder needs to source and fit new header gaskets”. Sourcing them is going to be way way easier than fitting them. Good luck.
I’ve had two 390 “Mustangs”. One was a 67 “S” code fastback with a four spd. It had a Cobra Jet top end put on it and that car could move and was a blast to drive. The second is a 67 GT Cougar I currently own. It is a super fun car to drive also. So yes, I’m a 390 fan.
Funny…I serviced a Mrs. Quinn’s 1968 XR-7 390 she bought new until her death and finally bought it from her husband years later. It’s the one I talk about all the time….he also had a 1969 Mach 1 with 390 in the garage….sadly I didn’t keep up with him and not sure where it went.
Wow, that is interesting. I’ve had two 70 Mach 1’s. Neither had a 390 though. My GT Cougar came from an original owner family. The guys aunt bought it new before the XR-7 option existed. It has the tilt away wheel which is cool.
While spare 390 is great 👍
What are block numbers on both to see if either is <=90 days of build date on Marti report.
High dollar cars are great if engines fit the car.
I had a lime 67 once. The blue repaint looked great with black interior.
This one I would leave alone …and original.
GLWS!
There is rust, picture #16 shows rust on the top of the inner fender behind to the rear of tge shock towers. It would be surprising if there isn’t more elsewhere, below the undercoating. It may not be much, compared to most cars of this age located in the north east, but it’s there. Just like icebergs, the part that’s visible is just a fraction of its real size.
This appears to be a pretty decent car, but I’d definitely want to see it in person
Steve R
Steve,
I saw the same thing. It is the first place I look when looking at a Mustang. I would be concerned about the cowl area.
Granted I don’t know a lot about Mustangs, owned one. Why would you want a GT Hood and a spare engine block? Looking at the Marti report I don’t see anything indicating that it is a GT. I agree it would require an in person inspection, with the current weather probably not possible right now.
Have we seen this one before or another plain 390 coupe ?
I had a 1967 fastback with the 390 and a three speed manual. It was fun to drive alright. And as a stupid 19 year old I was constantly street racing. Won more than my fair share too. And I can personally vouch that 130 mph is achievable.After a year or so I had to sell it because I needed a more economical car to commute to the state university. The Mustang was eating me up in gas and insurance. At 5-8 mpg my five dollar fills didn’t get me too far. I ran out of gas going to the gas station on several occasions. But drop some Sunoco 260 in the tank and the ‘Stang was ready to run. My biggest problem was keeping the rear end from breaking loose off the line. But once I banged second she’d wind up to 90 mph. Almost didn’t need third gear in the quarter mile. Would I love to have that car back like it was in 1970. You betcha!
I too had a 1967 Mustang with the 390/3 speed when I was in high school (early 70’s). Bought it for $695.00 cash. I had way too much fun with that car. I quickly learned when it was raining to take off in second gear. The engine had so much torque it would just spin the tires if I gave it any gas at all. Man, I miss that car.
Having a new 1967 S code GTA coupe in high school I can tell you that these cars were pretty quick back then and the C6 was helped me win a bunch of street races with all that torque, the four speeds were smoking their tires and watching my tail lights!
No underside shots. Unfortunate.
As noted in comments above there is rust. In the trunk, what is that carpet/mat hiding?
Nice looking Mustang though.
What are the chances that that is your original mileage given the condition of the car? Also, did I read this correctly that it comes with an extra 390 block?
What are the chances this is original mileage given the condition of the car? Also, did I read this correctly that it comes with an extra 390 block? Is it GTA?
If you research the meaning of “survivor” in the classic car world, you’ll find that it’s an “original, unmolested car that is in good enough condition to be used as a model for the restoration of a similar car.”
With hood pins, rear spring modifications and engine modifications, this car doesn’t quite fit the bill.
Also, why is there a GTA emblem on the grill? The hood needs work, both the paint and the chrome edge, along with work in the trunk, as has been mentioned. I would agree with Steve R., an in-person inspection would be a definite step to take. I also agree with Mr. Quinn, regarding the cowl area, which I know from experience can hold rust problems.
This 1967 mustang with a 390 v8 does the quarter mile in 14.5 seconds, but in 1970 Ford made the mustang longer-wider to accommodate a 428 v8 engine with more power, yet with that ” more power” it did the quarter mile slower… it did it in 14.7 seconds…
If more power means a bigger and heavier car then that extra power provides no advantage.
and I have not even talked about cornering ability and braking distances…
The 390 and 428 are the same block family so they weigh the same and are the same size. They didn’t have to make the Mustang longer-wider for the 428. 67 GT500’s were 428’s
well… yesterday’s article about a 1970 Mustang by Adam Clark right here on Barn Finds says this,
” … Although it had become bigger and heavier during its production life, many enthusiasts believe that cars like this 1970 Mach 1 represent the First Generation Mustang at the peak of its power. The increased dimensions allowed Ford to shoehorn larger and more potent powerplants under the hood, creating cars with genuine performance credentials demanding respect. … ”
Other sources say basically the same thing. I did not make this up.
Maybe they did not have to, but they did. Which made the car longer, wider and heavier.
By the way I did not say the engine block was bigger heavier, I said the car was.
and a quick google search tells me I am 100% right
the 1967 weighed between 2700 and 2900 lbs
the 1970 weighed between 2900 and 3450 lbs
I rest my case.