Every now and then a project comes along where someone else has already tackled the tedious parts for you, and this 1968 Ford Mustang coupe out of Aurora, Colorado looks like exactly that kind of opportunity. Finished in classic yellow and showing as a wonderfully straight, rust-free body, this is a Sprint B package car that was originally built in April of 1968 in California as a 289/C4 automatic with factory air conditioning. The seller is upfront about the big caveat, and we appreciate that: the car currently does not have an engine or transmission installed. What you’re looking at is a clean, sorted roller that’s ready for the fun part. It’s listed here on eBay; thanks for the tip, Curvette!
And there’s been real work done here. The seller notes a fresh American Autowire (AAW) wiring kit has been installed and all the lights work, which anyone who has fought a crumbling 50-year-old wiring harness knows is a huge weight off your shoulders. As the listing puts it, the car is ready for someone to drop in an engine and trans and, in the seller’s own words, “rock and roll.” There are a few boxes of new spare parts, old parts, and other materials included to help get it across the finish line, so you’re not starting from a bare shell wondering where the trim went.
Here’s the part that makes this especially interesting for the right buyer. The seller had started converting the car over to a four-speed overdrive setup and is including a 4R70W transmission, pulled from a 2000 Mustang, that comes with the car. That gives a builder some flexibility: source a period-correct 289 to keep things original-flavored, or go the modern overdrive route and build yourself a comfortable highway cruiser. Either way, the chassis, body, and electrical groundwork are largely handled.
The title is clean, the body is rust-free, and the listing is priced at $17,000 or best offer with offers being entertained. For someone who loves the idea of a first-gen Mustang but dreads the bodywork and wiring nightmares, this Sprint B coupe lets you skip ahead to the rewarding chapter. Find this 1968 Ford Mustang here on eBay, located in Aurora, Colorado.
So here’s the real question — would you honor its Sprint B roots with a fresh small-block, or take the seller’s hint and build it around that overdrive trans for the long hauls?
Way cool. Sounds like a lot of dough until one considers what is left to do: not much. With the 4:11 gears that O/D tranny sounds great whenever one wants to cover distances. Find a later roller cam 302 and you are sorta faithful to original but I’d keep the F.I. 3pt belts! Nice find, great colors.
I don’t remember the year break when the Coyote engine went to its own bellhousing bolt pattern. You need to discern that before deciding on an engine if you are going to keep the transmission. The later stuff does not bolt up to the “original ” 260, 289, 302, 351 V8 engines and straight 6 cylinder engines. It looks like a nice roller. Interior????? Price too high in my opinion.
It’s a nice thought but as anyone who has ever built a good muscle or standard vehicle, it all starts with a serious understanding of what you’re working with. Depending on the desired goal like you suggested it can be a lot of fun and late nights. I love the curves as much as going straight. 😎😉😎
The Coyote is calling…
It’s hard to sell a project car this close to completion without taking a substantial loss. When the major decisions, such as paint color, interior, brakes, suspension and others have already been made, the finished work needs to be in a style and level of workmanship a potential buyer is willing to accept based on whatever price can be agreed upon. Luckily, the seller was pretty restrained and chose modifications that will appeal to a large cross section of potential buyers. I hope both the eventual buyer and seller can come to an amicable agreement leaves both sides happy.
Steve R
too much IMO for a no drivetrain pony especially a plain 1 at that
I believe that grooved insert below the trunk was a option or maybe standard on some.I read on a Forum someone is reproducing that 2 piece part.
Correct….optional rear panel and a rare one at that…..you won’t see it on many.
I thought they were reproduced, but I could only find used ones on eBay from approximately $1,800 and up.
Steve R
There is a guy on Vintage Mustang Forum who asked any members that had that piece could he borrow it to reproduce them.
Wish I had the resources to take on this one. Nice notchback mustang. I’d leave the trans behind and find a nice 289-351w with a 5 spd to install. Owner could also keep the rear panel insert and the led lights and touch screen w/ stereo. Then we could negotiate from there. Hopefully get it down under 10k or swap for a basically rust free 94 obs standard cab/short bed f-150 w/a 302. There is still a lot of work to do to get this one back on the road.
One of the local mechanics in my area has a clapped out 70 notchback with an empty engine bay, waiting for its owner to get it together, on his lot. It has been there for a couple years at least. I have a wish to make it mine. This 68 is so much nicer in just about every way. Except for the color. Though I’m sure I could learn to live with yellow.
Again, too rich for me, and too far away.