Barn Finds

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Original Title! 1967 Ford Galaxie 500 Barn Find

Todd Fitch


Full sized fast-back cars from the ’60s come with style, sportiness, and plenty of room. This 1967 Ford Galaxie 500 in High Point, North Carolina had all its 132,000 miles accumulated by one owner. The current owner then purchased what you see today, so technically it’s a two-owner vehicle, but it looks highly original. Parked since ’85, the Galaxie retains its (presumably) original 390 cid (6.4L) V8. It seeks a new owner here on eBay where bidding has risen above $1500. That figure probably surpasses what was given for the car in its current non-running condition.


The XL and LTD sat above the Galaxie 500 in Ford’s full-sized lineup for 1967. The “500” gets some additional trim and other extras above the Custom. It’s sad realizing this car spent more than half its life in a cow shed. Hopefully the new owner will enjoy it as an automobile and not merely acquire and park it in a different location for a couple more decades.


Power brakes and air conditioning helped keep this southern classic easy to stop and cool. Once running, the 390 should provide plenty of torque to get this big coupe moving, and performance options can go as crazy as your budget allows. Of course you’ll want to validate that the seller has acquired a proper title in his or her name as that nifty “original title” can’t be transferred more than once. With a very few exceptions, “Skipping” or “Jumping” the title is illegal in all 50 states, and a felony in some. Always make sure the title you get is made out to and signed by the seller you meet.

The bench seat makes this a true six-seater, a trick that normally requires a large SUV or boxy minivan these days, modern vehicles with about 7% the curb appeal of this stately hardtop. Sure a two-door comes with some inconveniences during ingress and egress, but otherwise you’re relaxed and gliding along in style. Personally I’d consider safety and maintenance refurbishment, basic gears and bolt-ons, overdrive transmission, then roll on the miles. How would you treat this barn-found Ford?

More: Ford

 

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Something Special under the Hood of this Hot Rod Lincoln.

Luxury Sleeper: 1978 Lincoln Continental

Brentton Fuller


This beautiful, 1978 Lincoln Continental has so much more to it than meets the eye. It is listed for sale for $10,000 but at the end of the listing, the seller indicates they will accept an offer. Located near Kansas City, Kansas, specifically Harrisonville, the car does have a clean title. The seller states that there are just 3,000 miles on the car, but there’s a bit more to that story. You can take a look at this Lincoln here on craigslist and trust me, you are in for a nice surprise. Thank you, Pat L, for the tip.


The reason for the low mileage is because this car has a newer 532 cubic-inch big-block Ford. There is a long list about the sleeper beneath the hood, including an Eagle crank, a Crane camshaft, Race Tech pistons, Edelbrock Performer heads, Blue Thunder intake, dual four-barrel Holley 4160 on progressive linkage, MSD ignition, and custom headers with a two and a half-inch dual exhaust. All of that engine is connected to a C6 heavy-duty automatic transmission which was built by Lees Summit Transmission. An ATI Streetmaster torque converter is installed. It doesn’t sound like describing a Lincoln Continental, does it?


Inside is an incredibly clean, very stock interior which is vastly different than what is under the hood. There is no mention if this car has been restored, but it has obviously has been worked on. It very well could be a survivor that is complimented with a hefty sleeper engine implant. The gold paint is stunning and again, if it hasn’t been repainted, this thing is in amazing condition. You will have to take some time to talk to the seller about all the details not related to the engine.

While this car might weigh just south of 5,000 pounds, the engine installed should get it all moving very quickly. If your goal is to take it drag racing, hopefully, it gets everything moving faster than your opponent expects and you are able to take home a win. Although, you might have to pick your opponent carefully in order to make sure you have a strong chance at victory.

More: Lincoln Continental

 

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Worth Saving? 1969 Ford Mustang Fastback

Brian Birkner


As time marches on car values can fluctuate, but as a whole, values ultimately seem to rise for those classics that have a strong cult following much like the Mustang. This derelict Fastback is claimed to be a factory 390 car, which may hold value to some. Unfortunately, it seems that the original engine and transmission are long gone. While one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, it is difficult to say where this Mustang may fall in that dichotomy. All I know is that this Mustang roller is listed for a Buy It Now price of $8,000. Check it out here on eBay out of Franklin Park, Illinois.

Vacant and missing many parts, the engine bay of this Mustang seems reasonably solid, minus the rotted area ahead of the passenger side fender well. If the original engine and transmission were present, I would see more hope in this car being a higher quality restoration. Although, a period-correct engine would still make this a nice machine. Or perhaps an engine swap is in order for this roller?

A fair amount of the interior is still present, but the condition is nothing to write home about. Although something is better than nothing, and at least there is a starting point to this interior. The gauge assembly is in the trunk, with a few other odds and ends. It is not clear what color this Mustang was originally, but the driver’s side door appears to have been blue. Now I don’t see any other evidence of blue on this Mustang, so this could be a replacement door. Also, the back seat is still in place also housing a few odds and ends from the equine.


Despite the missing parts, there are some rust issues with this Mustang as well. Both rockers and rear quarters suffer from rust and a bit of rot as well. There is body filler on the driver side, and I assume a bit on the passenger side as well. The lover’s initials make me think that this car spent a great deal of time outdoors, out of the line of prying eyes. Another concern for this Mustang is the alignment of the passenger side fender and door. I would guess that the fender is pushed back too far, interfering with the door. Although I would also assume that a fender bender would have caused that scenario, but who knows. The driver side panel alignment is better. Although this is clearly not a cream puff, I have seen worse condition projects revived. The question is, would you pay $8,000 for this Mustang project?

More: Mustang

 

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All Original 1967 Mercury Cougar XR7

Brentton Fuller


This 1967 Mercury Cougar XR7 is completely original and ready to go to a new home where someone will restore it back to roadworthiness. For only $5,900 and either a trip to or ship from San Francisco, California this Cougar can be yours. It has only 89,000 miles and there is no VIN is listed but the title is said to be clear. Thank you, Ikey H, for the tip. You can view more on Craigslist.


A photo of the engine shows a 289 cubic-inch V8 connected to an automatic transmission. Since it has been sitting for 18 years it is unknown if it will run and drive. Even after all that time, nothing looks to be beyond repair or simple replacement. Of course, while pictures are worth a thousand words, seeing a car in person and feeling things and examining things are the most important things to do when buying a car. Especially one this old and in this condition. This isn’t Carvana.


The interior is not in too bad of condition. There is a seat cover on the driver side and the passenger side seat is torn and faded. It is safe to say under the cover of the driver seat is a similar condition cushion. After that, some cleaning and refreshing and this interior will be good to go. All the floors have mats down, but the overall condition of the car does not indicate that rust is going to be an alarming factor. While we don’t know if it has been a California car its whole existence, and yes, it has been outside under a carport for an extended period of time, the climate is not as violent to the metal as other states climates might be.

Mustangs are quite a common and popular car. Cougars don’t seem to have the same level of appreciation. This would be a great car purchase and work on. It is more unique and slightly edgy, giving it a sophisticated and sporty presence over a Mustang. The Ford family of brands couldn’t have picked better animal names to match the cousin type cars.

More: Mercury Cougar XR7

 

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Promising Project: 1966 Ford Mustang GT Convertible

Adam Clarke


Rusty 1st Generation Mustangs aren’t an unusual sight, but this 1966 GT Convertible might not be a bad one. Sure, it has some rust issues. However, these don’t look as severe as some of the Mustangs that we’ve seen here at Barn Finds, and it is certainly a restorable proposition. It is located in Toano, Virginia, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has made its way to $6,610, but the reserve hasn’t been met. There is a BIN option available, and this has been set at $11,500.

Emberglow is an interesting color, and that is what this Mustang has worn since new. In fact, the owner believes that the vast majority of the paint on this car is original. From an external standpoint, visible rust doesn’t appear to be too bad. In fact, the worst of it would seem to be in the lower sections of both front fenders. The rockers and lower rear quarter panels don’t look bad, and any visible rust could conceivably be eliminated using patches, rather than entire panel replacement. Speaking of replacement panels, the driver’s door has been replaced, but it does wear a pretty obvious ding. There are a few similar ones in other areas of the car, but none of these are severe. Delving below the surface, there is rust present in the front floors, although, once again, it isn’t as bad as in some cars that we’ve seen. The rear floors look good, and while there is rust in the trunk pan, I believe that this doesn’t need much more than some patching. One rather pleasant surprise is the fact that the Mustang appears to have been fitted with a relatively new black soft-top. It looks to be close to faultless and represents a rather nice score in a project such as this.

The news with the Mustang might not be quite as good when we start considering things from a mechanical perspective. The car came off the production line fitted with an A-code 289ci V8, producing 225hp. These ponies were then sent to the rear wheels via a 4-speed manual transmission. This is not a bad combination, and in this case, it is all original and numbers-matching. From here, things go downhill in a bit of a hurry. Judging by the appearance, I would say that it has been some considerable time since that 289 fired a shot in anger. The owner says that the engine doesn’t turn over, which I would take to mean that it is stuck. That isn’t great news, but it might not be a lost cause to get it up and running once again. There are plenty of specialist products available that are designed to address this sort of problem. However, I have seen people achieve some pretty surprising results by pulling the plugs and squirting substances like WD40 or diesel into the cylinders. Diesel makes a lot of sense because it does have an oily consistency, and its low viscosity enables it to penetrate into tight spaces where regular oil might struggle. Surprisingly, I’ve even seen one engine freed using brake fluid. The person who did this lived in a pretty isolated area, so he just used whatever came to hand. I have to admit that I was surprised by his success. If this engine can be freed, then there’s every chance that it could be returned to good health without too much trouble.


Not to put too fine a point on it, the interior of the Mustang is in need of a complete restoration. It was originally specified with the Pony Interior, but the majority of the trim has now deteriorated beyond the point of being a restorable proposition. The same would appear to be true of the dash pad and console, but at least the dash itself remains completely original. The condition of the interior isn’t the end of the world, because an entire Pony Interior trim kit can be found for around $1,000. Throw in around another $320 for a replacement steering wheel, another $500 for a console kit, and the interior would look as good as new.

There’s no doubt that we’ve all seen plenty of Mustangs in our travels that are better than this one, but it’s also a certainty that we’ve all seen examples that are considerably worse. This one certainly has some rust issues, but if the supplied photos are an accurate representation, then the vast majority of these could potentially be addressed with patches, rather than the wholesale replacement of panels. If this is true, then it does make it an attractive proposition as a restoration project.

More: Ford / Mustang GT

 

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This one is Sweet, Genuine SSP, but never used as a Police Car.

Zero Pursuits: 1993 Ford Mustang SSP

Jeff Lavery


This 1993 Ford Mustang LX is a genuine SSP car that was purchased direct from the dealer but never put into police duty. Therefore, it retains the features that made the SSPs a unique model in the Mustang lineup but without any of the holes or other cosmetic blemishes created when the light bars and computers were installed. As such, it’s a stripped-down model with some mechanical beefing up that makes for a unique opportunity for the Fox Body collector in your life. Find it here on eBay with bids over $8K and the reserve unmet.

In addition to being an SSP car, it features the desirable notchback body design and a manual transmission. The LX always had a bit of a sleeper element to them, as they didn’t come with the iconic pony wheels but still featured the venerable 5.0L V8 and factory dual exhausts. The Mustang still has high miles of 168,000 but doesn’t appear to show them in any obvious form; the seller notes the car belongs to his father who evidently took great care to keep the body straight while not adding any of the typical alterations you see on Fox Body cars.

I’ve never been entirely clear on how you could own an SSP model without being a registered representative of a municipality or police department, but perhaps one of our readers can shed some light on the acquisition process for civilians. The interior is in freakishly good condition for the mileage, especially considering the colors are the type that would easily reveal stains or cigarette burns. The dash is and cockpit is extremely spartan in true pursuit vehicle fashion, but this also means there’s far less to break as the Mustang gets older.


I would assume this SSP has the heavy-duty cooling and charging system that was standard in the police-spec vehicles, which may not be noticeable in everyday driving as a civilian car but is still nice to have. While I struggle to defend placing a huge premium on this car solely for those upgrades alone, I do think it’s a special opportunity to own an SSP car that hasn’t been through the rigors of serving as an actual police vehicle and all that entails. Hopefully, the reserve isn’t much more than $10K, which seems like a fair number for an SSP surviving in what looks like very respectable condition.

More: Ford / Mustang

 

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Coyote Swap: 1987 Ford Mustang GT

Jeff Lavery


This 1987 Ford Mustang GT looks like a lightly modified example on the outside, but under the hood is lurking a thoroughly modern powerplant in the form of a second-generation Coyote crate engine. While we don’t always feature custom projects on this page, this modern take on a restomod is worth a look given how closely it mirrors an otherwise mildly modified GT on the outside. Put it on stock wheels and lose the wing and you’ll have a hell of a sleeper. Find it here on eBay with bids just over $13K and the reserve unmet.

You should replace the taillights, too, if you want to return to the stock look, but I’d ditch them regardless of your specific plans. I see what the seller was going for – the car is already well modified, so why not dress up the cosmetics – but I think most would agree that sleepers are infinitely cooler. Lose the wing, replace the LED units with stock taillights, and revert back to some non-polished wheels and you can even keep the exhaust. The rest of the Mustang is standard-issue GT-spec, with the factory body kit still in place and a factory T-top roof.

Of course, changing out the wheels may not be as simple as I’d like to think, as the increased horsepower may demand wider rollers for a bigger contact patch. The seller has also upgraded to a five-lug Cobra disc brake conversion, with 13″ rotors up front and 12″ in the rear. The suspension features several upgrades not immediately obvious to the naked eye to help put the extra power down and keep the Mustang out of a drainage ditch, but the interior remains pleasingly stock in appearance aside from the addition of some auxiliary gauges and replacement gray leather. The seller notes the manual gearbox has been upgraded with a Tremec TKO 600 unit.


In addition to the obvious improvements under the hood, the Mustang received a full respray in Kona Blue paint, and all weatherstripping replaced. While I don’t normally love modified cars, I have to give the seller credit for seemingly restoring the Mustang as completely as possible, as details like weatherstripping and paint can be overlooked by enthusiasts in their rush to drop in a new crate engine and drive it as-is. While I would still choose a stock Fox Body with a 5.0L and manual gearbox over a modified car like this, the work here is nicely integrated and it’s just a few steps away from becoming a sleeper that will catch many modern muscle cars by surprise.

More: Ford / Mustang




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The Factory Hubcaps don't do this car justice, a nice set of period correct Cragar SS Mags with White Letter Tires would finish this one off nicely.

One Family Since New: 1969 Ford XL GT 390

Jim ODonnell


The originality of a special, not so commonly found automobile is always an attention-getter. It is especially a draw when it is a model with sporting intentions. Add in some Ford Motor Company executive ownership and you have this 1969 Ford XL with the optional GT package. It’s located in Los Angeles, California and available here on eBay for a current bid of $1,802, no reserve and seven bids tendered so far.


Full-size cars were still in the performance realm in 1969 but they were on the way out. Impalas, Galaxie/XLs and Fury GT’s were all over-shadowed by Chevelles, Camaros, Mustangs, Torinos, Road Runners and Barracudas. The big cars were a vestige of a prior period that was only about five or six years in the past. Big cars meant big weight which required big power to move out in a competitive style. That being the case, often the big “performance” models were more about appearance and unique equipment than necessarily having big oomph. They could be so possessed but this wasn’t always the case.


The story around this Ford is that it belonged to the owner’s father who was a Ford executive; it was his company car back in 1969 when he was assigned to Ford’s St. Louis area operations. The father passed the car on to his sons who drove it through high-school. The current seller (and son) moved this Ford to Southern California back around 1989 and has kept it stock and original all of this time. Knowing that this XL has been in the land of eternal sunshine helps to explain its current appearance. The sun has taken its toll on some of this big Ford’s horizontal surfaces. The seller tells us that, “The body is pretty good shape but does few small holes near bottom quarters.” A brief YouTube video has been provided that explains this car’s story. Interesting to note is that while the original GT stripe is faded, there is a NOS one that is included with the sale. We are also informed that the floors are in great shape for being original, typical for a SoCal example.

Our subject car today, though being the Galaxie with the optional GT package, came equipped with an entire range of different engines. Power extended from a 150 HP, 240 CI in-line six-cylinder engine all the way up to a 360 HP, 429 “Thunderjet” CI V8. This example has the middling “Y” code (as validated by the VIN), 265 HP, 390 CI V8; not exactly a powerhouse but certainly enough juice to give this big Ford some pleasing go. The seller has a very complete list of documentation and tells us that this Ford, “Pretty much all stock & retains its original drive train. Running & driving, brakes/shifts.” Typical for big Fords of this era, this XL has a three-speed, automatic transmission.

The parchment interior looks surprisingly sharp for be 50 years old and the bucket seat/center console is a great inclusion on the XL GT. The carpet looks faded but the rest of the surfaces/upholstery appears to be in good nick. I find it interesting to note that Chevrolet, Buick, and Ford all had a version of the inverted “U” shaped shift selector.

So, what’s special about the GT package other than the stripe? According to Ford promotional material of the time, the GT Performance group included: Power front disc brakes, competition suspension, high ratio rear axle, GT ornamentation, rim-blow steering wheel, simulated mag wheel covers, and H70-15 belted wide tread tires; all great “go” stuff. Missing, is the requirement for big power; you could get it, as outlined earlier, but it wasn’t required.

I’ve seen plenty of ’69 Ford XL models, I can’t recall ever seeing a ’69 GT equipped XL. This example is fantastic with its originality, extensive documentation, and one-owner, Ford executive provenance. I’m a sucker for big Detroit iron and I really like this swept-back roof line Ford. There’s no reserve and the bidding is low, for now; four days to go… It’s tempting, what do you think?

More: Ford XL

 

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Shiny When Wet! 1966 Mustang 4-Speed GT Convertible

Todd Fitch


Gaze beyond the cheap steel wheels and significant metal and mechanical work required, and it’s easy to picture this 1966 Mustang GT Convertible in Cape Girardeau, Missouri in glorious restored condition. After a recent separation from its resting place flat on Mother Earth, the A-Code 289 cid (4.7L) Ford currently rolls on fresh tires (if you push it). The Caspian Blue drop-top seeks a new owner here on eBay, where vigorous bidding has eclipsed $3500 on its way to somewhere south of the Buy It Now price of $16,000, a number tailor made for an impulse buyer sniffing glue.


The white convertible top offers additional ventilation (and water ingress) compared with the original, and the seller confirms that most of the car’s lower metal requires attention or replacement. Along with VW Beetles and Jeeps, nearly everything imaginable can be purchased for a classic Mustang.


The A-code 289 makes 225HP and 305 lb-ft of torque (SAE gross), only outdone by the solid-lifter 275 HP K-Code motor in ’66 (thanks to mustang-s.com for some details). Manual steering and brakes guarantee excellent road feel. Be sure to scroll down in the listing to see a host of interior and under-car pictures. Tip your hat to the seller for not making it sound like it’s one tune-up away from an evening cruise.

The Pony Interior and console perfectly compliment the exterior colors and GT package. The third pedal and row-your-own shifter elevate this pony to dream-land for many would-be buyers. The manual gearbox also serves as a built-in anti-theft device since hardly anyone learns manual anymore. My daughters learned standard-shift (or “straight drive” as we say here in Southwest Virginia) from day one. Whoever takes on this project can’t go wrong for a fun cruiser or finding a buyer. Let’s hope this classic gets in the wind soon. Don’t buy this one just to shove it aside for another decade or more. What’s your top dollar on this drop top pony?

More: Ford / Mustang

 

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Move Forces Sale: 1984 Ford Mustang GT350

Jeff Lavery


This 1984 Ford Mustang GT350 is a limited production model that saw less than 6,000 copies made. Largely a trim package with upgraded suspension, it had no actual connection to the iconic muscle cars built with Carroll Shelby’s involvement, but is still likely one of the harder to find four-eyed Mustangs if you’re a connoisseur of the breed. This one is for sale due to a pending relocation by the seller, and is equipped with the preferred 5.0L V8. Find it here on craigslist in Arizona for $4,500 with trades considered. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Roger for the find.

The color combination was standard across the board for all GT350s, combining an Oxford White paint job with deep red interior. The exterior also received a graphics kit that paid homage to the actual Shelby cars, but aside from a front air dam with Marchal fog lights, not much else could be identified as features that set this Mustang apart from standard GT models. You could order them with either the V8 or a four-cylinder, so thankfully, the original owner chose the former. While the exterior is a bit tatty, the interior looks pretty nice for its age.

Given it’s a convertible (you could buy one in hatchback form, too), the interior’s condition is better than expected – especially with that hot desert sun beating down on it. A picture of the top up would be helpful for long-distance buyers, but the seller does note that the suspension, fuel system, and brakes have all been refreshed, and also mentions a new ECM as part of the mechanical updates he’s tackled. Although I prefer the design of the original wheels, losing the TRX rollers certainly makes future tire replacement easier; I just would prefer the non-chrome version of these classic ‘Stang wheels.

Image courtesy of foureyedpride.com
The GT350 is offered for a seemingly reasonable price of $4,500, and while the exterior may have to be repainted if you’re seeking perfection, less obsessive buyers will simply live with the sun-baked patina. I don’t love the automatic transmission, but for a cruiser that will still make the kind of noises a Mustang should make, it’s not the end of the world. I always wonder if offers for trades actually bear any fruit, and it’s curious that a seller who is moving and needs to downsize would still be looking for another potential project to take on – perhaps he’s just testing the waters to see what’s out there before kicking it out of the garage.

More: Ford / Mustang




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Triple Black Treat: 1974 Lincoln Continental Mark IV

Adam Clarke


There’s nothing quite like living life in the lap of luxury, and that is an opportunity that this 1974 Lincoln Continental Mark IV offers to its next owner. This one-owner luxury vehicle has a genuine 31,000 miles on its odometer, and you only have to look at it to see that it has been the recipient of some pretty careful ownership. If you fancy the prospect of traveling through life in splendid isolation, then you will find the Lincoln located in Pompano Beach, Florida, and listed for sale here on eBay. With bidding now sitting at $6,055, the reserve has not been met.

From a styling perspective, the Mark IV was an evolution of the design that first saw the light of day in the Mark III. Both were based on the Thunderbird platform, and the idea for the styling was the brainchild of the late Lee Iacocca. His directive for the Mark III was to “put a Rolls-Royce grille on a Thunderbird,” and the resulting vehicle was an enormous sales success at a bargain-basement development cost of $30 million. The Mark IV continued this trend, as once again, it shared its platform with the Thunderbird. It also shared a restyled version of the Mark III’s distinctive grille and headlight treatment. This Mark IV is a real treat in triple-black, and its condition is extremely impressive. The car has always been garaged, and when you combine that fact with the low mileage, it is no surprise to discover that it looks as good as it does. There really isn’t a lot to be critical of with the Lincoln, because the panels appear to be as straight as an arrow, the paint has a great depth of shine to it, and the vinyl top would seem to be perfect. The external trim and chrome provide a great contrast to the black theme, and along with the glass, it all appears to be in first-class condition.

It is hard to believe, but I think that the condition of the Lincoln’s interior might be even better than the exterior. I have been searching through the supplied photos in a bid to find something to be critical of, and I’ve found nothing that’s worth noting. The upholstered surfaces would all appear to be faultless, while the carpet is free of wear and fading. The dash and pad look great, while the wood-grain inserts have managed to avoid the sort of deterioration that can affect this sort of treatment in cars from the 1970s. Life in the lap of luxury includes leather seat upholstery, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power front seats, a power antenna, cruise control, a remote trunk release, and an AM/FM radio/8-track player. This car isn’t just about its physical condition, because the owner states that all of these luxury items, along with all gauges and lights, work exactly as they should.


Lifting the lid on the Mark IV reveals a giant of an engine. This 460ci V8 produces 220hp, which finds its way to the road via a 3-speed C6 automatic transmission. While the power output figures aren’t that high, what the Mark IV does possess if a veritable mountain of torque. This is a necessity when a car tips the scales at a rather portly 5,361lbs. The result is a car that can get moving surprisingly easily, but it is also a car that consumes fuel at an alarming rate. With an average consumption of 10.1mpg, this is probably not a car best suited as a daily driver, unless you have either a large wallet or a very friendly bank manager! Unsurprisingly on a Mark IV with such low mileage, the owner claims that the vehicle runs and drives perfectly. It has recently received a new battery, along with new tires, an alternator, new hoses and belts, a new radiator, new brakes, and a full fluid flush.

The Lincoln Continental Mark IV is not a car that is going to appeal to everyone’s tastes, because it is brash and bold. However, I would be willing to bet that we will have a good supply of readers who will really like this one, and will be tempted by the prospect of parking it in their driveway. If they do, then I can’t say that I blame them. It is quite common to see examples today that are starting to look a bit frayed around the edges, but this one would appear to have led a life as someone’s very treasured possession. It is a car that is ready to be driven and enjoyed immediately, and if that sounds like a tempting proposition, maybe now is the time to think about making a bid for this luxury classic.






More: Continental / Lincoln / Mark IV




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Sweet Or Not? 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback

Jamie Palmer


Nottingham, Maryland is not only the site of the annual life-size Candy Land game next weekend, but it’s also the home of this 1965 Mustang 2+2 “fastback” project car. It’s listed for sale here on eBay with no reserve and has reached $7,000 as I write. You’ll have to decide if Nottingham is the Chocolate Swamp or Lollypop Woods by reading the rest of this post.

In 1964, Ford set the automotive world on fire by introducing the Mustang. The long front-short rear sporty styling made people quickly forget the Falcon origins of the underpinnings and enabled arguably the most successful model launch in history. The 2+2 model was touted as having “style you’d expect only from Europe” and being “easy to fall in love with.” Of course, one of the most memorable Mustangs ever, the 1965-66 GT350, was based on the 2+2 model.

Although the ‘289’ emblems on the front fenders may bring a smile to your face, I’m betting the condition of those front fenders doesn’t. There’s no denying there is a lot of rust present. While the seller chooses not to elaborate other than that the car needs a full restoration, the piece of plywood that makes up the front floor says it all.


Looking on the bright side for a moment, it appears that at least two replacement panels are included in the sale–and anything that you need for repairs is certainly available. But plan on a lot of cutting and welding if you want to take this project on!

The car does appear largely complete and even straight, although the mismatched paint would lead one to believe there’s been an accident repair somewhere in this Mustang’s life. I’m pretty sure that’s Rangoon Red poking through from underneath — the color chosen for the 2+2 on the cover of the original 1965 Mustang brochure.

What’s this? A third pedal that looks original? And a Hurst shifter? I’m paying more attention now, although my welding hand is becoming jittery just from looking at the pine floorboard. Let’s quickly move on to the engine so I can still type!

I’m sure some of our more educated Mustang fans can tell whether this is a 260, 289, 302 or some other displacement Ford small-block V8, but the general neglected look tells me you’re going to pull it out anyway. Ok, you doubters, pretend this car is sweet enough that you’re willing to eat the candy and bring this car home. Let’s assume for a moment it’s the original 289 — would you restore this car to its V8/4-speed origins or would you restomod it with a later V8, perhaps even a Coyote engine? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!

More: Ford / Mustang

 

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K-Code Canuck: 1966 Ford Mustang Fastback

Bruce Johnson


This 1966 Ford Mustang was just purchased by the seller a month ago and is sitting outside in the cold Canadian air after it was rescued from enclosed storage where it sat for the past 20 years. It is a non-numbers matching high performance 289 engine mated to a 4-speed transmission. It looks good sitting there with the torque thrust wheels but needs a new owner who wants to start a restoration. You can see the car here on eBay which is listed at an asking price of $28,000 Canadian which is about $21,500 US. The Mustang is located in Regina, Canada.


The engine picture is mostly shadows but the original C Code 289 cubic inch V8 engine has been upgraded to a high performance K-code 289 cubic inch V8 engine. Based on stock numbers, the K code put out 271 horsepower versus the C Code which only generated 200 horsepower in 1966. The K code 289 V8 engine had free flowing exhaust, a more aggressive cam, high flow water pump and a stronger bottom end. It is not certain whether this was originally a 4 speed car but it is now. However, the shifter doesn’t look factory.


The Mustang has its needs which include replacing a rusted passenger side floor pan, both rear quarters and a dented driver side fender. The interior is worn and could be replaced if doing a full restoration. The seller has done a little engine work including replacing the carburetor, gas tank, muffler and fuel pump. The rest of the car looks pretty solid but based on its location, it would be a good idea to check it out in person.

Even though the seller says he doesn’t have time to restore the car, he states that he is willing to trade the car for a 1st or 2nd generation Camaro. He would consider a trade for a Mopar, too. Do you think this is a good restoration candidate or did the seller buy it and realize how much it was going to cost to restore it?

 

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Arizona Car: 1967 Ford Fairlane 500XL

Scotty Gilbertson


This 1967 Ford Fairlane 500XL was bought new in Phoenix and it has been in Arizona for the last 53 years. I’ll say it again, it’s where I should have been for the last 53 years. This sun worshipper can be found here on eBay in beautiful Sun City, Arizona, as opposed to Overcast City, Minnesota where I live. There is no reserve and the current bid price is over $5,800. Let’s check it out.


You’ll have to click on the eBay link to see the photos, there are quite a few but there are only two photos showing the entire exterior of the car, the first two shown here. They say that it was originally Springtime Yellow which is my personal second favorite color after the color of Bill Gannon’s four-door Fairlane on Dragnet. It’s a fifth-generation Fairlane and they were only made for two years – 1966 and 1967. I’m a sucker for stacked headlights so this is by far my favorite design for the Fairlane.


This ’67 Fairlane 500XL was bought a decade ago as a project car but the seller says that the current owner is getting older and they can’t take on another project. Being an Arizona car, they say that it’s a clean and dry car and they have included some underside photos in the listing. It has a C4 automatic and this car hasn’t run in 15 years since it was parked in the backyard, I’m guessing where the photos were taken.

The engine isn’t a monster 390 or 427, but the 200-hp 289 cubic-inch V8 should move this car along nicely, once it’s running again. The seller mentions that it was smoking a bit when it was parked 15 years ago and it hasn’t been started since then. I’m sure that most Barn Finds readers could get it going again. How would you restore this Fairlane?

More: Ford Fairlane

 

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UPDATE: Most Expensive Muscle Car Ever! 1968 Ford “Bullitt” Mustang

Montana Danford


This car really needs no introduction. For those of you who haven’t seen the famous 1968 movie Bullitt, the title character, played by Steve McQueen, drives this Highland Green 1968 Ford Mustang GT throughout the movie. Some would argue the 10-minute car chase featuring McQueen’s Mustang and a black Dodge Charger is the most iconic movie car chase ever. There were two cars used to film the chase sequence, VIN ending in 558 for the jumps and 559 for close-ups. Designated by filmmakers as the “Hero Car,” this car was used for the majority of the chase scenes and has been in private hands since filming wrapped. It has fully-documented provenance detailing its ownership and has been analyzed by the experts at Hagerty who “…moved the car to our HVA National Lab in Allentown, Pennsylvania so that every aspect of the 559 Mustang could be exhaustively photographed and the body 3-D scanned.” The car is now one of only 26 vehicles on the National Historic Vehicle Register. Owned by one family since 1974, it was re-introduced to the public at the Detroit Auto Show in 2018. In April of that year, the car was exhibited in the HVA’s glass display box on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as a tribute to McQueen. The car is now being offered for sale with no reserve at the January 2020 Mecum auction in Kissimmee, Florida where it could go down in the record books as the highest-priced American muscle car ever sold at auction! UPDATE: After a very dramatic entrance under dimmed lights and with a massive crowd around it, bidding quickly shot up past $1M dollars. A few seconds later, it passed $2M. Bidding continued to be steady up to $2.9M and was increasing by $50K increments. There appeared to be at least a few phone and internet bidders. The number continued to climb and stalled when a phone bidder bid $3.4M. After a few minutes, the gavel dropped and (with the 10% buyer’s premium) the bidder paid $3,740,000! A new muscle/pony car world record! If you want to see the action for yourself, you can watch it here on YouTube.


The car has been modified for filming and it still retains most of those modifications today. There are metal tubes welded under the rockers for camera mounts along with holes cut into the trunk to allow cords to run from the generator to the cameras and lights. After filming wrapped, the car was sold to Warner Brothers employee who used it as a commuter for a short time. It then passed through the hands of a New Jersey Detective and eventually to the current owner’s family in 1974. The purchase price back then? Six thousand dollars! Even Steve McQueen himself tried to purchase the car and was turned down. You can read more about the history of the car and check out more photos here on Mecum’s website and here on Hagerty.com.


Mecum president and founder Dana Mecum says he expects the car to surpass the American muscle car auction record that was set at their 2014 Seattle event where a 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda convertible sold for $3.5M! As for the other Mustang used for filming, we featured (what is believed to be) it here on Barn Finds in 2017 where it was found in Mexico after being wrecked during filming. So, how high will the bidding go on this car? There are skeptics who think it won’t even pass the current Mustang auction record of $2.2M. There’s also speculation that someone like Jay Leno or the Petersen Automotive Museum may purchase it. What do you think? Is this the most valuable muscle car ever?

More: Ford / Mustang

 

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Basement Find: 1950s American Flyer Train Set

Russell Glantz


Looking at all of the high-tech gadgetry in the hands of today’s youth, a vintage train set reminds us of the simpler times that were our childhoods. BarnFinds reader Joseph B told us that here’s a nice set for sale here on craigslist in Jacksonville, Oregon and it looks like an excellent value for a paltry $200! This picture of the locomotive is only a teaser – read on to see the rest of the set and the landscape!


In mid-century America, a train setup like this was a dream for many young people. Just the set alone was neat, but to have a whole working diorama – wow!


Although best-known for these large-scale electric sets, American Flyer dates back to the very early 1900s in Chicago, when William Hafter developed a clockwork motor for toy cars. His friend, William Coleman, just happened to own a struggling hardware manufacturing outfit that had some extra space, and the American Flyer was born. Today, American Flyer has become Lionel trains, and they’re still some of the most prominent and most-loved scale-model railroad components in the world.

The seller doesn’t go into a whole lot of detail, other than spelling out what locomotives and cars and buildings are included. We can see in the pictures that, while not super-detailed, the 4’x8′ landscape has plenty of open space and room for its next caretaker to modify, customize, and add whatever elements they might desire.

A quick search brought back information that, for the asking price, you’d likely spend quite a bit more money and time to try to buy these pieces separately and make the landscape, so all in all, it looks like a solid deal.

I’m old enough to remember wanting a train set, and being fascinated by the level of detail on many of them. If I recall correctly, a member of my extended-family had a set similar, minus the landscape.

I’ll admit that I don’t know a whole lot about train sets: I got into 1/24-scale cars and trucks instead, because I was more into automobiles than trains. In my humble opinion, this set includes everything you would need to get started (or re-started) in the larger-scale side of the model-train hobby. We have featured actual, real trains in the past, but most of us would have a difficult time with the logistics of that. What say you, good people? Do you have a train set memory that you’d be willing to share with us? Let us know in the comments!

More: American Flyer / Toys / Trains

 

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Always wanted to build train set with race car set.
Would be very cool active display. like most hobbies likely scare
you what it would cost to do

 

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Red 1966 Mustang Driver Plus Parts

Bruce Johnson


Is it dangerous to buy an old car on a written bill of sale with no title? Well, here is your chance to find out! This 1966 notchback Mustang is located in Chichester, Pennsylvania and is listed here on Craigslist for $5,000. We appreciate AMXBrian for submitting this tip. The seller states that the car comes with about 90% of the parts to restore it. This car has been in the same family since 1997 and came from the factory with a straight 6 cylinder engine and a C4 automatic transmission.

The car is said to run and drive. In 1966, the 200 cubic inch straight 6 cylinder engine produced 120 horsepower and was an economy option compared to the K code 289 cubic inch V8 that produced 271 horsepower. The radiator has a little surface rust but the engine compartment looks good. The body looks to have some rust eating through the paint in several places. The seller states that the sale includes new sheet metal for the rear quarters, tail panel, trunk drop-offs, rear valance, wheel wells, core support, front valance, shock tower sides, and floorboard.

The red interior looks to be in pretty good shape. The automatic shifter sticking up through the carpet reminds me of a friend’s 1966 Mustang in high school. He had the same engine and transmission and we would kid him about the lack of power. He told us that his car was a “pleasure mobile not a drag racer!” All I know is that it was pretty good on gas and we would empty the change in our pockets to put gas in it back in the early 1980’s.


So this little red on red Mustang seems reasonably priced if you have the stomach for a restoration. Many of you know what that is like once you dig into a car like this and the costs add up. I would be a little nervous about buying a car without a title but let us know if you have ever had a bad experience due to no title or if getting a bonded title has worked out.

 

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K-Code Fastback: 1966 Ford Mustang

Bruce Johnson


This 1966 Ford Mustang Fastback has already been bid up to $12,900 and there is still 4 days left in the auction here on eBay. The prior owner bought the car in 1972, stripped it down in 1980, painted the body poorly and then left it untouched. The seller states that the K code high performance 289 engine has never been apart.


Buyers who opted for the K code 289 cubic inch V8 engine were rewarded with 271 horsepower compared to the A code 289 cubic inch engine which produced 225 horsepower with a 4 barrel carburetor. There were two other engines offered including the C code 289 cubic inch engine that produced 200 horsepower with a 2 barrel carburetor and a 200 cubic inch straight six that generated 120 horsepower. The K Code 289 had 10.5 to 1 compression ratio and upgraded internal components.


The interior of the Mustang has been stripped out and the floorboards have been patched. There is lots to like about this car including that it was originally red, with a tan interior and a 4 speed manual transmission. The seller does not have the original distributor which was unique to the K Code 289 engine. The car is sitting awkward and may also need some suspension work.

The seller appears to be flipping the car and it has already met its reserve. Bidding may get heavy for such a clean car that is ready for restoration. There are 215 people watching this auction. Are you one of them?

 

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Original Owner Cobra: 1993 Ford Mustang

Jeff Lavery


Bidding is approaching $30,000 for this super low mileage and original owner-owned 1993 Ford Mustang Cobra. With just over 21,184 original miles, the Mustang presents as-new and is an early production car, clocking in at number 61 of the 4,993 made, according to the seller. Clean Fox Body Cobras seem to always do well when they come up for sale, even though I feel like we’ve seen a rash of them of late. Still, as children of the 80s and early 90s start buying their childhood dream cars, it’s not surprising to see them do well. Find it here on eBay and located in Southington, Connecticut.

The Cobra presents quite well from seemingly every angle, with stock wheels and ride height maintained. Unlike so many Mustangs that seemingly always have an aftermarket exhaust attached, this Cobra doesn’t appear to sport any of the typical aftermarket modifications. I have no problem with performance upgrades, especially not in the suspension department, but if you’re going to buy a car like this and then barely drive it, it’s best to avoid making any personal touches. I love the color, too – teal definitely peaked in popularity in the mid-90s.

The seller says there are “minor issues” with the exterior without going into any detail. Minor issues? That’s surprising considering the low mileage and presumed limited use this car has seen. I can’t tell if he means door dings or premature clearcoat failure or something else entirely, but it’s surprising to see such an admission in the first place for a car like this. The interior, however, is confidently described as being in mint condition. The seller adds that he has the original plastic coverings that came with the Cobra when it was delivered.


The engine bay is as spotless as you’d expect, without any cold air intakes or strut bars to detract from its factory appearance. The performance of these Cobras remains respectable, even if far from being the top banana in today’s muscle car wars. With a Buy-It-Now of $36,000, the current bids point to being within striking distance of the seller’s ideal sale price, with the reserve presumably being set a few notches below. Will this clean Cobra keep rising, or will the “minor issues” with the exterior drive collectors away?

More: Ford




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