Rebuilt V8: 1969 Ford Mustang Fastback

Finding a starting point for a project build can be challenging, but the owner of this 1969 Ford Mustang may have done that for potential buyers. The engine and transmission have clocked zero miles since a previous owner rebuilt them, and the car appears to be structurally sound. It has undergone a few changes during its life, but it represents a blank canvas for those who want to build the Mustang of their dreams. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, you will find the Mustang listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set his auction to open at $12,000 but has received no bids on what appears to be a No Reserve listing.

The first thing to note with this Mustang is that the red paint that graces its panels is not original. The seller believes that a previous owner may have created a Mach 1 clone, applying the appropriate paint and stripes. Evidence suggests that the car rolled off the line wearing Winter Blue, which would have been a pretty attractive look. It appears that the vehicle is largely complete, but it requires total restoration. The panels have picked up their usual accumulation of rust, with areas visible in the lower fenders, door corners, and rear quarter panels. Considering the state of some Mustangs that we have seen over the years here at Barn Finds, this is a pretty low total. The floors are not as good, and the car will require full floor pans to be returned to a sound state. However, with the frame rails and other critical areas appearing structurally sound, that could be a straightforward process. The glass looks in good condition, but some exterior trim and chrome will need to be reconditioned or replaced. The alloy wheels are not original, and the buyer will need to decide what will take their place.

When we venture inside this Mustang, we are confronted with an area that will need equal helpings of TLC and cash. Most of the major components are intact, and it would have looked pretty stunning trimmed in white vinyl. The buyer will probably choose to splash $2,000 on an interior trim kit because that will have all of the parts required to return this aspect of the car to its original glory. That price should include a dash pad because the original and one door trim seem to be the only missing components. Of course, potential buyers may have a different vision for this Mustang, and custom trim could be on the agenda. That is why I refer to this car as a blank canvas. It leaves the next owner with plenty of choices to tailor the vehicle to their taste. If you are going to spend that sort of money on a project build, I can’t see why you shouldn’t have the chance to create the car of your dreams.

It isn’t clear whether the Mustang is numbers-matching, but the VIN indicates it rolled off the line equipped with a 351-2V motor. That is what occupies the engine bay at present, and this one is backed by a three-speed automatic transmission. With 250hp on tap, this ‘Stang would have covered the ¼ mile in 15.8 seconds. This is a case of what you see is what you get with this Mustang. It appears that the motor itself is complete, but many of the ancillary components are missing. These include the wiring, carburetor, radiator, and sundry smaller parts. The seller indicates that a previous owner treated both the engine and transmission to a rebuild and the car hasn’t fired a shot in anger since. Their specifications and condition are unclear, so the buyer will need to perform a thorough inspection before attempting to coax that V8 back to life. Once again, this is an area where the new owner may have other ideas. With the car in its current state, slotting something more powerful or modern under the hood would be viable.

Since this 1969 Mustang appears to be a blank canvas, what would your approach be? If it is numbers-matching, would you be tempted to follow the path of a faithful restoration? While the engine has been refreshed, its specifications and condition are unclear. That leaves the way open for the buyer to consider creating a clone or restomod build. Both options would appear viable and will depend on personal taste. Are you tempted to pursue this one further with those thoughts in mind?