Although I typically prefer unmolested survivors, I have a deep respect for well-executed custom builds. That term is appropriate when assessing this 1969 Ford Mustang Fastback. Its menacing appearance isn’t deceptive, because its engine bay houses a supercharged 351ci V8. The seller confirms that the current owner has invested over $150,000 in this build, a claim supported by complete documentation. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder PRA4SNW for spotting this magnificent beast listed here at Hemmings in Provo, Utah. Bidding stands at $25,500 as the auction enters its final days.
First Generation Mustang sales were spiraling downward by 1969, with the tally falling below 300,000 for the first time since 1964. The alarm bells weren’t sounding urgently at Ford, but the company had started to put plans into place for its replacement. However, there was still a respectable pool of candidates to choose from if enthusiasts planned a project build. The owner unleashed their imagination when creating this Fastback, combining a relatively subdued exterior with an engine that promises spectacular performance. The Raven Black paint holds an impressive depth of color and shine, with the hood receiving a matte layer in the same shade. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and there is no identified rust. The trim and glass are as spotless as the rest of the exterior, while the hood scoop and 18″ alloy wheels hint that this Mustang is more than a pretty face.
Decoding the VIN reveals that this Fastback left the line with an H-Code 351ci V8 under the hood, delivering 250hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque. The engine bay still houses a 351, although it is a very different beast compared to its predecessor. It features a Paxton supercharger, fuel injection, headers, a dual exhaust with an “X-pipe,” and a serpentine belt system. The current owner doesn’t quote power and torque figures for this beast, but I suspect that it would be somewhere around “a lot.” An unspecified automatic transmission handles shifting duties, while the Fastback also features power steering, four-wheel power disc brakes, front suspension by Ron Morris Performance, and coil-over rear suspension. The current owner completed the build around 2014, and the odometer reading suggests that the car has only accumulated around 2,500 miles since then. There is no word on its mechanical health, but I would be surprised if the news were anything but positive.
One of the joys of a restomod build is that it allows scope for interior customization. That is the case with this Fastback, although some aspects are unappealing. The owner added TMI bucket seats that look exceptionally comfortable, with the remaining upholstered surfaces wearing factory Black vinyl. They added metal inserts to the front door trims, which don’t tie in with any other aspect of the interior. I would almost certainly “lose” them if I were the new owner, although you may disagree. The retro-style stereo is missing its control knobs, and I’m not sold on the as-new Budnik wheel. There are no immediate needs, but there are items that could be changed as the winning bidder strives to leave their mark on this classic.
The beauty of this 1969 Mustang Fastback lies in its lack of immediate needs. However, there is scope for personalization if you share my feelings about items like the door trims. It will command respect wherever it goes, which will intensify when the public discovers what lies beneath the hood. Classics of this caliber are almost impossible to value because they write their own rules. What would you be prepared to pay for this potent pony car?
$150k invested? If so, the owner is firmly underwater because he won’t come close to getting it back, even if this was a faithful restoration. I like it the way it is though, the ’69 Mustang is a good looking car too. Plus the supercharger adds spice. Is that a 351W or Cleveland, by the way? And, it’s a shame it doesn’t have a 4-speed manual.
It’s a 351 Windsor. It’s nice and will probably bring higher bids than a faithful restoration, but still come nowhere close to the build cost.
Steve R
It’s not hard to get upside down when you’re building a car. He might be like me. I built mine for me. A labor of love. But $150K invested & asking price is $25 K. Sumpin isn’t right.
I had a 69 Mach 1, if i remember right the trans. was a C4 and not a C6, i hope it can handle the power. For all i hope it sells.
My best friend in high school had a 69 Mach 1 with a 351 Windsor and his did have a C6. I guess you could get both ways.
351W engines in the 1969 Mustangs had the FMX trans. It’s a heavy-duty iron case version of the C4. It can put up with a LOT of power.
The FMX that came in my 72 Gran Torino Sport could not handle the power of a 351C – 2v.. what makes you think it can handle the power of a supercharged engine? They are not heavy duty. I worked for a transmission shop back in the late 70’s and these were our bread and butter. We always tried to talk the customer into a C6 upgrade but the cost was more times than not.. more than they wanted to spend. We usually saw these folks a couple of years later buying another FMX. I guess paying for the same thing twice is a smart way to do things. I opted to change mine to a C6 and after 300k hard miles.. it was still going strong when I sold it. Worth the $150 upgrade.
150K??
That things a mess under the hood.
The build is about 12 years old. The make of Fuel Injection is not shown. No chassis dyno results are shown. The seller evidently loved the car but apparently did not prefer to work on cars. I agree with Martin Evans that it needs a rethink for beauty and rearrangement under the hood. Ninety percent or more of the wiring you see in this build and the starter solenoid is hidden in my builds, but the wiring and solenoid are easy to access. The inlet air filter by the radiator would be relocated. You would not notice the hose clamps, blue hose, red distributor cap, master cylinder cap, etc.
Adam,over 25k and you,le be surprised if the mechanical health were anything but positive?All you,re buying is the motor.I sure hope it,s positive.
I can,t remember any 351s with a c4 trans.All I remember is all the c4s I had to swap out,on everything from 6 cylinders to 302s.c4s were ok if you didn’t,t beat on it.I didn’t think c4s came on anything bigger than the 302. Have I missed something in all these years.