There are times when it seems that locating a solid First Generation Mustang project car is impossible, with so many falling foul of significant rust problems. However, this 1967 GTA arrives like a breath of fresh air. Sure, it has rust, but it is minor, leaving its next owner with solid bones from which to work. If it sounds too tempting to resist, you will find the GTA located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and listed for sale here on eBay. Modest bidding has pushed the price to $5,300, although it is yet to hit the reserve.

This Mustang is one of those classics where it is unwise to judge a book by its cover. Its Lime Gold paint is well past its best, the Black vinyl top is a memory, and the car would benefit from a cosmetic refresh. The panels look straight, and the owner has recently added a new front bumper and grille. However, eagle-eyed readers will note the lack of any rust in this classic’s lower extremities. Typically prone areas like the rockers and lower rear quarter panels are clean, and the news remains positive when we delve below the surface. There is rust present in the rear floors, and replacement would be the most sensible course of action. For potential buyers, that appears to be the only aspect of this classic demanding attention. The remaining floors, frame rails, shock towers, and torque box region are rock solid. There is surface corrosion to consider, and a wise buyer would treat this before it can morph into genuine penetrating rust. It appears that most of the exterior trim is intact, while I can’t spot any problems with the tinted glass.

Time marches on, and it appears to have marched through this Mustang’s interior wearing army boots. It would have looked stunning when new, but the buyer will face some work and expense to recapture its glory days. The Ivy Gold luxury upholstery is shredded, while the news is no better with the carpet and headliner. The wheel is cracked beyond repair, and the dash pad exhibits significant deterioration. The buyer’s best course of action would be to spend around $2,000 on a trim kit because this would provide a solution for most of this interior’s ills. The interior appears complete, although the factory AM radio/8-track player is gone. For potential buyers considering a faithful restoration, these items occasionally appear on the usual online sites. For those unwilling to wait, I found a company selling restored original units for $800. That isn’t cheap but would add the perfect finishing touch to the interior. The original owner elected to equip this GTA with air conditioning and both a floor and roof console. These items remain intact, and all appear restorable.

Powering this GTA is an A-Code 289ci V8 that produced 225hp in its prime. The original owner also equipped this classic with a three-speed C4 automatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. Performance figures would have looked pretty good in 1967, with this GTA capable of covering the ¼ mile in 15.9 seconds. There are a few factors to consider with this classic. The owner indicates that they believe the cylinder heads and ancillary components to be original, although the engine block isn’t numbers-matching. They indicate that the motor turns freely, although they haven’t attempted to coax it back to life. I don’t mind that approach because it allows the buyer the opportunity to undertake the revival process their way. That should minimize potential mechanical damage that could occur if someone isn’t careful during that process.

While sales dropped in 1967 compared to the previous year’s record high, there were still 472,121 buyers happy to park a new Mustang in their driveway. This Mustang’s original owner was willing to splash some cash to create the car of their dreams, and most of its original optional equipment remains intact. Its solid nature means that it represents a straightforward restoration project unlikely to break the bank. I would expect the bidding to hit $8,000 before it passes the reserve, although their popularity suggests that the figure could be higher. I’m surprised the bidding hasn’t been more intense with all that it offers. It may be worth the time and effort for interested parties to monitor this auction. If the hammer falls in four-figure territory with a potential value nudging $40,000 once restored, it could prove a bargain.