If you’re hunting for a Mustang with true regional history and rarity, this 1968 Ford Mustang Coupe may be worth its weight in gold, literally. Offered as a project here on craigslist, this is a genuine “Gold Nugget Special,” one of just 599 limited edition cars produced for Seattle-area Ford dealers. All Gold Nugget Specials came in a unique gold paint with either black or gold interior and a black vinyl top, making them a standout among ‘68s. This car, now a rolling shell without its original 302 V8 and 4-speed, remains remarkably complete with several new parts included. The seller notes it’s a mostly disassembled but rolling, steering chassis, wearing its original paint, and ready for a passionate Mustang enthusiast to bring it back to life.
This is a true project, but much of the Mustang’s rare trim and unique pieces are present, and you’ll find stacks of parts, doors, and body panels included in the sale. For anyone worried about hunting down rare Gold Nugget-specific pieces, having a cache of original parts on hand is a huge plus. Even after years in storage, the Mustang’s “Gold Nugget” finish still shines through. The black pinstripe and vinyl roof add to the original appearance, and the fastback-inspired coupe profile has timeless appeal. The car remains on its wheels and can be easily transported for restoration.
Inside, you’ll find a bare shell, but most of the original interior components, dash pieces, and seats appear to be present or included. As is often the case with projects from the Pacific Northwest, rust is present but described as light to moderate for the region—certainly manageable for someone with restoration experience.
The rear of the car is ready for assembly, and it appears the tail panel, trunk, and some rear trim are included with the project. A box of miscellaneous parts sits inside, along with some drivetrain components and additional hardware. Here’s a look underneath: the rust is visible but not overwhelming, certainly not a surprise for a car that’s spent decades in Seattle. Nothing jumps out as catastrophic, and most of these areas can be tackled with basic sheet metal skills.
The Mustang’s lines are all there, and the “MUSTANG” decklid badge is intact. For someone seeking a rewarding project with real provenance, the Gold Nugget Special is hard to beat. Whether you restore it to original specs or build a period-correct street machine, you’ll have a rare and conversation-starting car on your hands.
How would you bring this rare Gold Nugget Special back, factory correct, or with your own custom touches?
Located in Kennewick,Washington,where rust is
not a problem.
No engine or transmission. Seats don’t match the report, but he isn’t asking a lot as compared to others who “know what they got”. Looks to be plenty of rust at the front and rear glass ledges. It is a basket case that will need serious effort to get back on the road. Interested parties should be asking how complete the buckets/boxes of parts are – and should verify this – and if the engine brackets are included. I’d also want to know what happened to the original powertrain.
Agree with DA’s comment mostly about the drivetrain and all of the parts for the drivetrain!
The ‘68 color, sunlit gold, is a pretty color and would make this car pop when restored. However as previously stated, this is a huge project but at least it’s not too expensive.
If I was a potential buyer the most important things I’d want to know is, does the car still have the factory tach set up with under dash wiring and if there is any rust on the tops of the inner fender fore and aft of the shock towers. Then how complete it is and what sort of rust does it have.
It looks fairly straight and definitely has potential. The asking price of $2,400 means it’s worth a look if you live in the area. Cars like this need to be seen in person to get an accurate idea of its condition.
Steve R
What’s truly remarkable, is that the author would refer to this stripped shell as “remarkably complete”.
Well, maybe for a stripped- out shell, it’s ‘remarkably complete’.
Came with 289 not 302
“one of just 599 limited edition cars produced for Seattle-area Ford dealers.”
525 were planned; Marti reports show that 481 were built.