For enthusiasts unable to undertake a project build, classics like this 1969 Ford Mustang Convertible deserve a close look. The seller has lavished plenty of attention on this iconic pony car. The list is long, including a repaint, a refreshed V8 under the hood, and an interior retrim. It is a turnkey proposition that is ready to make the most of the current fine weather. They have listed the Convertible here on eBay in Austin, Colorado. Bidding sits below the reserve at $13,000, although there is a BIN option of $18,000 for those wishing to bypass the auction process.
The 1969 model year brought the second update for Ford’s iconic Mustang badge. The physical dimensions grew in keeping with prevailing market trends, but the car managed to retain its lithe, good looks. I will go out on a limb by saying that this is where the company should have drawn a line in the sand, because I have never found First Generation Mustangs produced from 1971 to be as attractive as these earlier cars. The seller indicates that this Convertible has recently received plenty of attention, ranging from fresh Candy Apple Red paint to a new Black soft-top. Therefore, faulting its presentation is challenging at first glance. The paint shines beautifully, there are no significant panel imperfections, and the suggestions are that this beauty is rust-free. The only criticisms that I can level against it are that the paint on the insides of the doors in areas like the Trim Tag location doesn’t meet the same standard, and that the paint has lifted in a couple of spots around the grille opening. That is disappointing and may suggest that some parts of this build were rushed. Some trim pieces were replaced during the process, including the bumpers. The rest looks excellent, and the glass is clear.
The seller didn’t restrict their attention to this Mustang’s exterior, with the interior receiving a complete retrim that included new seat foam. Piecing together the supplied images paints a positive picture of Red vinyl and matching carpet that is in as-new condition. The dash and pad are spotless, and the car retains its factory AM radio. As previously stated, some of the painted surfaces show wear and don’t present as well as the trim, and the slight overspray on the passenger side door glass is a surprising oversight by the seller.
The VIN indicates that the first owner ordered this Mustang with the F-Code 302ci V8 under the hood, and that is what continues to power this classic. Its 210hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque feed to the back wheels via a three-speed manual transmission to provide pretty respectable performance and open-road cruising ability. The engine bay doesn’t present as nicely as I would typically expect when the seller states that the engine received a recent refresh. It seems that they didn’t focus on treating the engine to a cosmetic birthday, which is pretty surprising when you consider the attention lavished elsewhere. Beyond the engine, the ignition, cooling system, brakes, fuel system, and suspension have all received plenty of new parts to ensure that this drop-top is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
If anything surprises me about this 1969 Mustang Convertible, it is the fact that it has only attracted three bids at the time of writing. However, the view and Watch List tallies suggest that the action may intensify as the end draws near. It may be a case where some potential buyers have spotted a few of the faults that I have identified, and these have raised too many questions in their minds to proceed further. If it heads towards the $17,000 mark, I suspect someone may throw caution to the wind and hit the BIN button. Is that the approach you would take, or would you take your chances by continuing to bid?
Not bad. Appears to be a low-option example; can’t be that many convertibles with 3-speed manuals. Extensive list of mechanical updates. New interior and certain exterior items (e.g. bumpers). I would have gone with white-letter tires for more visual “pop”. Claimed to be original paint, but I see overspray in a couple places, so I suspect some work in the past. I wish it had a Marti Report.
Overall, probably a car which would make for a fun summertime cruiser. Thank you Adam.
What a great ride!
Some mighty janky door gaps,Fords had the best doors of any make in the 60’s and 70’s..tight gaps and solid kachunk closing,otherwise a fine specimen.
The 1969 was my favorite Mustang. I’m not a convertible guy but I could love it. What I couldn’t love is the lack of power steering. I had a Ford product in this era as my first car. The amount of wheel winding was ridiculous with the manual steering. Now at 70 years old, worn out shoulders could make it impossible. When these were new I already a hopeless car nut. I don’t recall seeing many convertible’s.
I’m with you David. 1969 is also a favorite Mustang model year for me. And a couple decades ago I had a 1969 Mustang GT, without power steering. It frankly was a chore to drive.
I have my doubts about this…
1.) It has original paint with a few blemishes, but is in really good condition & meticulously restored?
2.) Equipped with a refreshed engine & plus an oil pan with a fresh gasket?
This is one I suggest a thorough on-site inspection. Look art those valve covers!
You are right, the sellers ad is off putting, too flowery with some obvious misrepresentations. If the car is what it’s represented to be all the ad needs is some good pictures and a straight forward description, that alone will sell it based on the asking price. There is no need for the white shoe used car salesman treatment. I’d want to see this car in person prior to making an offer.
Steve R
302/3 speed. Not many of those around. I like the ’69’s also. Red/red is rare and wanted everywhere. Not bad. all the paint needs touch-up/correction. What the heck does ‘refreshed engine’ mean? Another salesman trick to make you think it is rebuilt! Nope.
I have one of these which I restored so I can criticize. It might be original paint, but it’s been touched up rather poorly. No pictures underneath so I suspect a lot of rust since the fender aprons show a good deal of rust. The engine has a new water pump, but I doubt much else. The engine bay is in rough shape. The hood trim doesn’t fit well. Other than that it presents OK and could be a candidate for a good restoration. Done right these cars should attract over $30k. Mine is done more than right and I would expect $45k for it. I’d give it a thorough inspection before purchase because these pictures give us a surface picture but my experience says there is a lot of work under that skin.
Based on ones I’ve owned and sold personally $11K is all the money. Paint is iffy, 3 speed, no power steering, no detailing. Someone’s soon to be an underwater, rolling disappointment.
Just tighten up the car and try to sell it later. There’s enough here to like.
Car has a cheesy respray, attention to detail horribly lacking. Trying to get a quick buck. CHECK IT OUT IN PERSON.
I sold one for $20,000 2 years ago. It was all original, just tired
This one has alot going for it. While I’m a fastback preferred 69, this 3speed rag can be anything you want and be worth something. Is 18 so bad? How about 17
I bought my neighbors similar 1970 Mustang Conv in 1972 with 18k miles on it. 302 3spd + R/H and that was it. No PS or AC. Red w/black interior. I had dreams of making it into a sleeper hotrod. It was very easy to work on. I installed headers, intake and carb. It sounded better but didn’t seem to make the power I was expecting until I advanced the timing. IIRC, it only took 4deg more advance and that really woke it up. I had it for about a year. One night I took a corner too fast and wrapped it around a telephone pole.
no p/s, no p/b, no a/c. Motor refresh is sketchy at best. 11K may be top dollar. An easy pass for me.
Very low optioned 69 302 Mustang, with no AC, Power steering or Power brakes, it’s a $12-$14 Pony at its best. I’m sure it will sell quickly.
Sold on 5/20/2025 with a high bid if $15,000.
Steve R