Choosing to part with a classic that has been part of your family since Day One isn’t easy, especially when over five decades have passed since you took delivery. However, that is the decision made by the owners of this 1969 Mustang Fastback, and there is more to this pony car than meets the eye. Below the tired exterior beats a heart of gold, and its lack of significant rust makes it an ideal project candidate. Still, some readers will struggle to decide whether a faithful approach or a restomod is the most appropriate path. The Mustang is listed here on Craigslist in West Babylon, New York. It could be yours for $17,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this promising project.
Some classics hide their light under an automotive bushel, which is the case with this Mustang. Its original Acapulco Blue paint is well past its prime, with plenty of wear and fading. Rust is visible in the hood and lower rear quarter panels but isn’t extensive. That is as far as the bad news extends for those assessing the Fastback’s relative worth as a project candidate. The seller confirms the underside is rock-solid, with no problems in prone areas like the floors, rails, or torque boxes. Therefore, a cosmetic refresh should be straightforward, with minimal cutting and welding. Some trim pieces are better than others, and only an in-person inspection will determine what requires replacement. The glass looks acceptable for a driver-grade build, and the Magnum 500 wheels will look stunning against fresh paint.
The Mustang’s interior is as tired as its paint, and a retrim seems the best approach. It will lighten the buyer’s wallet by around $2,000, but the finished product should justify the cost and effort. It isn’t loaded with factory options beyond a Sport Deck rear seat, but those unconcerned by originality could tailor it to their taste. Adding air conditioning, a console, and other creature comforts would be easy because, like trim, those items are readily available.
Alrighty then, it’s time to confront this Mustang’s drivetrain. This aspect will probably significantly influence the new owner’s approach, and it will be interesting to gauge your opinions on the subject. The engine bay houses the 250ci six, which sends 155hp and 240 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed manual transmission. That isn’t a potent combination, with the ¼-mile ET of 17.8 seconds confirming this. However, the seller states the car is in excellent mechanical health and is happy to cruise all day at 70mph. Preservation would seem appropriate for those on a budget, but bolting something more potent under the hood would be straightforward. The new owner could create a Mach 1 tribute, although the restomod approach would retain the Mustang’s inherent character while creating a more civilized driving experience. It is worth noting that with the Fastback a turnkey proposition, that decision can come as time and circumstances allow.
This 1969 Mustang Fastback is a promising project candidate offering a world of possibilities. A faithful restoration is possible, as is a custom or restomod approach. One possibility I haven’t raised is preservation. The car is solid and healthy, and I believe the seller when they say it turns heads wherever it goes. That would undoubtedly be the cheapest option, but is it one you would choose?
I dont know why, but I was really surprised to see a six under the hood. Personally, I’d keep the six and a 3 speed stick. Its unique, and would be fun to drive around. With how crowded the roads are, where are you going in such a hurry anyways? Its sad the original family is having to let this go, I’m sure it wasnt an easy decision but I think this is well worth restoring. I hope someone restores it to stock but keeps the Magnum 500 wheels, I always liked those rims in these Mustangs.
Straight up restoration gets you a really nice looking Mustang but I’d put a proper Ford V8 in it. Now it’s all tiger on the outside and pussy cat on the inside.
Could you get a tachometer with the 6 cyl?
Crazy this has side rear quarter musclecar scoops, but boss 302s do not.
Larry Shinoda, the designer of the Boss 302, preferred a smooth look rather than the scoops, so he had them removed on the Boss 302.
This car and the 66 Belvedere posted last week are from Peretti classics in Long Island New York. They have an awesome YouTube channel that shows all these cars and the whole family is involved.
That would explain the two classic cars in the background of the 1st pic in the driveway then.
id restore it as a driver car but drop in a nice 428 in it.. car is 6 towns over from me… To bad i have no room or cash… Only Dreams…
I’m caught between a rock and a hard place on this.Keep it original with the 6 banger, or go bent 8? Maybe keep the 250 and convert it to a 2V.
Here’s the 2V head to which Aussie Dave refers:
https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/1804-finally-a-performance-cylinder-head-for-ford-six-cylinders/
Actually, the 250 six, was available as a 2V from the factory, maybe it was only an Aussie thing.
I’m with driveinstile, I’d keep the original drivetrain just because of its uniqueness. I don’t need to be in a hurry either. But restore the interior and exterior and keep the Magnums. You would end up with an attractive 69 Mustang that isn’t a Mach 1. `
Holy crap, is this what the market has become? Seems like a lot of cheese for a 1969 6 cylinder Mustang that needs a complete restoration. Yikes!
You took the words right outa my mouth! C’mon, there’s nothing special about this car other than its age. It’s in kinda good shape but what do you compare it to? A new car? No. A restored muscle car? No. You’d compare it to a clean, well preserved 1969 6cyl, 3spd, Mustang. And to me, that just doesn’t rate anything near $17.5k, much less one that’s in less than REALLY nice shape. Just my opinion.
Gotta agree. The buy in doesn’t leave you much room to do anything else, unless you have a spare V8 Ford engine laying around. I had the 250 ci six in my old 1970 Mustang and whole it wasn’t much off the line, it would really roll once it was up to speed. Seventy all day long. Saw an Offenhauser manifold for A Ford six that uses three one barrel carburators. Get an Exhaust header and a cam and you might have something snarky sounding.
I don’t think I have ever seen a 69 sports roof with a 6 before could not be many left, however rare does not make valuable. I would fine a 390 and tremec 5 speed for it but as usual I think the price is too high for the condition and content. The market will decide there is probably someone willing to cough up the ask.
You think this car is rare?
Google –> The 1969 Mustang E: A Very Rare Mustang
which is even slower with a very high 2.33:1 rear axle ratio!
The Mustang E needed 13.3 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standing start and 19.4 seconds to travel a quarter mile. The standard six cylinder Mustang had a 0 to 60 mph time of about 10.6 seconds and would cover the quarter mile in 18.1 seconds. The top speed was 104 miles per hour.
Air conditioning was not an option with the Mustang E because air conditioning decreases gas mileage.
lol
The pictures are in front of a house that’s in a bunch of pictures with other cars. He sold a beautiful 71 Challenger a year ago. He’s a decent guy to talk to but I think he just flips cars. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Someone else hit the nail on the head, too much cheddar for a 69 Mustang Fastback running a 6 banger. And $17,500 is too much for a car that needs a fresh 351 or a 390 instead of that 6 cylinder. With machine shops disappearing right and left, rebuilding one will be challenging, which leaves dropping a crate engine as another option. That along with adding a matching 5 speed trans won’t be inexpensive. I’d rather wait and find another one with a driving V8 under the hood.
I actually really like this one. It would be a nice project. Provided the mechanicals are in running shape, I could see spending a lot of time and (hopefully) a little money fixing rust spots and painting the car myself. For the interior, new carpet and padding (not sure about the seats). I’ve never replaced a dashpad but would give that a shot. A ton of elbow grease in the engine compartment and in a year of weekends, you might have a $12k nice driver. But starting out at $17.5?
C’mon.
Or, if you want something truly special:
https://tuningpro.co/ford-barra-engine/
Whatever coin this sale raises could be invested in the quality ride – the Chevelle – in the picture.
I would give it a 8.5 point restoration keeping the 6/3. It would make a nice driver, you can still use all three legs and shift on the floor (no console please).
There will always be someone at cars and coffee who will be able to leave longer black marks on the way out than you, even if you have that 428.