The popular Ford Mustang received its second styling refresh in 1969, more distinctive than the one in 1967. And the car would have dual headlights as a one-year feature. The fastback became the most popular body style, now referred to as a “SportsRoof”, accounting for more than 45% of sales. This ’69 SportsRoof has been idle for 40 years, sidelined due to the wiring harness catching fire. Located in Belmar, New Jersey, this non-matching numbers “pony” is available here on eBay, where the opening bid of $16,500 awaits a buyer (plus there’s a reserve to be met).
No less than five variants of the fastback/SportsRoof were offered in 1969. They included the regular fastback with a standard interior, the same with deluxe furnishings, the Mach 1, a Boss 302 (for SCCA competition), and the Boss 429. The most popular was the Mach 1, with the standard fastback coming in next (that’s what the seller’s car appears to be). Ford built 300,000 Mustangs in 1969 and – despite the styling updates – that was a small decline from 1968.
As the story goes, the seller is the fourth owner of this Mustang, having acquired it in 1984. The original engine was replaced by a 351 cubic inch “Cleveland” V8, which was freshly rebuilt and blueprinted by the seller. However, when hooking it up two years into ownership, something must have shorted out and caused the wiring harness to burn up. The project was abandoned at that point, and the Ford sat for the next four decades. It has an FMX transmission and a 9-inch rear end.
The original color of this Mustang was Acapulco Blue, but there is rust in the “usual” places such as the floorboards. And the sound deadening materials under the hood need to be replaced, perhaps damaged by the fire. The interior has held up a bit better and has the optional fold-down rear seat. Some parts will come with the sale, including original pieces replaced by others, such as the steering wheel.
Russ, the data you provided shows that the coupes, in all their flavors, were 50% of production in 1969. So it was the largest selling body style.
I think that engine photo will stop all bids.