Today is a landmark in automotive history. It is sixty years since Ford officially pulled back the covers at the 1964 World’s Fair to formally unveil its First Generation Mustang. Few people realized that it marked the first step in a process that would see the Mustang develop legendary status. That makes this the ideal time to review a First Generation Fastback that has lain dormant for over forty years. This 1969 barn find requires total restoration, and the process won’t be for the fainthearted. However, the bidding history suggests there are people willing to give it a red-hot go. This tired gem is listed here on eBay in Manahawkin, New Jersey. Bidding sits below the reserve at $5,600, although there is a BIN option of $11,000 for those wishing to bypass the auction process.
Time has not been kind to a Mustang that saw thirteen years of active service before its owner placed it in storage. The faded Aztec Aqua paint and the presence of surface corrosion are the tip of the iceberg because this classic has some significant rust issues. It has gained a foothold in the lower body extremities, but what hides below the surface will be the new owner’s greatest challenge. The floor pans and trunk pan have rotted, requiring total replacement. The engine bay shots reveal further problems around the battery region of the inner fender. Returning the bodyshell to a structurally sound state will require much cutting and welding, although it might not be as bad as the photos initially suggest. The underside areas that haven’t succumbed to penetrating rust exhibit heavy surface corrosion, but the rails and torque boxes seem solid. Dismantling the Mustang to the last nut and bolt will be the only course of action if the new owner seeks a high-end result, but that approach could be justified. Many trim pieces require replacement, and the back window is missing.
The first owner ordered this Fastback powered by the F-Code 302ci V8. They teamed the motor with a three-speed automatic transmission and power steering. With 220hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal, this Mustang would have been an effortless open-road cruiser. The good news for potential buyers is that this classic is numbers-matching. It hasn’t fired a shot since 1982, and the heavy surface corrosion suggests the car has spent its hibernation in a relatively damp environment. The seller doesn’t indicate whether the V8 turns, but factoring a rebuild into the restoration budget would be wise.
The Mustang’s interior needs as much love as the rest of the vehicle, with the Black vinyl trim well beyond its best. However, critical hardware like the seats and dash are intact. That provides a sound foundation for a retrim, and with kits readily available and affordable, returning the interior to a factory-fresh state could be the cheapest part of this build. It is also refreshing to find there are no aftermarket additions, with the Fastback retaining its factory air conditioning and AM radio.
I’m under no illusions because bringing this 1969 Mustang Fastback back from the brink will be a major undertaking. Every aspect of this classic requires attention, and the process will undoubtedly consume some dollars. However, today could be the most appropriate in the badge’s history to start that process. Are you willing to give the Mustang an anniversary present it richly deserves?
This is my favorite year and style of Mustang. If I were to restore it, I would keep the original color not because I love it but because it’s most unusual and I just might learn to love it. I would also add more HP. However, “although it might not be as bad as the photos initially suggest” means that it’s much worse than it looks in pictures.
I am with you! I was 12 years old and already an incurable car nut when the 1969’s were released. I loved the 1969 Mustang and still do. Unfortunately this one was built in the worst color offered that year. Aztec Aqua didn’t look good on any car, much less a beauty like this.
Nothing here!! $50,000.00 may get you back on the road that may turn heads? Small block is a set back. Good luck to someone with deep pockets.
It looks like the rear window was broken out when something fell on the car as there is a large dent along the lower edge of the panel between the decklid and the glass.
When I see cars like this Rustang sitting on the sellers trailer? I just know that they got the car for pennies on the dollar, from the owner. And now, weeks later, after doing absolutely nothing to the car, they want $11,000. Hard pass.
Probably true however I never begrudge people from making money, its the American way : )
Joe
True. Everyone likes a good profit, but some are down right greedy, looking for a fool to part with their money.
probably hours later, or less – sometimes you see the sellers pics are taken as he is loading it up, or in the nearest McDonald parking lot after he left the sellers house
Big C & Joe, you’re both absolutely correct. Had I used my head when I initially retired, I’d have gotten into the “flipping” bizzness with classics. They’re everywhere in my southern state. Could have made some good money. Big C is right on that. But Joe, it IS the American way as you stated.
Just the fact that this is a fastback makes this worth looking into. The ginormous aftermarket support will turn up body panels, trunk floors and floor pans, and if it’s true about the condition of the subframe and torque boxes, what’s left are the drivetrain and interior rebuilds. But I wouldn’t pay more than $5k for this one, so I’m already out of the running.
CYA….it’s a project car…..says it all.
Yet,another case…of the “Barrett Jackson syndrome”..
Too much for so little, unless you like rust.
I agree. I’d rather spend the money on buying something in a little better condition.
Since it’s not a Mach 1, or a boss heck not even a gt, I would ( if I had the $$$) strip it and restomod it! 5.2 predator, magna ride, but I would try to keep the interior as close to original as I could. The color….I’m not sure….maybe a mystic clear coat metalic? What do you guys think?
This car is a real mess.I didn’t realize that rust was worth that much.At one time that used to be a Mustang.As for restoration with something like this deep pockets usually come to mind,but in this case you might need your own printing press.