Barn Finds

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EXCLUSIVE: 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Twister!

Jesse Mortensen


From The Seller: This 1970 Mustang Mach 1 Twister Special is a rare car as there were only 96 manufactured. Of the 96 made, 48 have a 428 Super Cobra Jet engine and 48 have a 351 Cleveland engine. The noted engine combinations were half automatic transmission and half 4 -speed manual transmission. That makes this one very rare – 1 of 24! These cars were not built with luxury in mind. They were built for power and speed!

This Twister Special has the desirable 428 Super Cobra Jet engine with a 4-speed manual transmission. This car has quite a history. It has seen races on the drag strip circuit, cruised around town, and has been the envy of many who have seen her drive by during her prime. She was cared for by a family member, but in time was parked in a barn for many years. She was even stolen from the barn to end up in a scrap yard and fortunately was retrieved after the thief was caught. For the past decade, she has been sitting in the garage while we have been researching and planning for her restoration. It now appears that this dream will have to be fulfilled by the fortunate buyer.
Please view pictures for the condition of the vehicle. The matching serial number engine is not the one pictured under the hood but is the one pictured on the engine stand. The engine is not running now and will require restoration. See the original shaker in the photograph of the passenger floorboard. Aside from a light cleaning, gentle transport, and safe storage, we have left the vehicle in the condition in which we received it from our family member. This car will need extensive restoration, but is solid and has minimal rust (see pictures).
This is your opportunity to purchase a rare 50-year-old Mustang that is a great buy that after being restored will be worth many, many times more than your initial investment. Thank you for viewing our barn find!

What a great car Scott! Thanks for listing it with us. If any of you are interested, please use the form below to contact Scott.

• Asking Price: $65,000
• Location: Tallahassee, FL
• Mileage: 96,065
• Title Status: Clean
• VIN: 0F05R118857

 

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Parked In ’91: 1969 Ford Mustang Survivor

Adam Clarke


The owner of this 1969 Mustang purchased it from the original owner in 1986. After using it for 5-years, it was parked in this shed in 1991. It appears to be a fairly solid and clean car and has all of the makings of a promising restoration project. Located in South Berwick, Maine, you will find the Mustang listed for sale here on Facebook. With an asking price of $8,200, this is a classic that is worth a serious look.

The photos that the owner supplies aren’t the greatest, but they tend to paint a generally positive picture. Finished in Spanish Gold, the Mustang also features a Black vinyl top. The paint has developed a bit of a matte look to it, but visible rust doesn’t appear to be particularly severe. I think that there might be a small amount present in the lower rear quarter panel and the rocker on the driver’s side, but if there is, it doesn’t appear to be too severe. It is a bit harder to be sure on the passenger side, but it does look decidedly clean. The owner makes no mention of the state of the floors, and anything visible in the engine bay appears to be little more than some surface corrosion. The exterior trim and chrome is all present, although the plating is peeling off the front bumper in a couple of places. The glass all looks good, while the vehicle also wears all four of its original hubcaps.

Under the hood of the Mustang, we find a 302ci Windsor V8, a 3-speed automatic transmission, and power steering. This combination was not the most potent in the Mustang armory in 1969, but the car would have still been capable of acquitting itself fairly well when the right foot was buried. A 0-60 time of 8.6 seconds and a ¼ mile ET of 16.4 were reasonable for a car with a modest 210hp on tap. Even though the car has now been sitting for decades, it isn’t all bad news. The owner wanders out to the garage about once a year and kicks the 302 back into life to keep the fluids moving. Obviously, there is going to be some inspection and refurbishment work required before the car would be considered to be fit to return to active duty, but at least it does run.


The interior of the Mustang is a pleasant surprise because it does appear to be in good condition. There are a couple of seam separations on the driver’s seat, but what can be seen of the remaining gold vinyl trim looks pretty good. It is hard to see the state of the carpet, but it looks like there could potentially be a crack right in the center of the dash pad. The original radio is gone, but there is an aftermarket radio/cassette fitted in its place. From what can be seen, it looks like the interior might present quite well with little more than a good clean and some minor repair work by a competent upholsterer.

First Generation Mustang project cars have been achieving some pretty incredible prices in recent times, and people have been paying extraordinary money for some pretty rusty and incomplete vehicles. This one looks to be complete, it has a running V8 under the hood, and on the surface, it looks like it is a pretty solid car. If a personal inspection confirms all of these facts, then it could also represent a pretty reasonable buy at the asking price.

More: Coupe / Ford / Mustang

 

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Worthwhile Project? 1968 Ford Fairlane 500 Fastback

Brentton Fuller


Up for sale is a 1968 Ford Fairlane 500 Fastback that is like Goldilocks. It is not in the best shape, but it is also not in the worst shape. If you are interested in taking on this project 500, it has a buy-it-now price of $7,400 or you can make an offer on it. It is located in Denver, North Carolina. That location might have helped the body stay in relatively good condition if it has been there the whole time. A VIN is listed for the car along with a clean title and 21,074 miles. You can view more on eBay.


Under the hood is a numbers matching 289 cubic-inch V8 but it only runs on a bottle. That is connected to an automatic transmission. The seller mentions that there is no bondo on the car. All the rust that you can see is what you get and no repairs have been made to it. There are a few dents and dings, some rust around the fenders, a hole in the passenger side front floor, and it does need a windshield along with some other glass.


Inside, the car appears to be complete. It does have some torn seats but overall it would not take much to get things in a comfortable condition. There is no information on if all the gauges and dials work. One of the features of this car is that it came with air conditioning. Again, they do not mention if that is in working order or not.

A few undercarriage photos provided show that there is surface rust and more than likely a number of parts that will need to be replaced due to rust. It isn’t in the best condition, but it might be worth saving if the price is right, and you have the skill, time, and funds to put into it. The direction you would want to go is also open to interpretation. If restoration is your preference, go with that, but if a resto-mod build is striking you as an option, that is a great route as well.

More: Fairlane 500




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Live Auctions

 

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Clean Saleen: 1988 Ford Mustang Saleen

Adam Clarke


The chances are that the Saleen Mustangs will never reach the heady values of the Shelby vehicles, but cars like this 1988 example still have a strong following. The owner says that this is no trailer queen, but is a clean and tidy survivor that is ready for the next owner to drive and enjoy. Given the fact that the most significant modifications that were made to these were related to improving ride and handling, they tend to be a pretty reasonable sort of proposition to live with on a day-to-day basis. The Saleen is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. With bidding at a pretty reasonable $13,700, the reserve has been met.

During the 1988 model year, Steve Saleen’s organization produced 708 of its modified Mustangs. Hatchbacks were far-and-away the most popular choice amongst buyers, with a total of 546 cars rolling out the doors. This Mustang is #164 and has been placed on the Saleen Registry. Its overall condition is quite decent, and it would seem to qualify for the tag of a clean survivor. It seems that all of the paint is original and the fact that the car has been garaged all its life has undoubtedly helped it to survive as well as it has. There are no signs of rust, while the distinctive Saleen body kit appears to be in good condition. If I can level any sort of criticism at the car’s appearance, it is the fact that the rims are looking a bit dirty and oxidized. You would normally expect the outer section from the mesh to the bead to have a pretty decent shine to it. It may be that a bit of work with a high-quality aluminum alloy polish might just bring them back to their best.

Under the hood of the Mustang is the expected fuel-injected 302ci V8 motor, producing 225hp. Backing that is a 5-speed manual transmission, while it isn’t clear which of the two available rear-end ratios (3.08 or 3.55) has been fitted to this car. The Saleen wasn’t about extracting additional horsepower from a Mustang, but was about making the car ride, handle, and stop better. To this end, a Saleen was blessed with 4-wheel disc brakes with 5-lug wheels and SVO rotors, along with a heavy-duty master cylinder. Uprated springs and Monroe gas shocks helped the Mustang handle and ride better, but probably the most significant addition was the brace that you see across the towers in the engine bay. This made the whole front of the car significantly stiffer and allowed the springs and shocks to do their job more effectively. One of the greatest criticisms that have been leveled against these vehicles is the fact that the vast majority of the Saleen modifications are changes that could be achieved at home by a “weekend warrior.” This is true enough, but the difference is that the changes made by Saleen were endorsed and completed with the support of Ford. The same can’t be said for those home jobs, and it is this factor that will eventually separate the Saleen in desirability and value in the coming years.


The interior of the Mustang is generally tidy, but the two-tone grey interior trim really tells the story that this is a car that has 139,000 miles on its odometer. While there are no real rips or tears, the edge bolsters on the front seats are demonstrating the sort of wear that these heavily contoured seats can develop over time. The seats and the cloth inserts on the door trims are also showing some dirt, and as gross as this probably sounds, this is usually the result of human flesh rubbing against the cloth, with oils and perspiration doing their worst. While that isn’t the greatest of news, it is also far from the end of the world. There are both cleaning products and companies that specialize in the removal of organic stains from cloth upholstery. If this staining is due to oil and perspiration, it qualifies as organic, and some work with either these cleaning products or by one of these specialist companies could produce some pleasant results. The other thing that I noticed when viewing the interior from behind is the fact that the driver’s seat appears to be slightly twisted. That is something that I would probably investigate further because if it is suffering from damage or fatigue, then repairing it might be an expensive proposition. The original Pioneer stereo has made way for a CD player, but the remaining Saleen-specific items such as the Hurst shifter and the 170mph speedometer all seem to be present.

While the value of a Saleen Mustang will almost certainly never reach the lofty heights of a Shelby, they do command a pretty decent premium over an unmodified Mustang of the same specifications. Values on the Saleen are generally rising, but it is a slow process. One thing is for certain, and that is with four people having already bid on the vehicle, there are obviously people out there who see this as a pretty decent buy.

More: Ford / Mustang / Saleen




SHARETW

 

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One of 200 Left: 1966 Ford Bronco U13 Roadster

Jeff Lavery


This 1966 Ford Bronco is one of the rarest body styles known to exist, and a scant amount remain on the road today. Unique for their removable doors, roof, and resemblance to a surfing enthusiast’s beach buggy, the U13 Broncos are believed to number around 200 or less, with some sources saying fewer than 150 remain registered. Of course, originality will always play a role in assessing value, and the fact that this Bronco hasn’t been resto-modded makes it even more desirable. Find it here on craigslist for $20,000 in California.

The seller provides the background of this example, which has to be the stuff that Bronco enthusiasts dream of. Ordered new by a Ford dealership employee, it remained in his care for years before his passing in the early 80s. The Bronco then went to a close friend, who also cherished it and then embarked on a restoration. The U13 was partially disassembled before his health took a turn and the restoration stalled. The Bronco sat untouched for years, and seemingly most, if not all, of the original parts remain largely accounted for. The Bronco was ordered new with front bucket seat, rear bench seat, soft top, and hard doors.

In ordering it this way, the original owner ensured he could use this Bronco with maximum functionality. Keep the doors and hard top on, and it was as practical as any other Bronco. Remove the top and the doors and it became the ultimate sidekick for outdoor activities or navigating by the stars while searching for an elusive campsite on the California coast. Fortunately, it doesn’t look like the Bronco was banged up for extensive off-road use, even if the engine bay is in desperate need of a cleaning. The Bronco is equipped with the 170 CID six-cylinder engine which the seller claims was running when parked. Although not running currently, it appears to be intact.


The seller notes that many of the needed parts for restoration appear to be included. This includes the bucket seats, rear bench, hard and soft doors, windshield (which can lay flat, for a truly open air ride), various trim, interior pieces like the steering wheel, and more. More importantly, the seller is confident the Bronco is largely solid, with no major areas of rot to fix other than some rust in the floors and cargo area which are still described as solid but in need of some work. Of course, this Bronco remains uncut, as the most original ones do. I’m sure given the rarity and desirability of unmodifed Broncos, this one will find a home soon. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Ikey H. for the find.

More: Ford

 

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I like this one, very rare.

Pop the Hood! 1959 Ford F-100 Panel

Montana Danford


This 1959 Ford panel truck has the potential to be a really cool project. Some of the work has already been done and there’s an amazing power plant already installed! The truck can be found here on eBay with a requested opening bid of only $2,500! Located in High Point, North Carolina, there are a ton of things you could do with this one. How about a paddy wagon, or shop truck/parts runner, or hot rod? The seller was going for a 1960s-era shop truck, but unfortunately due to health issues, it has to sell. They have already done some work and it just needs a new owner to take it over the finish line. Take a look!


I think the engine is the big story with this project. Long gone is the 223 cubic inch 6-cylinder that the truck came from the factory with. In its place, there’s a 302 from 1970 that has been fully rebuilt including a performer cam backed by a C4 transmission. The engine also features a Weiand Stealth intake, Holley 600cfm carb, aluminum valve covers, oil pan, air cleaner, and breathers. The accessories have also been chromed and the ignition has been upgraded with HEI parts. The seller says they have $2,500 in the engine alone and I believe it!


The interior has been cleaned out and was started to be rebuilt. You can see the sides have been insulated. The floors have been done and the cabinets over the wheel wells are taking shape. I don’t know if I’d leave the generic subwoofer boxes, but that’s just my opinion. Check out this photo of the interior the way it was before.

The biggest drawback to this truck is the camper windows that were cut into the sides. Obviously, they could be filled in with fresh metal, but the patina would be very hard to blend. Maybe some graphics could cover it up? What would you do?

More: Ford

 

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Only 7 miles. The 1/18th scale version of this I have cost much less than Thirty Thousand

1978 Chevrolet Corvette Indy Pace Car With 7 Miles!!!

Adam Clarke


We’ve seen some low-mileage examples of the 1978 Corvette Indy Pace Car Replica over the years here at Barn Finds, but this particular example is something a little bit extraordinary. With a genuine 7 miles showing on its odometer, it made me wonder whether this was the lowest-mileage example that we had ever seen. I decided to delve back through the archives, and sure enough, it is…by a whole 1 mile! It is located in Belmont, Ohio, and has now been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding on the Corvette has worked its way to $31,600, but the reserve hasn’t been met.

The Pace Car is one of those vehicles that seems to polarize opinions amongst our readers. There are some who are really attracted to them, while there are also those who tend to dismiss them. This one is unusual insofar as it never even made its way through the dealer delivery process. The more eagle-eyed readers will notice that this Corvette isn’t fitted with the distinctive front spoiler, as this remains wrapped in its original plastic in the back of the vehicle. Given that fact, I am actually quite surprised that the owner chose to apply the decals, as these were supplied with the vehicle, but left to the owner’s discretion as to whether they were applied. The body and unique paint are as spotless as you would expect from a vehicle with this sort of mileage on it. As well as the paint treatment, the Pace Car also scored itself a T-Top with mirrored inserts, and these looks just as good as the rest of the car does. It isn’t clear where the Corvette has spent its life, but there are no signs of any of the sort of oxidization on the alloy wheels that you might expect if this location had any sort of issues with moisture or humidity. The original intent by Chevrolet was to produce 2,500 examples of the Pace Car, equating to 100 cars per year of Corvette production. They were to be made available on a “first-come, first-served” basis. In the end, it was decided that there should be one car available per dealer, and the end result was that a total of 6,502 cars rolled off the production line. This equated to 13.9% of total Corvette production for the 1978 model year.

Given the fact that the Corvette never made its way through the delivery process, it is no surprise to find that all of the original protective plastic and cardboard remains intact. Below the plastic on the seats is Silver leather, although a combination of Silver leather and cloth was also available. Those seats were a new design and were originally scheduled to be introduced into the Corvette range in 1979. However, with their development accelerated, they found their way into the Pace Car Edition. Under the cardboard is Silver carpet, while the plastic cover remains in place over the leather-wrapped wheel. These were not a cheap car when new, with a sticker price of $13,653. This made them a whopping $4,300 more expensive than a base Corvette. Still, for that money, you not only received a distinctive exterior treatment and unique seats but a few nice appointments inside as well. These included air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a tilt/telescopic wheel, rear window defogger, sports mirrors, and an AM/FM stereo with either an 8-track player or a CB radio. In this case, the Corvette was ordered with the CB option.


The owner supplies no photos of the Corvette’s engine, but I did go and have a look at their dealer website and was able to locate this shot. In this case, the vehicle comes equipped with a 350ci V8 motor, a 3-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. This is the L48 edition of the 350, generating 185hp. This is a shame because the optional L82 version, with 220hp, will command a premium when it comes to determining the vehicle’s ultimate value. The last Pace Car that we featured with such low mileage had been checked and run on a regular basis to keep the oil flowing, and prevent its gaskets and seals from deteriorating. There is no indication as to whether this car has received the same sort of treatment, so there is a real possibility that it will require some work before it is fit to return to the road once again. Of course, the next owner might choose to leave things exactly as they are in a bid to retain the vehicle’s originality. As a collectible, the Pace Car walked a very interesting line when new. They didn’t cause a huge stir in the marketplace until they featured in a front-page story in the Wall Street Journal. The result of this was that people grabbed them, and as was the case with this one, squirreled them away as a potential long-term investment, or chose to immediately on-sell them at a substantial premium. It was these two strategies that also resulted in quite a lucrative market where less scrupulous operators were creating clones out of regular ’78 Corvettes, and passing them off as the real thing. Knowledgeable buyers were soon able to spot these clones, but it didn’t stop more than a few people getting burned along the way.

At the time, the Wall Street Journal was correct in their claims about the potential desirability of the Corvette Pace Car as a collectible Through late 1978, it wasn’t unusual for these cars that originally sold for $13,600 to resell for sums of $30,000 or more. The resellers at that period in time were the ones that history now shows made the wisest decision because, in relative terms, values have dropped since those heady days. It is possible to buy a clean and tidy example today that is fitted with the L48 version of the 350 for around $18,000. Of course, lower mileage vehicles are always going to sell for higher prices, but it is here where the line becomes quite blurred. With a car like this one, what do you actually do with it? Returning it to active duty is going to potentially devalue it with every mile that it accumulates. However, I have located a vehicle that had the same mileage as this one, and it sold for $70,000. A look at the dealer website shows that they are asking $49,900. Regardless of whether it is through eBay or their own website, history tends to show that they will eventually sell this one, and it will potentially be for a price somewhere around the price that they are asking on their website. If you are a buyer that is seriously interested in this car, then I would suggest that bidding might be your best strategy, because there is a possibility that you might save yourself some cash that way when compared to the dealer’s asking price.

More: Chevrolet / Corvette / Pace Car




SHARETW

 

[Ohtobbad]

One of 200 Left: 1966 Ford Bronco U13 Roadster

Jeff Lavery


This 1966 Ford Bronco is one of the rarest body styles known to exist, and a scant amount remain on the road today. Unique for their removable doors, roof, and resemblance to a surfing enthusiast’s beach buggy, the U13 Broncos are believed to number around 200 or less, with some sources saying fewer than 150 remain registered. Of course, originality will always play a role in assessing value, and the fact that this Bronco hasn’t been resto-modded makes it even more desirable. Find it here on craigslist for $20,000 in California.

The seller provides the background of this example, which has to be the stuff that Bronco enthusiasts dream of. Ordered new by a Ford dealership employee, it remained in his care for years before his passing in the early 80s. The Bronco then went to a close friend, who also cherished it and then embarked on a restoration. The U13 was partially disassembled before his health took a turn and the restoration stalled. The Bronco sat untouched for years, and seemingly most, if not all, of the original parts remain largely accounted for. The Bronco was ordered new with front bucket seat, rear bench seat, soft top, and hard doors.

In ordering it this way, the original owner ensured he could use this Bronco with maximum functionality. Keep the doors and hard top on, and it was as practical as any other Bronco. Remove the top and the doors and it became the ultimate sidekick for outdoor activities or navigating by the stars while searching for an elusive campsite on the California coast. Fortunately, it doesn’t look like the Bronco was banged up for extensive off-road use, even if the engine bay is in desperate need of a cleaning. The Bronco is equipped with the 170 CID six-cylinder engine which the seller claims was running when parked. Although not running currently, it appears to be intact.


The seller notes that many of the needed parts for restoration appear to be included. This includes the bucket seats, rear bench, hard and soft doors, windshield (which can lay flat, for a truly open air ride), various trim, interior pieces like the steering wheel, and more. More importantly, the seller is confident the Bronco is largely solid, with no major areas of rot to fix other than some rust in the floors and cargo area which are still described as solid but in need of some work. Of course, this Bronco remains uncut, as the most original ones do. I’m sure given the rarity and desirability of unmodifed Broncos, this one will find a home soon. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Ikey H. for the find.

More: Ford

Ikea car lol.

 

[TrueBlue02058]

Definitely rare, first time I’ve seen that model of Bronco.

 

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Tidy Soft-Top: 1993 Ford Mustang LX Convertible

Adam Clarke


With warmer weather fast approaching, I think that everyone must be getting to the stage where they are eagerly anticipating getting out for a spot of relaxing weekend touring. There is nothing like doing this with the wind in your hair, and that is an option that is within reach with this 1993 Ford Mustang LX Convertible. It is a tidy vehicle that is ready to be driven and enjoyed immediately. It is located in Bethany Beach, Delaware, and has been listed for sale here on Facebook. The owner is asking $5,500 for this tidy soft-top.

The owner only provides us with limited photos, but what they show is a vehicle that presents quite well. Finished in Vibrant White, the panels and paint of the Mustang show no signs of major dings, dents, or rust. The Black power top is new and features a glass rear window. There is also a new top boot, and this is still in the box. The motor for the top has also been replaced, meaning that the top operates as it should. Since these photos were taken, a new headlight has been fitted to the passenger side, replacing the cloudy one that we see in the picture below. The owner is also including some extra headlights and other parts. The Opal Grey cloth and vinyl interior of the Mustang is said to be tidy, with only a single tear in the driver’s seat as an identified fault. It isn’t clear whether any modifications or changes have been made inside the vehicle, but according to the included Marti Report, it is a nicely equipped little car. As well as sports seats, it is equipped with air conditioning, a driver’s airbag, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, and a premium AM/FM radio/cassette player.

There are no photos of the engine, but we know that the Mustang is equipped with a 302ci V8 engine, a 4-speed automatic transmission, a 3.27 Traction-Lok rear end, and power steering. With 205hp on tap, the Mustang is a relatively spritely performer and is capable of dispatching the ¼ mile in around 16 seconds. The owner doesn’t make any outrageous claims about mileage, indicating that the Mustang has covered 145,000 miles. He does say that the motor has been fitted with a cold air intake, a full dual exhaust, and a new aluminum radiator. He also says that the car runs and drives well.

On face value, this 1993 Mustang LX Convertible seems like it is quite a good car, and would need little to make it sparkle. There is always a great attraction to buying a classic car that is ready to be driven and enjoyed. If someone bought this one, they could tackle the ripped cover on the driver’s seat, and when the sun pops its head out from beyond the clouds, be ready to hit the road for a bit of fun in a very tidy looking vehicle.

More: Convertible / Ford / Mustang

 

[TrueBlue02058]

Has a 331 Stroker, with at least 300 HP. Better than the Original 351 Cleveland 2 barell in my Friend's 73 Mach1 that produces a paltry 157 HP.

Nicely Updated! 1971 Ford Mustang Coupe

Todd Fitch


Look no further for a cruise-ready Mustang! This 1971 Ford Mustang coupe in Tulsa, Oklahoma needs beyond a new owner to fire up the 331 cid (5.4L) stroker motor and hit the road. With shiny paint, a clean interior, Mach 1-style upgrades, and more, the blue pony car will turn heads wherever it goes. The asking price of $18,000 may test the rising tide of post 1970 Mustangs, but should appeal to folks looking for a turn-key classic. The listing right here on barnfinds.com includes an option to ask for more information from the seller. I’d love to see that engine bay.

Ford designed the new-for’71 Mustang when the horsepower wars seemed destined to continue without end, and the wider, longer version could swallow the “385” block, the mighty 429. Just as the portly pony hit the streets, cleaner tailpipe emissions and fuel-efficiency closed the book on the classic muscle car era. Still, if you want to drop a 460 cid (7.5L) mill in a Mustang without chopping the shock towers, this is the ‘Stang for you. With aluminum heads, intake, and headers, that setup weighs just slightly more than an all-iron 351W.

The aftermarket steering wheel wears a vintage Mustang logo, and combines with the dash pad, speakers, and shift console for a modern makeover. A “new” air conditioning system and rebuilt (presumably automatic) transmission promise to keep you cool and mobile.


The 331 should be good for at least 300 net HP, rivaling some of the baddest early Mustangs. A Powertrax differential gives you a mechanical guarantee that both wheels turn during acceleration. I ran a Powertrax in my ’89 Mustang LX 5.0 for years. More than friction-based “limited slip” differentials, the Powertrax will lay down two black streaks every time you overpower the tires, without fail. They don’t like coasting around corners, though, so be ready to accelerate as you turn. Will you pony up the cash for this tidy 2+2?

More: Ford / Mustang

 

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25k Original Miles: 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1

Adam Clarke


This 1969 Mustang Mach 1 would seem to tick a lot of the right boxes for anyone hunting for a classic car. It’s original, rust-free, and is a low-mileage survivor. With values of good 1st Generation Mustangs continuing to climb relentlessly, buying a nice car like this now could be a pretty canny move before values make them unaffordable. Therefore, you will find this clean classic located in Pataskala, Ohio, and listed for sale here on eBay. A clear indication of the impact that this car has had can be quite easily gauged by just how frantic the bidding has been up to this point. There have been 14 potential buyers who have now submitted a total of 72 bids on the Mustang. This has pushed it along to $30,300, but the reserve hasn’t been met. For those who don’t want to subject themselves to the rigors and stresses of a bidding war, there is also a BIN option, and this has been set at $45,000.

If I had been a buyer back in 1969 who had walked into a Ford dealership ready to slap down my cash on the car of my dreams, then buying a Mustang finished in Royal Maroon probably would not have been my first choice. If that was the case, then I would have been guilty of making a huge mistake. That is the color that graces the panels of this Mustang, and it gives the vehicle an incredibly classy appearance. The owner claims that not only is the paint original, but so is all of the steel in the car. It is a car with an interesting history because it has managed to remain rust-free via some unusual circumstances. The least unusual of these was the fact that the original owner had the car treated with the best that the good people at Ziebart had to offer when the vehicle was new. He then retained and cherished the car for a number of years before selling it to an enthusiast who also happened to own a Ford dealership in Georgia. The car became something of a dealership showpiece and graced the showroom floor there for more than 11-years. The current owner purchased the car in 2015, and it has seen only limited use since. From the information provided in the description, that would seem to mean that the Mustang has either been garage-kept or showroom-kept for its entire life. While he doesn’t say that he has any evidence to verify it, the car’s history makes the mileage claim seem to be quite feasible. The owner states that the Mustang isn’t perfect, as it does wear some smaller chips and marks. However, he says that the paint really is as nice and shiny as it appears in the photos. He also had the current wheels fitted to the car, but the original wheels are included in the sale.

The Mustang’s Red interior presents just as nicely as the exterior does. Looking it over, I can really see no obvious issues or problems. All of the upholstered surfaces seem to be free of rips or splits, while the dash, pad, headliner, and the carpet, all appear to be in extremely good condition. Even the woodgrain inserts have managed to avoid looking worn and faded, which can be an issue as the years pass. There are no aftermarket additions present and the Mustang isn’t loaded to the brim with optional extras, but the AM radio, clock, and Deluxe wheel are all nice touches.


There were plenty of more potent drivetrains available to Mustang buyers in 1969, but the H-Code 351ci Windsor V8, 3-speed FMX automatic transmission, and power steering would all have combined to make this a pretty pleasant car to own and drive. The presentation of the engine bay is about on par with what I would expect to see in what is a 51-year-old survivor. The owner does stress the vehicle’s originality, so I take that as meaning that this would make this a numbers-matching car. He does say that the Mustang runs and drives great, so, if you are the next lucky owner, then it will be ready to be driven and enjoyed as soon as the warmer weather is with us.

This 1969 Mustang Mach 1 is a classic that is ready to be driven and enjoyed. If the photos and the description provided by the owner paint an accurate picture, then the next owner will need to do little but to slide behind the wheel and drive off into the sunset. For an original survivor in this sort of condition, I’m really not surprised by just how frantic the bidding has been. I suspect that if the bidding manages to find its way over the $42,500 mark, someone is very likely to hit the BIN button. If they do, then I won’t be at all surprised.

More: Ford / Mach 1 / Mustang

 

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No Reserve Fastback: 1967 Ford Mustang

Adam Clarke


There are plenty of people who will argue that the Fastback was the best looking of the 1st Generation Mustangs, and when you look at this 1967 model, it is easy to see why they make this claim. Even though it exhibits all of the signs of a Mustang with many of the typical rust problems of the era, it still looks very attractive. It deserves to have someone who is willing to return it to its former glory, and it would seem that there are plenty of people who are willing to put up their hand and to take this one on. Located in Des Moines, Iowa, you will find the Mustang listed for sale here on eBay. It would be fair to say that bidding on the Mustang has been pretty lively, with a total of 45 bids pushing the price along to $22,500. At that price, the reserve has been met. In addition, there also 173 people who are currently watching the listing.

At first glance, the Candy Apple Red Mustang doesn’t look too bad, but when we start to examine it closely, it becomes apparent that it is suffering from many of the typical rust issues that could plague these classics. There is rust visible in the lower rear quarter panels, the rockers, lower corners of the doors, and lower fenders. Having said that, none of this looks to be particularly bad, and I believe that the majority of those issues could be addressed with patches, rather than the wholesale replacement of panels. It is a bit hard to see the state of the floors, but there is definitely rust present there. At a minimum, there is some significant rust in the front floors, and I feel that this will be beyond simple patching. Given the fact that this is in the area where the floors join the rockers, there’s probably a pretty decent chance that this will have impacted the torque boxes as well. In fact, if you look around certain aspects of the car, there is evidence that it has spent some time in a pretty damp environment because some of the surface corrosion that is present is actually quite heavy. It also looks like there might be some rust visible in the rear frame rails, so this is a car that will almost certainly need some pretty decent levels of metalwork underneath. All of the external trim and chrome appears to be present, and it, along with the glass, looks to be in pretty reasonable condition.

The Red interior of the Mustang is essentially complete, but it will also require full restoration. The fold-down rear seat doesn’t look that bad, but a full interior trim kit will be required if this Mustang is going to look presentable once again. One plus is that the owner does state that a new red dash is included in the sale. The original radio has been replaced by a radio/cassette player, but otherwise, the interior does look to be original. My greatest concern revolves around the high level of corrosion on the steering wheel spokes. That is one of the indicators that I was referring to when I talked about signs of a damp environment. That level of corrosion must raise some questions about the state of items such as electrical connectors and other components under the dash. The only way to be sure that all is well will be to essentially remove the entire wiring harness and check every single connector and relay. It is going to be a time-consuming task, but finding and fixing any faults at that point would be a lot better than trying to trace an irritating fault that develops further down the track.


While it might not have been the most potent vehicle on the block, this Mustang does offer a potentially nice mechanical combination to its next owner. Nestled between the shock towers is a C-Code 289ci V8, while the car also features a 3-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The Mustang doesn’t run, and judging by the text in the description, it hasn’t run for quite some time. The owner states that he has made no attempt to coax the vehicle back to life, but he also doesn’t indicate whether the engine even turns freely. One thing that I will say is that I’m not sure just how standard the engine is because apart from the obvious dress-up items that it wears, I can also spot a set of aftermarket headers, while the exhausts are side-exit, rather than finding their way to the back of the vehicle. That is something that would certainly be worth investigating further, and that sort of information could be invaluable before any attempts are made to kick the little V8 back into life.

This Mustang Fastback is not the most solid project car that we’ve seen here at Barn Finds, but it also a long way from being the rustiest. It is a car that has generated plenty of interest since being listed for sale, as evidenced by the solid bidding up to this point. With that in mind, I would be interested in knowing whether we have any readers who are willing to join the bidding war.

More: Fastback / Ford / Mustang

 

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$3k V8/4-Speed: 1968 Ford Mustang

Jim ODonnell


OK, so it’s a ’68 Ford Mustang, check; four speed manual transmission, double check; Hyland Green, triple check; it’s a coupe! Wait a minute, no check. Well not really, it’s just in this season of $3.4 million dollar ’68 Mustangs we can have a tendency to get carried away with anything that starts to resemble a famous, and now very expensive, ’68 Mustang. This non-famous Mustang, located in Mountain View, California, is still a very desirable model and is available here on craigslist for $3,399. Thanks to local_sheriff for the tip!


While the ’68 fastback Mustang has stolen the show recently in terms of attention, the reality is that the coupe or notchback model is much more common having comprised 78.6% of ’68 production (249,447 out of 317,404 units in total). These coupes were offered with a large array of options and various powertrain configurations; there were some pretty interesting combinations put together and they warrant a close look.


This example features the new for ’68 302 CI V8 engine sporting 230 gross HP. The new 302 motor was of the “Windsor” architecture like the 289 CI V8 which continued on as the standard V8 for ’68. So, how’s it run? It doesn’t according to the seller and the fact that the keys are missing adds to the equation – not getting off to a great start here. The original four-barrel carburetor has been replaced with a Holley 600 CFM unit and placed onto the original intake manifold. Other than that not visible change, the engine appears to be stock with what the seller states is 108,000 miles on its clock. What is visible is the missing A/C compressor. Backing up the 302 engine is a very desirable four-speed manual transmission.

Delving into this Ford’s overall condition, there are several notable items. First and most obvious is the missing vinyl top covering and the underlying roof condition which the seller describes as light surface oxidation. I’d call it surface rust but it doesn’t appear as if the steel has been compromised so that’s positive. The seller adds that there is rust in the lower left fender and some surface rust in the trunk – none of this presents a big problem. Beyond that, the seller claims that the, “body looks to be in very good condition.” This is a life-long California car, built at Ford’s San Jose plant, so that should bode well for overall integrity.

The interior, besides those cool, fuzzy seat covers, has some problems. The interior is in tact but is tagged as being in “poor condition”. The aforementioned seats, headliner, dash pad and dash surface will all need attention. Apparently, the window cranks don’t work either so at disassembly, a decision can be made regarding the door cards. A clear, comprehensive view of the floor isn’t available but what can be spied looks OK.

The seller informs potential buyers that this Mustang was stored in a barn since the ’80’s but now that it is out and available, he has been, “overwhelmed with responses and am guessing that it will definitely sell over the asking price”. No doubt on the responses part, this vintage Mustang is hot, coupe or not, and the price of this example coupled with the powertrain combination will ensure a sale. Will it go for more than asking price? I guess it could or it might be a way for the seller to push the price northward without actually changing the posted price – hard to say. Considering what this Mustang is, I think it’s a reasonable deal, how about you?

More: Ford Mustang

 

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Beautiful Survivor: 1978 Ford F-150 Ranger Supercab

Brentton Fuller


If you are looking for an incredible looking, strong running, and very useful truck, look no further than this 1978 Ford F-150 Ranger Supercab. Located in Caldwell, Idaho this truck has a reserve set, but it has not yet been met. The current bid price has reached $14,300 by 40 bidders. A VIN is listed, along with a clean title and 21,203 miles on the odometer. You can view more on eBay.


Everything about this truck is stunning. The photos of the engine show a numbers matching 400 cubic-inch V8 that is connected to a 4-speed manual transmission. This truck is also equipped with four-wheel drive with locking hubs, a 3-speed transfer case, power steering, power brakes that are factory disc. It also has dual batteries and a solid front axle from the factory. This truck is said to be a factory S code that is all original, never been restored, and extremely rare.


Inside is a split bench seat with a rear jump seat. The original gauges are gloriously displayed on the dash. Everything is clean and in amazing condition. It is hard to believe the amazing condition this truck is in. The seller has indicated that there is a CD player installed in the truck. It might not be from the factory, but it should make driving around more entertaining. One thing is for sure, the color combination between the exterior paint and interior color is very much a late 70’s early 80’s pallet. There is no mistake in what year this truck is from.

There are a number of photos provided, including a few of the underside of this truck. It has absolutely no rust which is an incredible feat. It is hard to believe this truck has even traveled the 23,000 miles it has on the odometer. It had to have been garage kept and only driven in the warm months for sure, avoiding rain as much as possible. At the time of writing, the price of this truck is almost a steal of a deal, so if you are wanting a 4×4 like this, put a bid in now!

More: Ford

 

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Needs A 302: 1978 Ford Mustang Cobra II

Jeff Lavery


This 1978 Ford Mustang Cobra II is certainly a looker with its bold graphics and painted wheels, but is desperately in need of a bigger powerplant. Of course, many enthusiasts said that about the cars when new, but this Cobra II deserves to have the optional 302 V8 dropped in to give it the thrust to back up those bold graphics. The seller notes the car has the base-spec 2.3L four-cylinder installed currently, but that the engine needs replacement regardless of your desire for more horsepower. Find it here on eBay with bids approaching $2K and no reserve.

The Cobra II is relisted after the first “buyer” did not follow through. The Cobra package may have been a far cry from the original concept, but at least it got you some cosmetic tweaks that greatly improved the homely Mustang II’s looks. This included spoilers front and rear, blacked-out grill, hood scoops, and the aforementioned graphics package. So many of these stickers have been eaten away by years of sun exposure and other environmental damage; it’s nice to see one with the Cobra graphics still preserved. Thankfully, all of the other Cobra II enhancements are still attached.

The interior looks to be in great shape, and far better than the seven out of 10 rating the seller applied to it. The seller notes no rips, and unless there’s some water intrusion I can’t detect here, I’m not sure what the seller is dinging the cockpit on. The carpets look quite clean as do the door panels, and the cardinal red upholstery is one of the best looks for a black car. The original steering wheel remains installed, and the dash doesn’t appear to be cracked. The automatic is a bummer, but at least it will feel more lively once a proper 302 is swapped in.


The Cobra II package was available across the Mustang lineup at the time, which does seem insulting when you consider it could be added to the four- and six-cylinder models. This example is surprisingly rust-free, despite residing in Ohio. The seller notes there is no rot in the doors or floorboards, and that the rocker-panels have no rust to speak of, either. The undercoating is just starting to peel off, so it seems like this Cobra II was at least kept out of the snow when it was new. The next owner will have a great looking ride, hopefully with 302 (or bigger!) power under the hood to justify those bold Cobra II graphics. What engine would you swap in?

More: Cobra / Ford / Mustang

 

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EXCLUSIVE: 1991 Ford Taurus SHO W/ Partial Plus Package

Jesse Mortensen


Update: Scott has dropped his asking price from $5,550 to $3,500!
From The Seller: This 1991 Taurus SHO 5-speed was purchased by a Ford employee (Worked for Ford for forty years). He had a small collection of classic Fords and this was one of his daily drivers. It’s all stock with no modifications and was garage kept until last year. It has been under a carport since then. The original owner passed away last year and I purchased the car from the estate. It’s a west coast car with no rust or no sun damage inside or out. I have all records since new. No dents, dings, or paint damage. No interior flaws, or cracks. Nonsmoker, no pets. 100% survivor car. Runs flawless, everything works except the stereo (have not figured out why yet).

Apparently, in ’91 only the Taurus SHO was offered a package called the PLUS package consisting of several cosmetic upgrades. Also offered was a partial PLUS package, meaning it only had a couple of upgrades. This is supposed to be a partial Plus car (has the fiberglass power bulge hood) and one other trim upgrade. It has ALL the options that I know of and really is a well-preserved piece of Ford history. They are only original once as they say. Even the leather wrap on the steering wheel and shifter is in excellent shape. The only things I know the car could use are a new strut arm for the hood to hold it up and some new rear shocks. Fronts have been replaced. That is it… Own a super nice original SHO for $5,500 or best offer. Must sell. Clean title in hand. I have been working on, building and restoring American cars and trucks for over 50 years. My call on this car is 100%. You will not be disappointed.
This sounds like a great find and we hope it goes to someone who appreciates fast Fords. You can contact Scott using the form below.

• Asking Price: $3,500 or best offer
• Location: Grants Pass
• Mileage: 111,000
• Title Status: Clean
• VIN: 1FACP54Y3NA191070

 

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Mini Camper: 1981 Ford Roll-A-Long Conversion

Jeff Lavery


Roll-A-Long the company has frequently used Ford trucks as the foundation for its compact R/V conversions. Though the Ranger was the more popular model to use for the transformation, the F150 seen here also looks like it was always intended to have an integrated camper shell over the bed. Roll-A-Longs also utilized the tidy Ford Courier pickup as well, but those are hard to find for sale and in good condition. The F-Series Roll-A-Long looks to be in outstanding condition inside and out, with just 51,112 miles from new. Check it out here on eBay with bids to $8,100 and no reserve.

Right away, you notice the interior is truly set up like a very nice living room in a tastefully decorated apartment. While I’m sure this is staged, there’s no denying the camper shell is clean and well thought out. The kitchenette is tiny but has everything you need, and the sitting area around the small tables looks perfect for enjoying a TV dinner with your travel companion. The wood trim all appears to be in fantastic condition, as does the stove and sink area. I’d assume that is a mini-fridge to the right of the sink, and a sleeping area above the driver and passenger seats.

Speaking of the front of the Roll-A-Long, the cockpit is in excellent condition, with clean carpets, untorn upholstery, and a dash free of cracks. The low mileage certainly helps here, as the driver and passenger seating areas look like they belong in a truck with half the advertised mileage. It seems possible this R/V was purchased by an older couple that simply didn’t use the camper as often as they expected, resulting in the slightly time-warp condition you see here. The seller notes this is an 18 foot / Class C motorhome which should be fairly easy for novice R/V drivers to navigate.


The Ford is powered by a huge 4.9L inline-six paired to an automatic transmission, which should do a respectable job of getting the Roll-A-Long out of its own way. I love the period graphics down the sides, which appear to be holding up well with no obvious signs of sun damage. The seller doesn’t provide any excruciating detail about recent services or other mechanical upgrades done while in his care, and despite the low miles, I’d still want to know about what they’ve done to keep this Roll-A-Long…well, rolling along. Old camper conversions are quite popular right now, but especially the ones that never fell victim to unchecked water damage and being lived in by rodents.
Have something similar for sale? List it here on Barn Finds!

 

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Potential Bargain? 1971 Jensen Interceptor

Jeff Lavery


$9,000 seems like a fair shake for a Jensen Interceptor that isn’t a complete rust bucket. This example is a 1971 model that sports a Chrysler-built 383 and has a clean interior with seemingly all the major original details preserved. The seller says it is ready for restoration but doesn’t spell out what its immediate needs are; from a computer screen on the other side of the country, it looks fairly presentable as-is. The Jensen has been with its current owner since 1987 and is listed here on craigslist in Seattle.

Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rocco B. for the find. We have seen numerous Interceptors come across these pages in all manners of disrepair, with the most serious among them being cars with severe cancer. This example doesn’t appear to suffer from such issues, and most of the classics we see from the Pacific Northwest are delightfully well preserved, even if they bear the scars of regular use. The huge glass canopy over the rear hatch area shows no signs of cracks, and the chrome sections of the body all look perfectly usable as-is. The exhausts look to be aftermarket and likely sound great.

The cabin looks quite nice, aside from the tan carpets that show soiling. If this Jensen has been used semi-regularly since 1987, that’s not surprising, and hopefully a steam cleaner can get out most of the caked-in muck. The seats look quite nice, although the driver’s seat foam may be collapsing a bit. The large center console appears to be crack-free, like the dash and steering wheel. This generation of the Interceptor saw changes made to the interior to satisfy U.S. regulations, and air conditioning became optional on this second-generation model.


The engine bay looks tired, and the air cleaner has been removed. The listing is nicely descriptive of the Interceptor model in general but doesn’t highlight any known issues or whether the Jensen even runs. Given the asking price, I’d assume it doesn’t run, or at least doesn’t run well. The good news is that the next owner likely won’t have to worry about much in the way of cosmetic restoration, assuming the photos don’t lie about the car’s lack of rust. Those exhausts are dying to roar again, so hopefully, this Italian-styled, British-built, and American-powered cruiser will ride again.
Have something similar for sale? List it here on Barn Finds!

More: Jensen

 

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Project or Parts? 1965 Ford Thunderbird Convertible

Adam Clarke


This 1965 Ford Thunderbird Convertible has spent more than half of its life stored away in a barn, but it has now been dragged out to be sold as part of an estate. It’s a pretty forlorn-looking sight, and it’s debatable as to whether this will make a viable restoration project, or whether its ultimate fate will be as a parts car. It is located in Monroe, Wisconsin, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. With bidding now sitting at $1,225, the reserve hasn’t been met.

There’s no hiding the fact that the light of day reveals that the Patrician Green Thunderbird has some rust issues. They are pretty extensive, and externally, they impact upon the rear quarter panels, the rockers, and the lower sections of the front fenders. This sort of rust doesn’t spell the end of the world, but the harsh reality is that this is merely what can be seen on the surface. Like an iceberg, the majority of the issues lie sight unseen below the surface. The wheel wells are showing some significant issues, while the floors are also looking pretty rotten. The trunk pan is rotted out, while the frame rails, in particular, the rear rails, are in need of either repair or replacement. This is when there simply has to be some serious questions raised about the viability of this car. Being a Convertible, structural integrity is paramount. From what we can see from the photos, the Thunderbird is lacking big-time in this area, and addressing these problems is going to cost a pretty penny. So, viewing it purely from a parts perspective, it still has a bit to offer. The external trim and chrome is almost all present, and it is either in reasonable condition or fit to be restored. The tinted glass looks like it’s good, and even the white power top looks like it might be okay with a clean. Add in the doors, deck lid, and the hood, and there are certainly some decent parts to be salvaged.

Standard fare for 1965 was the 390ci V8, 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission, power steering, while for the first time, power front disc brakes were a standard feature. By this stage, the Thunderbird Convertible had become a big, heavy car, tipping the scales at 4,762lbs. This made it a full 110lbs heavier than the Hardtop, meaning that outright performance was more in line with the Thunderbird’s luxury leanings, rather than those of a sports car. It isn’t clear what sort of state the vehicle’s drive-train is in. The owner doesn’t mention whether the engine even turns freely, but with the rest of the vehicle’s condition indicating that it has spent some considerable time exposed to damp, then there is a very real possibility that the engine could be locked. If it does turn freely, then that will be a bonus. One positive aspect here is the fact that the car does appear to be mechanically complete. That means that if it is being considered purely as a parts car, then there are plenty of components that could be salvaged and refurbished to assist with the restoration of another vehicle.


I guess that at some point we would be hoping for a pleasant surprise, and for this car, the high point has to be the condition of the interior. The carpet is showing more indications of moisture issues, while the door trims look like they are also damaged. Looking past that, the rest of the interior trim actually looks quite good. The seats should respond nicely to a clean, the console looks to be in good condition, while the same would appear to be true of the dash and cap. In addition, the interior does appear to be complete, meaning that items such as power window switches, the factory radio, clock, the mechanism for the “tilt-away” wheel, and numerous other parts, could easily find their way onto another vehicle.

When I look at a classic car like this Thunderbird, I try to find some reason to justify its restoration. With this particular car, that would seem to be close to an impossibility. The rust is so extensive that it would take a lot of time and money just to return the vehicle to a structurally sound state. We then have to consider what might be involved in getting it running and driving once again. Factoring this in just sees the tally growing ever larger. Today, it is possible to buy a pristine restored Thunderbird Convertible for under $40,000, while there are some very nice original examples available in the market for around $20,000. To me, that seals this car’s fate. However, even as a parts car, it still has plenty to offer to the next owner. Maybe every cloud does have a silver lining after all.
Have something similar for sale? List it here on Barn Finds!

More: Ford / Thunderbird