Highlights
・One UK Owner
・Rare and original Sprint 6 six engine
・Usable as it is or an ideal candidate restoration or upgrade to V8 power.
The Background
Ford created a new class of car almost overnight with the introduction of the Mustang sports coupe in 1964, and caught the rest of the US auto industry off guard. Aimed at the new moneyed younger buyer, for whom a car was as much a lifestyle statement as means of transport, the Mustang was a huge success, achieving more than 250,000 sales in its first year. This remarkable debut was followed by a further 500,000 sales in 1965! The secret of the Mustang's success was a broad appeal that extended beyond the target market thanks to a great value-for-money package combining sporty looks, decent economy and brisk performance. Available as a Coupe, Convertible or Fastback it was slowly upgraded with the first major facelift for 1967.
The History
This highly original Mustang was built on 30th June 1967 at Ford’s Metuchen plant in New Jersey and sold new in the Pittsburgh area. It was purchased from a private seller in Richmond, Virginia in October 2020 imported into the UK later that year. The seller has a passion for Mustangs with several already in his “corral” and he bought this one as with a view to restoring it and perhaps replacing the straight six engine with a V8. Soon after the Convertible arrived in the UK the seller was offered a 1968 Fastback as a project, and we all know what happens when you have too many projects! Having been registered in the UK and driven a mere 253 miles on these shores it is being offered for sale to help fund the Fastback restoration.
The Paperwork
The history file is a little thin, as is often the case with a new import. There is a copy of the US title, and the important NOVA Certificate to show all duties to HMRC have been paid. There is a letter from the DVLA allocating it its period 1967 registration, and a V5C in the seller’s name. In the past few months the Seller has replaced the heater fan speed regulator switch, and sorted out the rear window winders which weren’t working.
The Interior
The interior appears to be mostly as originally ordered, in standard Black Crinkle Vinyl with black carpets from new. The carpets are in good condition and have probably been replaced at some stage. Both the drivers and passenger seats have splits in the seat area. The passenger side of the dash appears to have been replaced in the past and does not match the driver’s side as can been seen in the photos. The rear seats are in good condition and all four seats are fitted with lap seat belts. The dash top is clean and shows no sun related cracks. The seller pointed out that at the moment the fuel gauge does not function.
Overall the interior shows wear commensurate with the age of the car, and although it would benefit from a little attention in places, everything seems to be present, and it is in good, useable condition.
The Exterior
We think it would be safe to say the exterior of this Mustang is all original! After 54 years it shows a little “wear and tear”. What should be noted is that nearly all the marks and faded areas are age, not corrosion, related. There are a few places that would need attention prior to a respray, but there is surprisingly little in the way of rust which shows most of the damage is sun related. Most of the top surfaces of the car are faded, and there are age related marks on all panels. The best way to describe the finish would be highly patinated, and we think it looks rather cool. There is nothing that would stop you from enjoying the car as it is.
The Mechanics
On the day of our visit the seller treated us with to a trip to the seaside to get the photographs. That gave us the chance to experience the car on the road and we are pleased to report everything appeared to be functioning correctly. In fact the straight six engine is remarkably smooth and surprisingly powerful. The C4 automatic box changed smoothly without any clunks, the brakes worked well and we didn’t hear any rattles or squeaks from the suspension. We had the roof up on the way there, and down on the way back, and the sun was out -what could be better? There were plenty of admirers and thumbs up, perhaps more because this car looks the part. Under the hood the engine is clean with no sign of leaks. It looks like somebody has done some cleaning and painting of the inner wing on the passenger side but nothing appears out of place. There is evidence of care and attention with new leads and filters.
The steel wheels have full hubcaps as they should on a Sprint 6, although they look too good to be original. The tyres have plenty of tread all round, with Uniroyal Tiger Paws on the rear and Prime Well up front. The underside looks clean as can be seen in the photographs, and it appears the floors have been replaced at some stage, not unsurprising in a convertible.
The Appeal
There are no two ways about it- whatever your opinion we think Mustangs are cool. As a classic car there are few that have such wide appeal, massive parts availability and year round usability. They are as welcome at a cruise night as they are at a Concours. The most desirable body style is the convertible; in fact the two words Mustang and convertible just go together so well! Historically an excellent investment they have universal appeal, and there is always a buyer waiting to enjoy the ride.
This car would be an ideal starting point for a restoration project, with the choice to keep it “as is” with its rare six cylinder engine, or upgrade it with a 289, 302 or larger V8. Alternatively just preserve the original looks, give it a general tidy up and enjoy!
Notice to bidders
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