Barn Finds

[Lorne]

Similar to the one Lorne recently parked in his Garage.

Life Car: 26K Mile 1975 Mercedes 240D

Jeff Lavery


This 1975 Mercedes-Benz 240D is far from the most collectible Mercedes out there, but with just 26,000 original miles and seemingly spotless condition, it may be one of the best ones out there. These W114/W115 sedans can just as easily end up in the junkyard as they can appear for sale with an asking price of $14,999, so it the question becomes whether you should spend that much in the first place. Find this pristine example here on craigslist near Philadelphia.

Thanks to Barn Finds reader Russel G. for the find. The seller is quite enthusiastic about the car’s overall appearance, which does look about how you’d expect for an example with such low mileage. The seller notes it is finished in the factory non-metallic color of Dark Red with a Tobacco-colored MB Tex vinyl interior. The Mercedes was always garage kept, and the lack of obvious sun fading (such as on the bumper trim) is a testament to the benefits of indoor storage.

While it is quite hard to destroy an MB Tex interior, they can still turn to tatters just like any other car if not maintained. Not the case here, as everything looks showroom fresh, from the dash to the console to the carpets and the steering wheel. Gauge faces are crystal clear, and the seller notes that the “Berber loop-style carpeting” is also in fine shape. This 240D sports a column shift, which I have to imagine is somewhat rare in a sea of console-shift automatics.


As a diesel-equipped Mercedes, the epic low mileage means you are literally looking at a new car (even with 26,000 miles on the clock). These engines, though stout, are also not the most robust performers, but looking for outright speed defeats the purpose of choosing the diesel drivetrain – you want longevity, and the kind of reliability that can emerge unscathed when the rest of world goes to hell. It won’t ever be worth big bucks, but it’ll start every time.

More: Mercedes-Benz

Wow,good find Fred,thanks for posting

 

[TrueBlue02058]

Unrestored Rarity: 1966 Ford Bronco U13 Roadster

Montana Danford


You are looking at an ultra-rare, unrestored “BUDD” Bronco U13 Roadster. It can be found here on eBay with an asking price of $58,000 and according to the seller, it is something really special. The body was supposedly built by BUDD, who manufactured parts for Ford to assemble before Ford was actually up and running with their own tooling. The ad states that BUDD built the original Bronco prototype and these roadsters were only assembled in August, September, and October of 1965. The seller says the BUDD body makes it one of the first 200 Broncos off the assembly line and “highly collectible.” Check out more of this unique Bronco below and thanks to Ikey H. for the tip on this rare, retro, roadster!


The engine is a 170 cubic inch straight six with a 3-on-the-tree transmission. It was rebuilt about twenty years ago and only has 1,000 miles on it since then. The braking system was rebuilt about ten years ago. You can see the windshield wiper bag in the upper right corner of the photo. I always found wiper bags as an interesting design…Plastic containers would follow just a couple of years after this Bronco was made.


The interior looks decent. The seller says everything works except for the fuel gauge. The upholstery looks decent and the roadster also features a small rear bench seat. The door inserts, windshield frame and hood “have all had paint work” but the other panels “appear original.” I’m not sure exactly what that means, but if you are planning on dropping mid-five figures on a classic vehicle, a thorough inspection is advised.

You can get aftermarket door inserts similar to this fairly easily. Most “roadster” Broncos you see have been converted from standard Broncos using these inserts. It’s really neat to see factory ones that carry exact matching paint and patina as the other body panels. The seller says there are blemishes in the paint and a few minor paint issues. There are also a few rust issues, mainly in the rocker panels. Hopefully, the rot isn’t too bad and the original paint and sheet metal can be saved. What do you think?

More: Bronco / Ford / Roadster




SHARETWEET

 

[TrueBlue02058]

Estate Sale Find: 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1

Jeff Lavery


This 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 is described as an estate sale find that comes with the best of both worlds: drivetrain mods for everyday drivability, and all of the original components included with the sale. It left the factory with a 351 paired to a four-speed manual; today, it has a stroked 408 under the hood with an upgraded 5-speed set-up. You’ll find the Mach 1 here on eBay with bids at $20,200 and the reserve unmet.

The seller has listed the Mustang with a Buy-It-Now of $45,000, so we’re a long way from the likely reserve, it seems. The attitude of the Mach 1 package is on fully display here, with the deep chin spoiler, hood scoop, and rear decklid spoiler combining to give it a seriously aggressive stance. Extensive documentation will accompany the Mustang, including original dealer invoice, window sticker, and Marti report. Paint looks sharp, and a dent is noted in the roof.

This car spoke to me, personally, as I used to see an identical example, right down to the color, languishing in a driveway near Leominster, Massachusetts. That car actually ended up on a Hemmings “Abandoned Cars” calendar, and later disappeared. This example looks quite tidy inside with clean bucket seats, original steering wheel, full center console, and obviously, the upgraded 5-speed manual transmission. The dash looks uncracked as well.


While the engine swap may disappoint purists, the good news is all of the original components are still with the car. These include the matching engine, transmission, air cleaner, exhaust manifolds, and heads, and the seller notes the A/C components remain installed but not hooked up. With great provenance and all the right equipment, this Mach 1 is sure to draw a crowd – and the next owner will have the option to return it stock condition if desired. The best of both worlds!

More: Ford / Mustang

 

[TrueBlue02058]

Here's one for Trevor. LT1 Small Block, very desirable 2nd Generation Corvette.

Low Mileage LT1: 1970 Chevy Corvette

Jeff Lavery


This 1970 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped just the way many enthusiasts would want: four-speed, LT1, heavy-duty Posi rear end, and more, all with under 80,000 original miles. The listing describes a car that has been mechanically refreshed, including an engine rebuild, and is otherwise pretty spartan – in fact, it retains manual steering and disc brakes, making a pure driver’s car. Find it here on eBay with an opening bid of $24,999 and a Buy-It-Now of $26,999.

The body has been repainted at least once, and it sounds like it’s driver quality based on the seller’s description. It is the original color, so it has that going for it, and the chrome bumpers still look quite nice. No accident damage is noted and the Corvette features its original bonding strips, and no rust is noted in the chassis. The car was purchased from a longtime owner who looked after it for 22 years.

The Corvette features an original interior, according to the listing, which notes the color as Dark Green. The seats look great, as does the center console, but the carpets look tired and somewhat jarring as I’d expect to see black carpeting in a green car. Regardless, it’s a great match for the Donnybrook Green paint. The desirable GM M21 Muncie four-speed was also rebuilt, and the seller says it runs and drives quite well.


Now, about the engine: yes, it checks all the boxes, and as the seller notes, the LT1 rewarded drivers with a free-revving spirit and lower weight to sharpen up the driving experience. Unfortunately, during the rebuild, the engine deck was resurfaced and in the process, the VIN was erased. The seller points to the double hump heads, LT1 tachometer, and correct fuel lines as evidence that all is right under the hood, but would the missing VIN scare you away?

More: Chevrolet / Corvette

 

[TrueBlue02058]

I have always liked these. They were Boss in the 80's.

Astroroof Equipped: 1986 Buick Grand National

Jeff Lavery


In the sea of seemingly endless Grand Nationals, you have to find ways to make your purchase stand out besides just claiming it’s the lowest mileage car available. Thankfully, this 1986 example does have two features running counter to the trends of most recent GN sales: it has high miles and it has a moonroof! Or, rather, an Astroroof, which makes it one of less than 198 cars ordered this way, according to the seller. Find it here on eBay with bidding over $13K.

As you might expect, that bid number means the reserve remains unmet, as these cars routinely bring higher offers than that, even in a market saturated with them. The seller notes the interior and exterior features are 100% original, but the drivetrain does sport some modifications (more on that later.) The paint does look clean and the body straight up and down the sides. This is a Washington State car since new with all manuals and original window sticker.

It sometimes gets challenging to find new ways to talk about a car we feature every few days. This Grand National helps solve that dilemma by being outfitted with the rare factory moonroof option, which isn’t so novel among the automotive industry at large, but it does seem like it was pretty rare across the Regal / Grand National lineup. The rest of the interior is standard GN fare, but it looks pretty decent for having 92,445 miles on the clock.


Speaking of the mileage, that’s a pretty lofty number for a car we’re accustomed to seeing kept in bubbles with less than 10K on the clock. Under hood is where we see some deviations from stock, with the seller disclosing mods including an upgraded fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, exhaust, LT1 MAF, and a TT chip. Of course, it’s nothing super obvious, but some buyers may be turned off by the tweaks. Is this Astroroof-equipped GN a truly rare bird?

More: Buick




SHARETWEETEMAIL

 

[TrueBlue02058]

2,800 Miles! Amazing 1970 Ford F-100

Russell Glantz


We at Barn Finds love to see a well-preserved example of vintage tin, and this F-100 fits that bill with an astonishing 2,800 original miles! It’s up for sale right now, here on eBay in Phoenix, Arizona. Let’s check it out!


Throughout its storied history, the Ford F-Series has been through thirteen generations since its 1948 introduction to the world. If you’re reading this far, we figure that you’re a Blue Oval fan and don’t need a history lesson about them. We will say, though, that as of 2018, 40 million have been sold, in many different variations and special models, around the world. That’s a lot more than the original VW Beetle, but not quite as many as the Toyota Corolla. It’s so popular with the public and profitable for Ford, that they’ve discontinued some of their car lines just to focus on what’s selling.


Let’s check this one out! We’re given an excellent set of pictures, however we would like to see the undercarriage. At first glance, it looks really clean – upon closer inspection, it’s really clean. The kind of clean that you might be okay with eating food off of the body panels. Not that you would, what with that super-smooth original finish, but you get what we mean.

The seller tells us that it’s been in only one family since new, and has been off the road in storage since 1974. We’re told that it has everything with which it came from the factory, and it all functions just fine- the lights, the AM radio, the 302 V8 with column-shifted 3-speed gearbox, even the tires! The only flaws that we can see are under the hood, in the door jamb, and inside the unprotected short bed, but we can overlook them for the moment.

I’ll admit that I’m not much of a Ford guy, but if I could get my hands on an F-Series truck of this era in this condition, I’d have it in a heartbeat. My personal connection to these trucks is that my younger brother had a light-green-metallic rustbucket long-bed 1970 when he was in high school, and I enjoyed tooling around town in it now and then, whenever I was home on Leave from Uncle Sam. All that said, what do YOU think? Would YOU like to have one of these? Got a story about one? Let me know in the comments!

More: Ford / Ford F-Series / Pickup / Truck

 

[TrueBlue02058]

Final Assembly Required: 1976 Mercedes 450SLC

Jeff Lavery


This 1976 Mercedes-Benz 450SLC could be a good project for the DIYer in the room as it’s had some exploratory work performed to assess whether it’s a good candidate for a rebuild, but the engine remains in pieces. These U.S.-spec C107 (and R107) cars are a tough sell in project-car form, as you don’t have to look too hard to find a solid driver. You’ll find this gold example here on craigslist in Seattle for $2,500 or best offer.

I’m always so drawn to these classic German roadsters and hardtops, largely because they are so cheap. But we all know that’s not a good reason to buy a car, and this example will certainly need some bucks thrown at it to run cheerfully again. Unfortunately, if you use a shop to do the work, you’ll be upside down pretty quickly given the generally low resale values for these classic Mercedes roadsters.

The interior, like so many other Mercedes of the era, looks phenomenal despite the car’s prolonged state of inactivity. No word on whether the paint is original, but the colors at least seem to go well together and the door jambs and under hood all match. The dash is a very rich brown color I can’t recall seeing too often, and is a nice change of pace from the typical black dash. The seller notes there is no rust on the car and that the automatic transmission fluid is clean.


Here’s what you’re looking at as it relates to determining how far you want to take this. The seller notes he tore down the engine to free up the pistons, as they had become stuck since the car had been sitting for so long. It will need new piston rings, a timing chain, and related gaskets to get it all back together. The question is – is it worth it? This is one of those cars that I’d consider only if the convenience factor was through the roof, but that’s me. Would you take it on?

More: Mercedes-Benz

 

[TrueBlue02058]

390 with a Four on the Floor.


Four Speed Drop Top: 1966 Ford Fairlane GT

Jeff Lavery


This 1966 Ford Fairlane GT convertible is equipped with the preferred four-speed manual transmission, paired to the 390 V8 and making for a cool top-down cruiser. Though looking somewhat sorry for itself here, the seller says it does run and drive, but it has no brakes and there’s a hole in the gas tank. Still, it deserves resurrection, and the seller notes he has more vehicles on the property – might be a good way to start a conversation. Find it here on eBay with no bids yet.

The seller has posted the Fairlane with a suggested opening bid of $5K and a reserve, so it’s going to take more than that number to get a deal done. The car is located in Manchester, Georgia, which apparently has extremely cheap body shop rates as the seller says he’s received a quote of $300 to replace the inner rocker panels. I just want to know the name of his body guy, since I couldn’t touch that price for that kind of work up here. It looks like the rear window is missing here.

The interior has been gutted, but photos seem to show a set of tattered buckets sitting on the wall in the storage area. the floors don’t look terrible and it seems like a blessing in disguise that the carpets have been removed as it likely helps ensure dampness can escape should the car be stored in humid or damp spaces; however, the seller does note floor panel replacement will still be on the menu for the next owner. The dash looks good, but the steering wheel is pretty rough.


The sides of the car appear to show a body that’s fairly straight from one end to the other, but the loosely fitting top stirs concerns about how long water may have been getting inside. The seller did observe rust bubbling in the bottoms of the fenders. Fortunately, aside from the convertible top rear window, the rest of the glass looks intact. The seller casually mentions he has lots of cars available, so it may be worth inspecting in person to see what else he’s got.

More: Ford




SHARETWEET

 

[TrueBlue02058]

Easy Project: 1958 Edsel Corsair

Adam Clarke


It seems that time heals all wounds. If we review the entire history of American automobile manufacturing, the title of “The King of Failures” would almost certainly fall to the Edsel. This was a venture that tore up millions of dollars, destroyed reputations, and left a bitter taste in the mouths of Ford management for years after the brand’s demise. Today, the Edsel has become something of a cult classic, and good examples can be highly sought. This 1958 Edsel Corsair is a really nice one and could look great parked in your driveway. It is located in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. The BIN price has been set at a very competitive $12,500, but there is also the option to make an offer. I need to say a big thank you to Barn Finder local_sheriff for referring the Edsel through to us.

In reality, there was no single reason why the Edsel was a failure but changed circumstances and bad decisions would feature prominently on the list. The reality was that the Edsel was not the all-new car that Ford claimed, while it was released during an economic slump. Quality control was a lucky-dip, and this was due to one of those really bad management decisions that demonstrate better than most why the car was a failure. Edsel did not have its own manufacturing facility, with the cars rolling off the production lines of both Ford and Mercury. That’s where the rub was. Ford made the decision that Edsel production should not impact on build totals for either Ford or Mercury vehicles, so these extra cars would need to be fitted into existing production schedules. As a result, prior to the introduction of the Edsel, Ford was sending around 60-cars-per-hour down their lines. The Edsel would become the 61st car per hour, and it wasn’t just the reduced build time per car that hurt quality. Many of the build stations would have to change tools and pick parts from different bins for the automotive orphan. This meant that some parts were attached badly, while some weren’t attached at all. It was this lack of quality that really did major damage to Edsel’s reputation. It isn’t an issue today, because these problems are easy to address during the restoration process.

This Corsair wears a color combination of Turquoise and Frost White. It is believed that the car has received a repaint at some point in its life. It now shows a few chips and marks, but it remains quite presentable. The car has a reasonable coating of dust at present, so it would be interesting to see how the paint, along with the trim and chrome, would present after a wash and polish. The tinted glass looks to be in good condition, as does the distinctive horse-collar grille. Even though they aren’t currently attached, the Edsel does come with a full set of hubcaps, along with a set of rear fender skirts. There is no visible rust, and the owner says that he has been over the car from one end to the other with a magnet, and can find no issues. The floors are said to be solid, while the frame has been fully restored and painted.


Standard fare with the Edsel Corsair was the E475 V8 engine, which is what you find in the engine bay today. This 410ci giant pumps out 345hp, which is sent to the rear wheels via a 3-speed automatic transmission. The car also features power steering and power brakes. The owner states that the engine received a rebuild prior to him purchasing it, but he has still undertaken additional work while the car has been in his possession. This included a new sender unit in the fuel tank, while the brakes and carburetor have both been treated to a rebuild. The owner says that the car sounds nice through its dual exhaust, and that it drives very well.

If there is a highlight with the Edsel, then it is definitely the interior. The seats have been treated to new covers, and plastic covers have been fitted over these for protection. The floors wear new carpet, while the trunk has also been given a refresh. There are few detail items that will need to be attended to such as a crooked fuel gauge and loose wiring hanging from under the dash, but it is the sort of work that requires the outlaying of effort rather than dollars. The factory radio still holds pride of place in the dash, while the Edsel also features the rather cool Teletouch gear selection unit. This is said to work perfectly, which is a real relief. These can be troublesome at times, but there are services out there capable of addressing any issues or problems that may occur.

In spite of the excitement and hype that was generated by Ford in anticipation of the release of the Edsel, things didn’t go as planned. With the Corsair 2-Door Hardtop, only 3,632 cars rolled out of the showrooms in 1958, which was a long way short of what was needed for the whole program to break even. Yesterday’s failure is today’s “must-have,” and nice examples of the Corsair can command some pretty healthy sorts of prices. Looking this one over, it really needs someone who is willing to spend time getting the car’s details right. That would make it a pretty good Winter project car.





More: Corsair / Edsel




SHARETWEETEMA

 

[TrueBlue02058]

Pony Herd: 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback

Adam Clarke


Classic cars hiding pleasant secrets are always a good thing to find, and that’s precisely the story behind this ’67 Mustang Fastback. While it might not look like it at first glance, this is a car where a lot of the hard work has now been done, and it will be up to the new owner to finish the car to their own personal taste. Located in Aragon, Georgia, you will find the Mustang listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN of $19,995, but the option is available to make an offer.

Looking around the yard, this is a chance to single out a pretty good project car from this herd of Mustangs. Once you take a close look at this particular car, you realize that the previous owner has been a busy little beaver. The front floors are new, as are the radiator support, cowl, and fenders. It appears from the seller’s description that the frame rails and torque boxes are solid, while there is no rust visible in the rear quarter panels, rockers, or doors. The owner seems to think that the car is now to the point where it would require appropriate preparation, and it could then be treated to a new coat of paint. I guess that the next choice would be whether to treat the car to a coat of its original Burnt Amber, or whether to head off in a different direction. The factory tinted glass all looks to be in quite reasonable condition, although there will be quite a list of external trim and chrome components required to finish the car’s exterior.

The seller says that the previous owner had the engine rebuilt, which indicates that this might be the original C-Code 289. There is no information on just what specifications the engine has been rebuilt to, but it does wear a Weiand intake in place of the original unit. I believe that the rear end is original, but the C4 automatic transmission has been consigned to the pages of history. In its place is a Tremec 5-speed manual, which should make the Mustang a comfortable cruiser on the open road. The Mustang rolled off the production line fitted with power steering, which is still present. The previous owner has taken the wise decision to upgrade the brakes to front discs which should inspire a bit more confidence. The engine bay has been nicely prepared prior to the 289 being slotted back into place and is going to present well once the car is up and running once again. However, this isn’t simply going to be a case of slapping on a carb and firing it up, because there are plenty of electrical and plumbing components to be installed first.


The interior is a case of getting what you see, which isn’t a huge amount. There is no rear seat, while the fronts are little more than frames. There are components that have the potential to be restored, but the car will require a complete interior trim kit. At least these are readily available and remain quite affordable. If the interior is to be returned to something close to original, then all of the components for factory air conditioning will need to be sourced. One positive aspect of the interior being in its current state is the fact that we do get a clear look at the front floors. It would seem that the seller’s claim about their condition was no idle boast.

If this Mustang Fastback is as solid and clean as the owner indicates, he does make a very good point. It is certainly possible to buy a rust-free shell from Dynacorn to build a classic, but that will cost you $18,500, and you will have just that; a body-shell. For a mere $500 more, this is a car that isn’t that far from being complete. If it is solid and clean, then it could be a pretty good buy at the price.

More: Chevrolet / Convertible / Corvette / Fastback / Ford / Mustang

 

[TrueBlue02058]

Nice Car but will never be worth the $35,000 asking price.

6,610 Original Miles: 1990 Lincoln Mark VII LSC

Jeff Lavery


With just 6,610 miles, this 1990 Lincoln Mark VII LSC may very well be one of the newest and nicest examples left. The seller notes it belonged to his mother who passed away last year, and it was the only new car she ever bought. It clearly was cherished by her, as its condition remains close to showroom-grade and the seller notes relatively few blemishes. The asking price is $35,000, and I suspect the seller has already gotten some flack given the request for lowballers to haggle elsewhere. Find it here on eBay and located in Ohio.

Of course, there is the option to submit a best offer, and my guess is the seller has given himself plenty of padding in the price to accept a lower, and more market-correct, offer. I don’t fault him for looking to get a higher price, but the trouble is, 90% of the shoppers for a car like this likely send around craigslist links to driver-quality (or worse) examples citing their low prices as justification for a discount. That’s simply not the case when dealing with a unicorn, as even a time-capsule Corolla demands a higher price than an average model.

The interior looks quite good, with powered leather bucket seats showing little, if no, wear. However, the carpets and floor mats are less inspiring, as they appear to show stains – but it could be a combination of the carpet being ruffled one way and the light hitting it in the wrong spot. Regardless, all other trim looks quite nice and the typically-worn bolsters of the Lincoln (and its sibling, the Mustang GT) are surviving without any splitting or sagging. LSC models came with an analog cluster, compared to digital in the Bill Blass editions.


That’s because the LSC was the sport-tuned model, with features that placed an emphasis on more engaging handling and sporting looks. BBS RA wheels are one of the best designs to ever be bolted to a car, and they look fantastic here. By the time this generation of the 5.0 came out, the H.O. engine was kicking out a respectable 225 b.h.p. in the Lincoln and the Mustang GT – but don’t expect to spend much time getting familiar with it, as the seller is limiting test drives due to Ohio’s wintry roads. Is this time capsule worth the asking price?

More: Lincoln

 

[TrueBlue02058]

In the Barn Since ’93: 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1

Jeff Lavery


This 1969 Ford Mustang looks more like a ghost ship than an actual vehicle, as it’s photographed hiding in the barn it’s been parked in since 1993. The seller describes a genuine, Mach 1, M-Code car underneath the years of dirt and filth, and notes that it will come with some desirable parts, like a genuine Shaker hood, trim ring, and shaker assembly. An original fold-down backseat is also included, but there are no drivetrain parts available. Find it here on eBay with bids approaching $2K and the reserve unmet.

The seller details a curious history with the car, noting that the local community had a thing for drag racing on the weekends. This car was in the midst of such activity when a fire was sparked and the rear of the car got hot. The fire was put out before it spread, but the taillights and rear panel do suffer from some moderate fire damage. Of course, given the cozy confines, it’s hard to tell for sure just how much repair work will be needed.

The interior does not look like a nice place to spend time at the moment, with what looks like years’ worth of animal droppings and God knows what else. The dash is also coming apart around the instrument binnacle, and I find it hard to believe there’s much here that’s salvageable. The seller notes it comes with the Mach 1 interior, whatever is left of it, and that he will be removing 8″ rear-end out the car as it belongs in his father’s Mustang. A 9″ rear end from a 1971 Mach 1 will be installed in its place.


While I remain somewhat skeptical as to this car’s real value, the bids seem to indicate there’s more than one person that feels it’s worth saving. As I’m not necessarily super well-versed in what constitutes a worthwhile project in the Mustang world, I can’t say for sure whether this Mach 1 is worth saving, or if it’s simply a matter of a desirable VIN and some special parts attracting bidders to the auction. Would you take on a project like this, or start with a better (but more expensive) foundation?

More: Ford / Mustang

 

[Lorne]

If you ever go missing Fred they will narrow it down to a barn,just which one.

Where do you find these sites?

The 70 corvette has the small block as advertised but wears a Big Block hood for some reason,trickery to scare away opponents maybe haha

That Lincoln deserves some attention,wow super low miles.

The taillights on an Easel look like Trevors eyes at three in the morning plowing snow with smoke rolling up in them.

 

[Lorne]

EDSEL,dam spell check

 

[TrueBlue02058]

Just google Barn Finds.

 

[TrueBlue02058]

Unrestored Fastback: 1969 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350

Jeff Lavery


Great colors and a gently-aged appearance are two ideal qualities in an un-restored muscle car, and this 1969 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 is perfect example. Fitted with the preferred manual transmission and said to be a complete car, this GT350 does not have a numbers-matching engine, and the original is not included in pieces or otherwise. The color combo of Acapulco Blue and white vinyl still looks sharp even today, and it doesn’t appear to have any rust. Find the Mustang here on eBay with an asking price of $72,995.

While I find the fastback body to be one of the less attractive designs for a Mustang (flame suit activated!), it looks quite tidy here, especially with the Shelby-specific taillights. The body sports uneven levels of paint fade from front to rear, almost as if the back half of the car was sitting out in the sun. I suspect that the rear quarters have been repainted at some point, as they can be a hot-spot for rust – but, full disclaimer, that is a pure armchair quarterback opinion. It could be weird lighting in the showroom, for all I know.

The interior looks quite tidy, no small feat considering the propensity white interiors tend to end up looking soiled. The seller notes the Mustang is equipped with a “Hurst Competition Plus” shifter, which certainly looks imposing as it juts out from the dash. The dash features attractive wood inlays, as door the door panels. The steering wheel is a tilt wheel with ‘Rim-blow’ option, and an aftermarket radio has been fitted. Trunk photos show a clean trunk mat and factory spare tire.


The engine bay looks quite clean, especially the air cleaner which retains bright blue paint. It’s a shame this isn’t the original engine, and while the listing notes it as being the correct “series” for the car, I don’t think that’s quite the same as finding a correctly date-coded 351 Windsor, which would help soften the blow of losing the numbers-matching unit. Do you think this Shelby is worth $73K without its original engine?

More: Ford / Mustang / Shelby

 

[TrueBlue02058]

22k Mile Survivor: 1958 Studebaker Golden Hawk

Adam Clarke


After spending 18-months and in excess of $25,000 on restoration work on this 1958 Studebaker Golden Hawk, the owner has decided to part with a car that is simply stunning to look at. It is a vehicle that is ready to be driven and enjoyed and is guaranteed to attract its share of attention wherever it goes. The Studebaker is located in Redondo Beach, California, and has been listed for sale here at Hemmings. The asking price for the Golden Hawk has been set at $39,950 OBO.

As part of the recent restoration work, the Studebaker has been treated to a repaint in Tiara Gold and Arctic White. The owner does admit that there is a minor defect in the paint near the right rear bumper, but this doesn’t really show in the photos. The chrome is generally in good condition, with only a couple of small pieces featuring some minor pitting. The underside of the Golden Hawk hasn’t escaped attention either, with it being cleaned and coated with POR15. As you will see as you look through the gallery of photos that are included with this article, it is as clean as a whistle underneath. The glass looks good, while the 14″ wheels wear a fresh set of tires. The 14″ wheels were a new feature for the 1958 model year, replacing the previous 15″ standard items. However, the previous wheels were available as an option in 1958, if desired. In addition, this Golden Hawk wears a fiberglass hump on the hood, which was a necessity to clear the supercharger that was bolted to the car’s V8 engine.

The interior of the Studebaker presents beautifully, with the inclusion of an aftermarket stereo being the only deviation from original. The head unit is mounted in the dash, while a set of speakers have been fitted to the rear parcel tray. I can’t say that I am thrilled by the appearance of the head unit, and if I owned the car, I would be inclined to see if I could locate one that fits better with the car’s trim. During the restoration, the entire interior was removed from the car. The floors were found to have some surface corrosion, so this was treated, and once again, the floors were coated with POR15. Dynamat was then installed before the floors received a new carpet set in gold. All of the remaining upholstered surfaces were replaced, and the result is an interior that is pretty stunning, and virtually impossible to fault. One interesting change for the 1958 model year was an alteration to the floor of the Hawk to reduce the size of the tailshaft hump. In previous models this had been quite intrusive, meaning that the rear seat was only suitable for two occupants. The reduction allowed the rear to become a true 3-seater for the first time.


The engine bay of the Golden Hawk is filled with enough motor to suggest that this is a car that is about more than just looks and luxury. Bolted to the top of the 289ci V8 is a supercharger, giving the car a healthy 275hp. The surprising thing about this is that the power increase over a normally aspirated 289 didn’t result in amazing levels of acceleration. A Golden hawk was still only capable of getting from 0-60mph in around 9.2 seconds, which is surprisingly leisurely. Along with that supercharged engine, the Studebaker is equipped with an optional 3-speed Flight-O-Matic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. As part of the refurbishment process, the engine was pulled from the car and disassembled. It was checked and fitted with all new seals and gaskets, while the supercharger and carburetor were both given a rebuild. The rear springs and bushes were replaced, along with the front shocks. The car also sports a new dual exhaust system. The owner says that the odometer shows 22,000 miles, but he is unable to confirm whether these are actually original. What the car does come with is a full set of documents and invoices verifying all of the refurbishment work which has been undertaken.

By 1958, Studebaker was struggling financially, and with the vehicle being a premium model priced at $3,282, the company was only able to sell 878 examples of the Golden Hawk. Many have now succumbed to the sorts of rust issues to which the car could be quite prone. However, this one appears to be a car that has managed to escape that fate. The styling of the Golden Hawk tends to be something of an acquired taste, but if someone is looking for a really nice example, I don’t think that they come much nicer than this one.







More: Golden Hawk / Studebaker

 

[TrueBlue02058]

One Family Owned: 1968 Ford Mustang GT500KR

Jeff Lavery


This 1968 Ford Mustang GT500KR has been in single family ownership all its life, and is said to remain incredibly original – right down to the soft top and rear window. The GT500KR is the ultimate spec, with the factory four-speed manual transmission and dealer-installed air conditioning. The seller has been dropping the price each Friday that I’ve seen it listed, and pledges to continue doing so in the listing. Check out this survivor Shelby here on eBay with an asking price of $164,500 and the option to submit a best offer.

This is a striking car, wearing colors not often associated with a Shelby Mustang. The seller notes it is one of four to come with an AM/FM radio, and that the color is a special order. The 428 and 4-speed function as they should, and despite not seeing much in the way of regular road use over the last several, the seller says the Mustang has still been started up weekly. One small tear is noted in the top, but no other flaws are noted (or disclosed) in the listing. The body does appear to be quite straight in the pictures.

The interior just looks gently worn, and is really quite handsome when you factor in the wood trim and black seating surfaces. This is practically luxurious for a Shelby car, with wood inserts running down the door panels and round the shifter. I would love to see photos with the top down, as these GT500KRs look even more bad-ass with no roof. The seller notes he has records for the Shelby Corporation sending a check for $209.00 to the Ford dealer to modify the dash for the air conditioning installation.


It would seem given the options, condition, and long-term ownership that this Shelby was cherished from new, treated like a member of the family. The seller contends you should buy one of these now before the prices go up even higher, but I’m beginning to wonder if that’s true. We’ve got a whole generation of collectors who didn’t grow up worshiping Caroll Shelby, and I don’t see too many of them wanting to spend six-figures on a powerful-but-ancient convertible. What do you think – will these muscle cars continue to appreciate or stall out?

More: Ford / Mustang / Shelby

 

[TrueBlue02058]

Fastest Production Car sold in North America for 87.


Giant Killer Survivor: 1987 Buick GNX

Jeff Lavery


To me, the Buick GNX remains one of the sexiest and most collectible cars ever made. I realize that’s a bold statement, but there are just vehicles that force you to realize how much they represent the absolute genesis of the breed, and considering how many years the Regal was massaged and upgraded, the GNX is a car that should have absolutely nailed it. This example is, like so many others, a low-mileage time capsule with just 8,350 miles. It’s listed here on eBay for $87,500 or best offer.

I’ll also admit you could put those wheels on a school bus and even the old International would look good. Basketweaves are a classic 80s design, and they classed up the brawny GNX just enough to throw you off the trail of just how powerful this car was. Buick was essentially forced to publish lower power output numbers for fear of siphoning sales away from the Corvette, and anyone who bought one not knowing they were seriously under-rated was in for a pleasant surprise. Final reports say the GNX was pushing out 300 b.h.p. and 420(!) lb.-ft.

Those were just staggering numbers for the era, a time in which muscle cars were still regaining their footing after the disastrous 70s and early 80s. Its sibling, the special anniversary edition Trans Am, used the same engine with similar results: performance that significantly outpaced its traditional V8-equipped siblings. The GNX, produced in limited numbers, was essentially a collector’s item from Day 1; curiously, the turbo Trans Am hasn’t seen the same exceptional rise in value, so that’s one to watch if you’re looking for an alternative.


The GNX enjoyed its remarkable performance courtesy of the geniuses at ASC/McLaren, which just had a knack for taking GM products and making them way better. Performance was blazing, with 0-60 happening in under five seconds and a quarter mile run of 12.7 seconds at 113 m.p.h. This car is number 170 of 547 and comes with full documentation, and not much else needs to be said other than it appears to be mint. The seller is open to trades for an “…87 hard top low mileage GN or TType stock or modified,” so check your garage!

More: Buick




SHARETWEET

 

[TrueBlue02058]

Carport Find: 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang

Jeff Lavery


This Mustang convertible has been parked in a carport for years, and is one of the rare 1964.5 models that feature subtle differences from later production examples. The seller provides limited information and photos, other than to say it was running when it was parked and that he’s already replaced the floor panels. Could there be a good car sitting here, despite the limited info? It’s parked in Chantilly, Virginia, which should offer a favorable climate for preserving a car left to the elements. Find it here on eBay with six bids to just under $8K.

The strong bids at the moment seem to indicate the listing itself is not deterring interest in the car. The 64.5 models are a curiosity that is meaningful to the Mustang faithful, but not likely anyone else with just a passing interest in the cars. The whole story of how Ford teased the model and received a fervent reaction from consumers is a textbook example of marketing 101; the earliest Mustangs would go on to pace the field at the Indianapolis 500 and inspire an even greater frenzy for the company’s iconic sports car.

Thus, there are some features of the 64.5 models that set them apart from the true 1965 cars, and most of them require a keen eye to spot. The earlier cars have an uncrimped edge (otherwise known as a “stiffening skirt”) on the hood near where it meets the headlight bezel; this was due to a stamping die issue in Dearborn, and would later be corrected on the 1965 cars. Other tell-tale signs include the use of a generator versus an alternator and battery cooling vents, details we can only confirm with the hood open.


You’ll also find some clues hidden in the interior, such as the letter “A” in the vent knob and carpeting that ends at the rocker panel instead of extending to the sill plate. MustangAndFords.com provides a great overview with photos of all these intricate differences. Whether a 64.5 Mustang gets you excited is a purely subjective opinion, but this one still looks healthy enough that it should be preserved and restored only where needed to keep a survivor-grade example on the road.

More: Ford / Mustang