How good is it to find a Mustang project car that is not riddled with rust? The answer to that is that it can’t be a bad thing. This 1967 Ford Mustang GTA Fastback is not only complete and solid, but with the reserve having been met, it’s set to head off to a new home. You will find the Mustang located in Chicago, Illinois, and listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has now reached $28,600, and it is only a matter of days before it is ready to head to a new home.
I’m just sitting here picturing the Mustang finished in its original Silver Frost Metallic paint. Combine that with a black interior, and we’re talking about a car with bucket-loads of class. It isn’t clear when the car underwent a repaint, but you can see evidence of the original paint in a few spots around the car. According to the owner, the only rust in the car is a few minor spots in the floor, and he is of the opinion that the next owner could choose between replacing the floors, or patching them. All of the usually vulnerable spots such as the frame rails, torque boxes, and shock towers appear to be nice and solid. As far as trim and chrome is concerned, there are a couple of small badges missing, but everything else that should be present is. However, there are one or two small parts that could benefit from restoration.
Apart from needing new carpet, the interior of the Mustang appears to be complete, and the vast majority of the trim looks like it could be restored quite well. I’ll admit that this isn’t going to be a 5-minute job, but it does at least appear to be possible. Apart from the wrap on the wheel, the only non-original item that I can spot is what appears to be an aftermarket radio, although it is a bit hard to tell from the photo.
I guess that there had to be some bad news somewhere, and there is a certain amount of it under the hood. This isn’t a numbers-matching car, but it does have a period-correct 390ci V8, C6 automatic transmission, and 9″ rear end. The Mustang has also been fitted with power steering and power brakes. The owner says that while the engine does turn freely, the car hasn’t run since some point in the 1990s. He actually suggests that the engine might be a candidate for a rebuild, so I wonder if he knows something that we don’t.
So often we see 1st Generation Mustang project cars that are in need of some serious rust repairs, so this one does make a nice change. There is no doubt that if it were restored to its original condition, then this Mustang would be a car that would garner plenty of attention for all the right reasons. Do we have any Barn Finds readers who are willing to take it on?
Best I’ve seen here in a while. Too many rust piles going for nearly the same money. Not # matched so what it’s got the right drivetrain.
And a cool license plate too
Please! Please! Please! for the sake of us in the classic Mustang and Fords world…NOT another eleanor. Restore it to original.
Got to comment on trying to get engines going that have been sitting for years… All the oils in the world aren’t going to get you a frozen engine or long term sitting free turning engine running without damaging something. Block bores, valve guides and valves, cams and lifters etc. all stand a chance of being damaged. Cheaper in the long run to pull the engine apart before running. This car deserves this kind of treatment.
I’m glad to see someone else with some common sense when it comes to engines that have sat idle for any number of years. A dry start will ruin a engine in minutes. I can’t believe the number of sellers who brag about putting gas down the carb and starting an engine that has sat for 15,20,25 years. I guess people just don’t think about using a drill with an attachment to run the oil pump and pre–lube the engine before attempting. to start the engine.
$ 26 grand for a 390 with an automatic!!! I wish this wasn’t so damn much money
“Numbers matching” is a nebulous thing for ’65-’67 Mustangs. Ford only stamped VINs on the high-performance engines until 1968. I know that included the ’65-’67 289 HiPo, but I’m not sure about the 390. “Numbers matching” for an early Mustang usually means various date stampings are no more than 1-2 months prior to the build date. It can still be a challenge to collect the necessary pieces, but not nearly as difficult as tracking down a block with a particular VIN stamping.
That engine has overheated at some point. Collapsed upper radiator hose and rust around the front engine, probably a clogged radiator, stuck thermostat, bad water pump take your pick. This engine definitely needs a rebuild if the blocks not cracked. You might as well plan on replacing that radiator, it’s possible it could be rodded out and sealed but that core is probably shot. Still you could put any engine you want since it’s not numbers matching anyway. Perhaps a 428, or 427. At any rate whoever gets this will have a very nice and desirable car when finished
God bless America
TimM.. I’d bet it’s the condition of the body that’s run the price up. Haven’t seen one this good in a long time. Numbers or not, this is going to make a great car.
Really nice stang. Looks like the driveshaft is a tad short on one end. Might be a different trans than was original. For 29 large it still needs a good inspection in case the worms are someplace not easily seen. Another one that deserves to be brought back stock in that beautiful original color. Good luck to the new owner!!
Looks like a different shaft to me.
This horse may have had power steering at one time, but not now!