Inheriting a Mustang may seem like a dream come true, but keeping up with a 50+ year-old classic automobile is not everyone’s cup of tea. This 1969 Ford Mustang in Haysville, Kansas emerges from such a scenario, coming to market here on eBay. Nearly every panel on this black primer pony car shows creases, deep scratches, or dents, and most potential buyers would take that over a rusty mess any day. At least twelve bidders have elevated the Mustang’s market value beyond $16,000 without meeting the seller’s Reserve. Prices of perfectly-restored Mustangs seem to drop annually (except for super-rare models), so this one may test the limits of a dented 351C SportsRoof.
Errant parking or ill-advised pushing may have damaged the bumper. Fortunately, money can buy nearly everything for a classic Mustang, or you could just enjoy it! You might argue that it’s more interesting to see a never-restored classic driving around than yet-another perfectly specimen.
Beneath the hood lies (in theory) a 351 cid (5.8L) V8. Of three Ford engines displacing 351 cubic inches (Windsor, Modified, and Cleveland), this car’s 351 “Cleveland” garners the most praise among enthusiasts for its high-flowing cylinder heads. You’ll have to inquire further for a picture or indication of whether the engine is original.
What looks like American Racing Torque-Thrust wheels make a sporty Day Two upgrade. Impressionist master Edgar Degas, taking a cue from early photographs, regularly painted subjects partially outside the frame. This snapshot-style framing gave his paintings a moment-in-time quality that was viewed as revolutionary in his day. This Mustang’s seller pays homage to Degas’s legacy with a similar technique. Bypassing depictions of the engine and interior further amplifies the artistic mystery, teasing sellers with the possibilities. Joking aside, tip your hat to the seller for offering the family heirloom in running condition now, rather than letting it sit and rust away for 20 or 30 years before recognizing that it needs a new owner. Likely the original owner would respect this step as well. Do you know anyone who inherited a classic car?
Great write up, Todd! Love the Degas reference!
Thanks Jamie. If I buy another Mustang, the ’69 rates high on my list. Good luck to seller and buyer on this one!
S-code so originally a 390 cid equipped ‘Stang.
No Clevelands in 1969 Mustangs.
I was with my dad when he picked up his new 69 Mach, it was a fairly late build, summer of 69 and yes, it had a 351c 4v. Actually, the Cleveland led to getting the wrong gaskets for a leaking timing chain cover and that’s when he actually found out it was a Cleveland and not a windsor.
351 4V in 1969 was a Windsor. Maybe they gave your dad 302 gaskets, as the deck heights were different?
It looks like this car left the factory with lime gold paint, a 390, and a 4 speed close ratio tranny…so the “original” in the description may not be so…
Yeah, lots more pics have been added, including the door tag. This is a fairly rare Mach 1 as originally equipped. Way fewer S-code 4 speeds than R-codes.
Got to be a 4V Cleveland to have those heads mentioned. 2V heads are not the same. Bob Glidden kept Grumpy Jenkins on his heels with those 4V heads.
The 351C is a nice motor but not available in 69. I would want to make sure you have the 4V heads if paying extra for that performance level, but would be even more thrilled if it was the 390 that should be in the car (last year)
The 351C was offered in 69 my brother owns a 69 mach 1 with 351c original with shaker both factory. I looked to buy a 70 mach 1 ones that also was an original 351C not a shaker car but still really cool
That is definitely a 351C, nice modification.
Interesting. The “02” in the VIN means it’s a non-Mach 1 fastback, but the Mach 1 interior is indicated on the door tag. Maybe the body style “05” for Mach 1 was launched later in the ’69 model year? I’m a ’70 guy, so not quite as familiar.
This came with a close-ratio four-speed car and AC (based on the dash vents), which is nice. Also, the tach is not all that common.
I’d love to see a Marti Report…
looks like it got hit in the front bad wood not pay $16,000 for it my be $2,500 thats it
The 05 in the vin indicating mach1 started in 70. 69 used the 02 in the vin for all fastback/ sportroof. The door data plate should say 63C in the body code section. 63A is a low dollar standard trim fastback, 63B is the high trim level, 63C is the mach 1
My dad bought 2 of these in 1969. One was a 6, for my mom, and his had a 302 2V, both automatics. I took over the 302 when I went to college in 1970, and he bought a 70 Torino GT. I loved that 69 and wish I still have it today! But I wouldn’t go anywhere near this one that’s for sale.
The 351 ” modified” indicated in the article was not a performance engine and was not a Mustang engine option.. it was used in full size models to replace the big blocks.
What kind of rear spoiler/wing is that? Not an original equipment Ford type.
This should’ve been buried with the owner……..
Part of the confusion may be that Ford called the 1969 351W-4v an M code and used the same engine code when they began to offer the 351C-4v in 1970. If any 69 has any Cleveland in it, it was not directly from Ford that way.
Even more confusing Ford used H code for 351W-2v and 351C-2v in 1970 on, even though little is shared between the 2 motors…