“Don’t Do It!” I want to shout back to this seller, who urges that this 1967 Mustang Coupe be turned into a V8 car. That might be a good idea were this a beater, but this car is next to untouched, which suggests preservation rather than modification. The “problem” is that the asking price, $14,900 here on ebay, is just cheap enough that it’s a bit of a no-brainer to get it with the notion to modify. No matter what your plans, if you’re the buy-it-now winner, you’ll find your way to Sherman Oaks, CA to pick it up. Those on the West Coast, if not those from further afield, should plan on jumping in and driving it home.
What’s wrong with a 6-cylinder? The 200-CID six in this car would put out 120 horsepower. The seller bought the car in the summer of last year with the plan to drop a 302 in it (and you get that engine as part of the deal), but look at what he says about the current functioning: “This car is mechanically sound and runs and drives perfectly fine. Fires right up and shifts smoothly through all the gears.” The one thing about that sentence is that there aren’t many gears to shift up through—three forward, in fact—and having driven one of those, I can attest that it’s nowhere near fun. Second gear is way too tall. So if you’re going to do any swapping with this car, a four-speed would be a great idea. But maybe leave the engine alone.
On the other hand, pictures sometimes lie, and there are a couple of things to be wary of here. First, I’d much rather see the interior of the trunk than see a cheapo repro trunk mat covering up potential problems, because this is where the rust takes hold. Second, the shots of the exterior and in the doors seem to show some unevenness, (look at the leading edge of the driver’s door—rust repair probably is what you’re seeing) though the seller repeatedly says that the car is rust-free and accident-free. Another question mark comes in that despite the detail offered that this is a San Jose car whose California black plates go with the car, the plate pictured is a recent-issued vanity tag. So how long did it sit? You don’t know, until you see some paperwork, the real story of this Mustang—and you’re not likely to. This is one of those times when you decide whether the price is worth the risk, and that largely rests on the word of the seller. I’d make sure someone eyeballed the body in person before I’d hit that buy-it-now button and committed.
There’s no way to really know what’s been done to the car, or whether the indicated 57,000 miles are 157,000 or more. Does that matter? The pedal pads are very worn out, perhaps indicating high miles, so best just to plan on redoing suspension and steering parts, brake lines and brake hoses, and other service items. You’ll still be in under $20K, and if this little doll is as authentic as it seems to be, then go find a better car for the price. There’s not much out there right now under that $20K mark.
This is just me, but I’m drawn to base model Mustangs at car shows. Nothing wrong with flashy or high performance models, I like them too. it’s just that I enjoy seeing cars which were common during their day. Especially if there is a story which goes with the car… how and why did such a basic car survive for decades?
Brian is right, this might be a good buy, no matter what you intend to do with it.
That is an affordable Mustang by today’s standards and can’t see it lasting that long on eBay.
I would be tempted to have the 302 rebuilt into a Stroker motor then purchase a Tramic 5 speed, and a Ford 9” rear end. From there I would get better suspension, add new disk brakes, brake lines, new fuel tank, fuel sending unit, fuel pump, upgrade to an aluminum radiator, new shocks, tires and wheels. I’m sure I’m forgetting much more but you get my thought process. That would be a fun project that can be done over time as cash flow allows.
In ’73 I purchased a ’67 that was owned new by a “little old lady”. She used it as a grocery getter and the super low miles reflected that fact. It was identical to this one but with green interior and a 390 V8. Fast, fast car! If only I could see the future. Would have never sold it…
I like it because its a 6cyl would love to be able to get it then stick that extra engine in something else
Troy, I have a Ca. ’70 6 cyl auto, p/s, AM, here in Ohio I just brought back. Its yellow, white vinyl top & white interior I’d sell. The doors need finishing, my new glass installed correctly, & repainted. It has Mach I nearly identical to the Mach wheels on it, they are 4 lug. maybe someone you know might be interested. I have pics of it from here & Palm Springs before I left. Gary
I’d leave it as is, but lose the aftermarket console and try to find a factory console. The 6 cylinder cars are disappearing and that is a shame. They were good reliable cars – fun to drive, easy to maintain. Keep it as is and just drive it!
I had the same setup on my second ’67 back in the mid ’80s. I had no problem with the engine or the transmission and I agree, it was fun to drive. Easy to maintain too. I remember removing the transmission by to swap the clutch by just lowering it onto my chest while I was on a creeper under the car.
Sherman Oaks, next to Encino and Ralph Williams Ford. Bought one like this with 289, auto, PS, Pb, a/c, for $3010, out the door. Great car!
Ralph Williams Ford… you’re showing your age. What’s worse is that I remember when he was just the sales manager for Leon Ames Ford.
God, I’m old.
Johnny Carson did a great impersonation of Williams, complete with shiny bald head!
This car, with a red interior, was the Mustang that got me hooked. My great aunt bought one, and my dad did the maintenance. I sat in the car and dreamed of owning one. At 8 years old, I was a tad young, but the seed was planted!
Just right for my neice. Easy to repair, cheap to keep, and all with that
Mustang flavor she could ever want.
The only thing keeping me from it is
having the cash in the bank to make
it happen. Who really needs a fire
breathing V-8 when there are so many
if these gems lying around.
I would like to see if the shock towers are Rusty or have been repaired mostly on the driver’s side
I have this car in Candy Apple Red with a 289/auto. It’s a Sprint,has rocker panel moldings and a chrome air cleaner cover. Wonder how much that added to the sticker price. These have to be one the ugliest steering wheel designs that ever made it to production. Wanted to replace it but the car is pretty much original to include the AM radio and washer fluid bag. It does have a speaker in the package tray, not sure if that’s original though. I hope they get the asking price.
r
1st gen Mustangs are so common, both V8s and I-6s, that it’ll probably be two decades before it matters if somebody converts a 6 to an 8.
“The seller bought the car in the summer of last year with the plan to drop a 302 in it”. What do you think it was that made the seller change his mind? Could it have been whatever he discovered about this pony? Could this old horse be a quick flip bondo queen? Hopefully the potential buyer will have a long hard look before they slap their cash on the bar. It looks like what some would call “A $20 hat and a $5 horse”.
I have one and the issues with putting a V8 in it are that ’67 was the last year that 6cyls had 4 lug wheels and no torque box on the passenger side. Chassis is not set up for the V8.
A 67 Shelby GT500 did not have a torque box on the passenger front either.
The straight six and 3 speed can be stored in the same crate the 302 is coming in. If an when the urge for originality overtakes, they can both be popped back in and the 302 can go back in the crate
Not for me ….But it might look good on you……
Uneven front door gap is probably worn hinges. The gap at the other end of the door is uneven in reverse. Doors are sagging probably.
My two cents: please leave the six in place. The 200 and 250 cubic inch sixes were wonderfully smooth and reliable power plants and quite economical to run. I suspect the lighter weight on the front end might lead to superior handling, especially if a big-block ever found its way under the hood in place of the 6. The four speed transplant sounds good, and a 5 speed transplant sounds even better. Either would leave the car in near original condition, would make it a really fine “road” car and would preserve a bit of motoring history that is lost on so many people these days. 0 to 60 in 7 seconds and endless burnouts are not everyone’s desire. If more power is absolutely necessary, the 7 main bearing 250 would be well suited to the slightly lighter driveline components in the car. A dual master cylinder and front disk brakes would complete the package for me. A great little car – please don’t make it just another face in the crowd!
Dropping a v-8 into a factory 6 cylinder car takes more than just the motor. Brakes are not big enough, the wheels are too small as is the suspension system. Changing this car would be a shame. It has worked the way it is for many years and should still do it’s job.
Did he wax the front fender and part of the door, I see different shades of yellow. He did a great job leaving it original while spiffin it up.
The 6cyl is a great engine- in any of the big 3 cars of the 1960’s- especially with a 3 speed- I have a 1960 Biscayne – 2 door with a 3 speed- when tuned and healthy it is very good and gets her up on the highway easily- plenty of torque too. In today’s world a 6cyl is a big engine- BMW- Mercedes- you get it. They should be left alone…..
Never seen a 57K car with the clutch pedal rubber completely worn off. Not the original Ca black plate and upon blowing up the shot with the rear wheel drivers side wheel I’m pretty sure there is bubbling just behind the arch. If you have a cheapo trunk matt that is obviously just thrown in there, why not peel it back for inspection? Brian mentioned the rust repair on drivers door area. If someone lies to me once, I don’t believe a word out of their mouth, and this seller did it multiple times. Have to do a serious inspection on this one.
No rust, no accidents. The driver’s side rear quarter panel left the factory looking just like that. This site is the PERFECT forum for calling out the BS that scammers put in their ads.
I don’t know about “no accidents”. Seems like the passenger side fender where the bolts are were painted black compared to the drivers side which is original yellow. Drivers side inner fender also looks much straighter. Still, if it’s only a fender replacement, not so bad for the price. Would like to see a underside pic though.
Back in the day (60s) most Mustangs were not a match against most Camaros. Even if equipped with a V8 they were 2 barrel carb’d engines whereas lots of Camaros had hot 327s or 350s. The formidable K code Mustangs were less than 1% of production and the 390 GTs & GTAs were fewer than that. I never saw a 6 cylinder Camaro. Today most Mustangs that I see for sale are 6 bangers. Odd. :-) Terry J