Barn Finds

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Original Explorer Package: 1978 Ford F-250

Jeff Lavery


I didn’t even have to look at the location to know this survivor-grade 1978 Ford F-250 with the Explorer package resided in Washington State. This is the kind of truck I saw in large quantities when vacationing in Washington and Oregon, usually in better condition as daily drivers than anything that had been “preserved” out east. This example comes with the cosmetic dress-up provided by the Explorer package along with some other desirable options. The body is super straight and the Explorer graphics remain in place. Find it here on eBay with bidding over $7K and no reserve.

That’s actually a surprisingly strong number for a single cab pickup, in my opinion, but Ford enthusiasts (like others) love those oddball trucks with the stripes kit and other dress-up that were the rage in the 70s and 80s. The Explorer package got you the side-body graphics, chrome bumpers, and wheel covers in most instances, but there were a few other boxes you could check to prep the truck for camping, if you so desired. This one has a tattered bench seat which could be remedied with a blanket. The door panels and dash look tidy; the A/C is hooked up but not cold.

I believe the automatic transmission and A/C were two other “step up” options when buying an Explorer package, which could be spec’d with different equipment depending on whether option group A, B, C, or D was selected. This one has a 400 V8 under the hood and left the assembly line with a factory tow package, rounding out a nice package of equipment on a genuine 4×4 Ford pickup. Did you ever notice how many of the trucks from this era and earlier show up as 2WD models? These vintage 4x4s are seemingly always in demand, as evidenced by the current bid amount.


Of course, any vintage Ford or Mopar product which made liberal use of a stripe kit and still retains those stripes will catch the attention of enthusiasts. This F-250 just has the right look, down to the black steel wheels, which just look tough, and are accented by a set of manual locking hubs. The seller notes that despite the solid floors, the carpeting has been removed, and aside from that and some cracks in the dash, the issues that still require sorting seem fairly small – which is likely why so many bidders are hoping for a chance to put this Explorer edition in their garage.
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More: Ford

 

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390 Fastback! 1967 Mustang GTA

Todd Fitch


A faded Sauterne Gold paint job cleverly conceals all manner of vegetable matter including lichen, moss, and the discarded lettuce from a BLT, all of which might be found on this 1967 Ford Mustang GTA. On the strength of its originality and desirable 390 cid (6.5L) V8, the snowbound classic in Fremont, Nebraska has attracted over a dozen bids to a value beyond $13,000. Check out the auction here on eBay for more pictures and details.


The handsome Sportsroof (fastback) lends a muscular aura to the ’67 and ’68 Mustang, adding significant value above a coupe in similar condition. Whether you’re looking to jam fat slicks under there and scream down the quarter-mile, or spend the day carving up your favorite road course, the fastback Mustang looks the part.


While many enthusiasts recognize the phrase “GTA” from the larger Fairlane, Ford applied it to their Automatic transmission-equipped Mustang GT package in 1967 only. Simply put, “GT” + Automatic = GTA. The GTA moniker could grace any V8 Mustang, but this one came with the largest available powerplant, the “Thunderbird Special” 390. My Dad’s ’66 T-bird, with a mostly stock 390, looked uglier than this Mustang, yet gleefully converted snow tires into smoke. Like this car, Dad’s ’66 featured Flintstone floorboards.

Aside from a $3 fog of gray primer, this Mustang seems to have dodged TLC for some time. While 320 HP (gross) might be about 250 in today’s (net) numbers, the big 390 makes prodigious torque, and will move the lightweight pony car with authority. Sure, a host of 21st-century V6 cars make more peak horsepower but drive one and you only feel it during the last second before an upshift. With the factory 3.00:1 rear axle ratio, this Mustang will climb most hills with no need to downshift. Unless you like to “drive it like you stole it,” torque is your friend. Considering it needs everything, how much higher will the bidding rise on this once-gorgeous 390 Mustang?
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More: Ford / Mustang

 

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Solid Survivor: 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1

Adam Clarke


This 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 is a solid car that was last registered back in 1983. It has been dragged out of hiding, and the owner has done much of the work in preparation for its return to active duty. It is clean and tidy, but there have been some changes made to the car during its life, so it will be interesting to see what our readers think. The Mustang is located in Edmond, Oklahoma, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner has set the asking price at $29,500, which seems to be very competitive for a numbers-matching Mach 1.

Finished in Candy Apple Red, the Mustang is a striking looking car. The owner states that it is rust-free, and on the surface, it certainly looks promising. There are no signs of any rust in the usually prone areas such as the lower quarter panels, rockers, or lower fenders. The panels look to be straight, while the external trim, chrome, and the tinted glass, all look really good. The Mach 1 wears a rear spoiler and the oh-so-cool sport slats, and both items, along with the wheels, are original according to the accompanying Mart Report. I mentioned some changes from original, and now we reach what would be considered to be the first, and undoubtedly, the most significant of these. While the Candy Apple Red paint looks good, and the color undoubtedly suits the car, it has received a repaint at some point in the 1980s. No big deal there, and not unusual. However, as part of that process, the vehicle also underwent a color change. When it rolled off the production line in January of 1970, it wore very attractive Grabber Blue paint. It isn’t clear just why the color change occurred, but I’m sure that it seemed like a good idea at the time. So, my first question to our readers is whether you think that this really matters? My second is whether you would undertake to return the Mustang to its original color if you were to buy it?

This Mach 1 is a numbers-matching car, and as combinations go, it isn’t a bad one. What we find is an M-Code 351ci V8, a 4-speed manual transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. In its prime, the 351 would have pumped out 290hp, which would have been sufficient to propel the Mustang through the ¼ mile in 14.7 seconds. After its extended hibernation, the owner has completed a fair amount of work in a bid to return the car to the road. The brakes have received a full rebuild, while a new exhaust and new tires have also been fitted. The carburetor has been replaced with a Holley, but the original item is included in the sale. The entire front end has been replaced, and the Mach 1 has been fitted with new Scott Drake upper and lower control arms. Once again, would you leave these items in place, or would you swap them out for genuine control arms? The Mustang now runs nicely, but the owner does advise potential buyers to have the car thoroughly checked before subjecting it to any driving at highway speeds.


Generally speaking, the black interior of the Mustang seems to present quite well. The only issue that I can spot in the limited photos is the fact that the trim on the rear pillar on the passenger side doesn’t seem to fit properly. Beyond that, the rest of the trim and upholstery looks quite good. There are no signs of any splits or tears in the seats, the dash and cap look good, while the remaining upholstery and the carpet appear to be free of major defects. According to the Marti Report, the Mustang rolled off the line fitted with an AM radio. This has now gone, and we find a radio/8-track player in its place. It isn’t clear whether the dash has been cut to fit this, but if the next owner is seeking originality, then a replacement radio will need to be sourced. Of course, if the 8-track really doesn’t matter, then there is a fair pile of tapes included with the car for the new owner’s listening pleasure.

Taken on face value, this Mustang Mach 1 would seem to represent a pretty good buy at the asking price. If it is as solid and rust-free as the owner suggests, then it is a car that would need very little in the way of work before it was fit to tear up the tarmac once again. For purists, the change of color is going to matter, but for someone who is searching for a clean classic that they can just drive and enjoy, this is a car that shows some promise. So, if you bought it, would you change the paint color, or would you just drive it and enjoy it as it is?
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More: Ford / Mach 1 / Mustang

 

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1965 Ford Mustang V8 Barn Find

Montana Danford


Apparently this 1965 Mustang was stored and never claimed. The owner of the storage building is now selling it and says he can provide a “junk title” to the new owner. It can be found here on eBay with a current bid of just over $2,000. Located in Carterville, Illinois, the seller says that in Illinois, you have to be “certified” to restore a car with a junk title. If you are seriously interested in buying this car, it would be good to do some research in your state regarding titling. Some states make it very difficult to get a replacement title, others have a waiting period, etc. Let’s take a look at this car and see if you are willing to jump-in.


Like the rest of the car, the interior is dusty. You can tell a good cleaning would do wonders and would bring back a lot of luster to this old Pony. The driver’s seat has a small tear in it, but overall the upholstery doesn’t look too bad. There is a detailed photo of the back seat and you can see moisture has entered the car at some point and there is mold and/or mildew present.


There is no information in the ad regarding the drive train other than the seller lists the engine as a 260 cubic inch V8. You can see in the photo, this appears to be a factory A/C car. Hopefully, the engine and transmission are matching numbers and are usable.

Its nice to see the trim tag is still attached to the body. This gives the owner a little more information than just a VIN to go off of. According to ClassicPonyCars.com, this car was originally a 65A = Coupe / Standard Interior with M = Wimbledon White paint. Hopefully, the rest of the car checks out as original. What do you think about this ‘Stang?
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More: Ford / Mustang

 

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Solid and Original: 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible

Adam Clarke


With so many 1st Generation Mustangs experiencing significant rust damage, finding a solid survivor is always a nice experience. That appears to be the story behind this particular car, which is not only solid but is very original. It has been garage-kept since 1992 but is now ready to find its way to a new home. The Mustang is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding on the Mustang has now made its way to $11,101, but the reserve hasn’t been met.

The Mustang presents quite well, having received a repaint in its original Springtime Yellow back in the 1970s. There are a few chips and marks on the paint, but nothing of any real significance. Not only do the panels appear to be free of any rust, but the owner supplies photos of the floors and frame, and there are no signs of any problems This Mustang appears to be as solid as a rock, with little more than a few spots of very minor dry surface corrosion visible. The Black manual soft-top is in good order, and the rear window seems to have avoided developing the sort of cloudy appearance that can afflict these Convertibles. The remaining glass is in good order, while the external trim and chrome also present nicely.

This is a car that seems to have plenty of positive attributes, and while the interior might not be perfect, there really isn’t a whole lot to criticize. The first thing to note is the fact that it is very original, with no obvious aftermarket additions. The dash still houses its factory radio, and it, along with the cap, appears to be faultless. The upholstered surfaces look to be in great order, while the carpet looks incredible. The owner doesn’t mention this ever being replaced, but I think that it really looks too good to be original. The only upholstery flaws that have been identified are some seam separations on the base of the passenger seat, along with one small hole in the base of the driver’s seat. I’ve had a good look at both, and I think that these might be able to be repaired if the next owner wants to maintain the vehicle’s originality.


Lifting the hood of the Mustang reveals a C-Code 289ci V8, and a 3-speed automatic transmission. This is a numbers-matching car, and once again, the originality is pretty impressive. The Mustang has apparently been well maintained throughout its life, and beyond normal servicing and tuning, all that it has ever needed is the gaskets replaced on both valve covers. The owner claims that it has a genuine 69,000 miles on the odometer, but doesn’t mention whether this can be verified. This would appear to be a car where the next owner can slide behind the wheel, and hit the open road. It is said to drive beautifully, with the engine feeling strong, the transmission shifting smoothly, no signs of any oil leaks or smokes, and the whole car feeling as tight as a drum.

This Mustang Convertible needs little, especially if the next owner is seeking a clean and tidy driver-quality car. It could certainly be restored to a pristine state, and doing this would seem to be a fairly straightforward task. It is a car that has attracted some strong bidding since it has been listed for sale, which indicates that I’m not the only person who sees the potential that is contained within this 1960s classic.
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More: Convertible / Ford / Mustang

 

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Bronze Beauty! 1972 Ford Bronco

Jamie Palmer


I’ll bet there aren’t many of the 18,300 1972 Ford Broncos built that look as nice as this one does! It’s listed for sale here on eBay with no bids yet, an opening bid of $35,000 and not much time left, so be sure and check back for a possibly lower price if it gets relisted. The early SUV is located in Midlothian, Texas.

In addition to being in nice condition, this Bronco is rare in that it comes with both available hardtops. The full top as seen in the first picture enables covered transport of either stuff or people (a removable rear seat is included and appears to be in excellent shape. On the other hand, if you didn’t want to share the space with what you were hauling (remember, these were originally targeted as being farm work vehicles), you could install this half-cab hardtop and you had a small pickup.

The Bronco is both straight and uncut. Many Broncos have trimmed wheel wells and/or plastic fender flares added, either due to rust or the desire for larger tires and wheels. It’s nice to see the original hubcaps in place on this one!


The Bronco features what appears to be a very original interior, although the carpet has been replaced along with the addition of some sound deadening material. One item of interest is that although the original radio works, there’s also a hands-free Bluetooth system that has been hidden within the center console. 3 gears shifted “on the tree” keep this Bronco moving and it is a four-wheel-drive model with manually locking hubs if you want to enter trail areas.

Mechanically the Bronco has been refurbished somewhat with an aluminum radiator (I’m guessing after this picture was taken), and anew fuel tank has been installed. The originals were saved and are included with the sale. While the under-dash air conditioning system is present, there’s no compressor, so if you want air conditioning you’ll have some parts to buy and some work to do. Overall this seems to be a nice example of an appreciating vehicle — but what do you think? Have you had any experience with first-generation Broncos? If so, please share them with us in the comments!
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More: Ford

 

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No Reserve: 1972 Ford Bronco

Brentton Fuller


This weathered 1972 Ford Bronco is up for grabs and is going to require deep pockets and significant time to get back into roadworthy condition. This Bronco has provided an enormous bidding war with a baby price. 55 bidders have only increased this auction up to $1,100 and there is no indicated reserve. It is located in Absecon, New Jersey, and the title is clean. A VIN is listed and 1000 miles are documented in the listing. You can find it here on eBay.


The engine is claimed to be numbers matching. Sadly, but maybe for the best, the seller has not tried to turn the engine over. The 302 cubic-inch V8 is connected to what looks like an automatic transmission, even though the listing states it has a manual. You can see from the photos that there is a lot of work that needs to be done. The wheel wells are rusting through. It is probably safe to assume that this car has spent its entire existence in the northeast to end up peppered with rust holes everywhere.


There is no lack of them inside either. The floors, the doors, the ceiling, there are numerous spots where daylight is leaking into the cabin. And if you can see daylight, other stuff is leaking in as well. That condensation has rusted many parts of the dash, steering column, and parts of the doors. As you can see, the seats themselves are ripped and have some moldy mildew spots on them. While the cabin itself from the factory primitive, this truck could use some new seats.

This truck is rough. The body panels are all unaligned, the rear bumper is piping that indicates the truck needs to be pushed or was at risk of bumping into things often. Up front, the hood is being eaten away by rust, looking like some animal is just nibbling away at it. There is no front grill and you can see that the truck is being towed around using a chain it looks like. It needs a lot of work, it might not be the best for parts, but the price is cheap. What are your thoughts?
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More: Bronco / Ford

 

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Good To Be Green: 1975 Ford Bronco

Jim ODonnell


It has been a bit like a Bronco extravaganza lately here on Barn Finds as many of the popular first-generation (‘66 through ’77) models have surfaced recently and they are very popular indeed. Continuing with that thread, here is a ’75 example optioned with the “Ranger” trim in what is considered to be a rare green finish. It is located in Littleton, Colorado and is available here on eBay for a current bid of $27,800; 52 bids tendered so far.


The seller has an extensive collection of images via IMGUR and they can be accessed via the listing so it’s worth taking the time to cruise through them. The seller tells us that this Bronco has the “perfect” amount of patina (not sure what the “perfect” amount is) over a rare green external finish. All-in-all it doesn’t look too worn; there are a lot of “freckles” across the nose piece and the passenger-side rocker panel is dented but 45 years of originality is going to reveal some bumps and contusions. The “Baytree Green” finish screams the ’70s, as it was a preferred color in those days for cars and kitchen appliances. The seller claims that there is virtually no rust to speak of.


While the stance may look a little off, it’s because this Bronco has a 3” lift kit and 33” tires. It makes for an unbalanced look with its short wheelbase, sort of like a Bronco on stilts, but that may be a preferred look and set-up for this era Bronco.

As well as the exterior has fared, the interior has fared better. The floor-mounted gear shift selector, sans center console, is a refreshing departure from what is commonplace today. The checked pattern cloth upholstery continues the ’70s vibe through and through. The seller claims that the front seats have been recovered with NOS material and new carpet has been installed. Honesty is always the best policy and the seller has to be applauded for stating that the 46K miles showing on the odometer is probably 146K miles based on the noted foot pedal wear. If that’s the case, this Bronco looks better than expected considering all of its use.

Bronco motivational power is courtesy of a 302 CI V8 engine. The seller states, “Mechanically we’ve had the stock 302 engine refreshed with a new Holly Carb and full tune up”. He also adds that this Bronco runs “great”. Gear changing is handled by a C-4, three-speed automatic transmission integrated with four-wheel drive. Other noteworthy mechanical attributes include a recent, complete brake refurbishment. The seller is forthcoming regarding what’s not quite right with this Bronco like a disconnected front, or auxiliary, fuel tank and a wobbly speedometer.

These first-generation Broncos are really hot right now. Perhaps the draw has been fueled by the CUV/SUV phenomenon that has sent new car sedan sales into a tailspin with some manufacturers, like Ford, pretty much abandoning traditional passenger cars in general. And then the ’70s inspired simplicity built around a very utilitarian platform of a vehicle like this Bronco is enticing too. This year, 2020, you’ll be able to buy a new 2021 Bronco as Ford is reintroducing it after a 25-year absence. I’m sure it will be nice but I think I’d like to go old-school and stick with the original, how about you?
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More: Bronco / Ford

 

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Cranberry Survivor: 1978 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT

Jeff Lavery


This 1978 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT is described as a barn find that’s been sitting since 2004. The paint is a pretty and somewhat rare combo of Cranberry Red over Wimbledon White, the latter being a classic Ford color. The seller describes the truck as being well-optioned from the factory, and aside from some paint that’s been burned off by the sun, it looks like a very solid driver. Bidding is quite active, too, registering at $9,000 at the moment with a few days left. Broncos that haven’t been cut up or otherwise modified are worth a look, and you’ll find this one here on eBay and living in Mooresville, North Carolina.

I really dig the colors, and the contrasting hardtop is a sharp look. Before coming to North Carolina, the truck was ordered new in Colorado and lived in the Centennial State and Montana up until June of last year. The listing notes it was ordered with the 351 V8, C6 automatic transmission, air conditioning, limited slip differential, 4.10 gears, sliding window, and more. A Marti Report is included with the Bronco to provide documentation for the stated options. Chrome bumpers front and rear appear to be in good order. The seller notes the truck sits on a set of wagon wheels mounted on 32 inch BF Goodrich tires.

The interior is slightly tatty but nothing you can’t live with for the time being. The original low-back bucket seats remain in place, and the red carpeting is a nice look. Door panels and dash are free from modifications, but it’s difficult to tell if the dash is sporting any cracks. What looks like an original headunit remains in place, and the backseat appears to be unused. The center console is another option that the truck left the factory with, and it doesn’t show any signs of cracking on top. The seller notes all lights and gauges function as they should, and while the heater core was just replaced, the A/C still needs a new belt and a charge.


While bidding has taken off for that running and driving example, we have a Barn Finds Exclusive listing in Georgia for a 1978 “Custom” model with an automatic, 400 V8, and some rust in similar places to the one on eBay. You can check out the original listing here. Broncos are part of that class of square body SUVs that are seemingly always in demand, especially when they haven’t been modified for off-road use. The 1978 model on eBay is a nicely optioned example that has the kind of patina enthusiasts love, so I’m confident it will clear $10K without too much trouble. There’s no reserve at the moment, so it’s currently destined to sell.

Have something similar for sale? List it here on Barn Finds!

More: Ford

 

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Counterfeiter Collection: Seized Mustangs for Sale

Jeff Lavery


Several classic Ford Mustangs are up for auction that once belonged to a lawyer accused of stealing VIN numbers from genuine Shelby vehicles and applying them to his personal cars that were then sent to auction. The vehicles in question may or may not be the genuine article based on this history, and the state of Oklahoma has given all of the cars new VIN numbers and titles, which further clouds what the actual value maybe – even if the car in question is a genuine Boss or Shelby model. The whole story is spelled out in greater detail here on the Fox News Channel, but you can check out individual cars like this 1970 Shelby GT500 Cobra convertible listed here on Proxibid. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Montana D. for the find.

While the auctioneer has multiple interesting classic cars up for grabs, the cars belonging to disgraced lawyer Kermit Millburn are what we’re focused on here. These were cars from his personal collection, but that doesn’t mean their authenticity can easily be confirmed. The report notes that some cars have odometers with zero miles on them, and other signs of significant tampering. The former owner and counterfeiter Millburn would later kill himself at a gun range as authorities closed in. Apparently, owners of genuine Shelby vehicles started to see cars being auctioned off with their VIN numbers, indicating Millburn was stealing VIN tags from genuine cars and applying them to cheap copies. Check out one his personal vehicles here on Proxibid, a 1970 Boss 302.

In my opinion, this is a good opportunity for someone to pick up a significant muscle car on the cheap (or at least a decent discount) but only if they have no intention of immediately selling it, or at least selling for a profit. How could you possibly untangle the web of lies that now surrounds these cars, especially with the state issuing new VINs and title documents? This is another 1970 Boss 302 listed here on Proxibid that certainly looks everything like a Boss should – but how do you know the owner didn’t just swap in the drivetrain, spoilers, wheels, and stripe kits to a base model example and then swap the VIN plates with a real-deal Boss? You don’t, unless you’re able to go in person and do some detailed sleuthing at the auction site and look for any key identifying clues.


Some of the cars in the collection were awaiting restoration – or possibly conversion into a VIN-swapped clone. This is an ordinary 1970 Ford Mustang convertible that was waiting for its makeover, and it raises the question as to whether the owner was keeping any of the cars for himself, or converting everything into a clone and being sold for top dollar. I don’t quite understand why he made the decisions he did at the end, as I doubt car crimes like this ever carry a massively heavy sentence – unless his enterprise was larger than realized. Either way, a sad end for the individuals involved and for the cars, which all look to be in fair condition despite the shadiness behind them. You’ll find the ’70 convertible here on Proxibid with bids to $1,600. Would you take a chance on these risky Mustangs?
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More: Ford / Mustang / Shelby

 

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351 Cobra Jet: 1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport

Adam Clarke


As far as project cars are concerned, this 1972 Ford Gran Torino Sport has a lot in its favor. It is a solid car that is in need of cosmetic restoration but could still be driven exactly as it currently stands. The fact that it has a healthy 351 Cobra Jet under the hood is really just icing on the cake. If that sounds like a winning combination, then you will find the Ford located in Huntsville, Alabama, and listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding on the potent Torino has reached $11,000, and with the reserve now met, it is set to head to a new home very soon.

The first thing to note about this Ford is how solid it is. All of the vehicle’s lower extremities appear to be free of any rust issues, and while the original Dark Green paint is now showing its age, it remains presentable enough to be used as a daily driver until such time as finance and circumstances make a repaint a possibility. The only rust that the owner identifies is a little under the lower edge of the hood itself. He seems to be confident in the car’s overall condition because he does welcome the idea of potential buyers giving the car a personal inspection. The Gran Torino does have a couple of minor dings, but there is nothing there that can’t be repaired. In addition, the tinted glass, along with the exterior trim and chrome, all looks to be in good condition. The wheels that are fitted to the Ford are original, and they wear a new set of tires.

The Gran Torino is said to be a numbers-matching car, with the original 351ci Cobra Jet V8 filling the engine bay. With a 3-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes, it should be a comfortable and competent cruiser on the open road. The Cobra Jet produces 248hp, which is enough to allow the vehicle to punch through the ¼ mile in 16.1 seconds. The owner states that the Gran Torino runs and drives really well, and included in the sale is the original Build Sheet and Owner’s Manual.


While the photos aren’t the greatest, they tend to paint a pretty rosy picture inside the Ford. The rear seat, door trims, and the headliner are all in good condition. The carpet looks really nice, which makes sense since it is new. The dash pad is cracked, but a good replacement is included. The owner says that new armrests for the doors, new kick panels, and new covers for the front seats will have the interior presenting very nicely. It isn’t clear whether there are any aftermarket additions to the Gran Torino, or what optional equipment might be fitted, but we do know that it does come fitted with factory air conditioning.

For the classic enthusiast who has their heart set on parking a Mustang in their driveway but simply doesn’t have the budget, then a Gran Torino Sport would seem to offer a viable alternative. This one shows a lot of promise, and the 351 Cobra Jet lifts it into the desirable category for a 1972 model. They may not have quite the cachet of a Mustang, but the 16 people who have bid, along with the 183 who are watching the listing, must think that it is worth serious consideration.
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More: Ford / Gran Torino

 

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Original Paint: 1972 Jaguar E-Type

Jeff Lavery


This 1972 Jaguar E-Type is the later Series III model in the fixed-head coupe configuration, with 2+2 seating. Although not the most desirable set-up, it’s still a four-speed manual car with a V12, and the seller claims it’s lead a fairly uneventful life in the hands of two doctors. The paint and engine are also likewise claimed to be original, and the car is said to run well with no major defects noted. The seller says that the Jaguar is for sale as a result of a collection wind-down that is clearly based on a business that buys and sells classic cars – check out the other listings they have up for grabs.You’ll find the E-Type here on eBay with a $34,000 Buy-It-Now and the option to submit a best offer. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Russel G. for the find.

The E-Type is a car that evokes strong reactions, mostly of the positive variety due to its sensuous design. The body has always been dead sexy no matter the generation, but purists will always claim the Series 1 is the car to buy. I don’t disagree, but that shouldn’t negate considering later models, especially when equipped with the manual transmission. I personally think a Series III is a relative collector car bargain, as 90 percent of the general public won’t know the difference, and you still get to park one of the prettiest cars ever made in your garage for far less than a Series 1 would set you back. I can understand why the 2+2 design isn’t favored, but I wouldn’t let it stop me from owning a car like this.

Now, the performance did begin to suffer as time wore on, just as it did for almost every muscle and sports car going into the middle and late 70s. This is just a fact of life, and no one manufacturer was more guilty than another of neutering some truly great performance brands. As far the list of ways that the U.S. made gorgeous European cars into ugly ducklings, the requirement for 5 m.p.h. safety bumpers was perhaps the most grievous offense, but thankfully, this 1972 E-Type predates when Jaguar was forced to slap ugly black overriders on the otherwise beautiful chrome bumpers front and rear. The seller discloses no issues with the drivetrain, just noting that it “…runs, drives, and stops great.”


The interior looks pleasingly worn, with no signs of outright destruction. The manual transmission is the way to buy one of these, even if it’s considered a grand tourer where it’s acceptable to see an automatic in the console. The dashboard and its swichgear all appear as the factory intended, and although I can’t tell if that’s the original radio, it’s at least an in-period replacement. While the switches lost some of the pizzazz that they had in the original Series 1 (along with the covered headlights – oh, how I love those), the E-Type was still a delightful mixture of sports car and jet fighter when you sat down inside. The asking price seems fair if the originality claims and running condition can be verified, but making a best offer is obviously the way to play this one to cover some of the potential risk.
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More: Jaguar

 

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Blank Canvas Coupe: 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe

Adam Clarke


I’m sure that plenty of our Barn Finds readers have seen project-grade 1st Generation Mustangs come and go, and some of the prices have been outrageous. Well, this 1966 Mustang Coupe might just be a splash of sanity in a sea of craziness. It is a literal blank canvas, but the seller might be able to offer the buyer the chance to secure some mechanical components that will get the project up and running. Located in Largo, Florida, you will find the Ford listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding on the Mustang is proceeding at a reasonable pace and after opening at a mere penny, it has shot all the way to $1,365. With the reserve now met, this is a project car that is set to head to a new home.

The history of the Mustang is a little vague, but it is finished in a color called Sahara Beige. There is what appears to be some evidence of Signal Flare Red showing on the driver’s side front fender, but it isn’t clear whether this is a replacement panel, or whether this might have been the vehicle’s original color. It also used to have a vinyl top, but the owner chose to remove this. Just as people used to prospect for gold, he was prospecting for rust. He did find some under the vinyl, but this was limited to a small spot near the top of the windshield. There is some rust present in both rear quarter panels, but this isn’t severe. There is also a spot in the bottom of the driver’s door, but looking under the hood, the shock towers appear to be solid. There is no information provided on the state of the floors or frame, but the relative cleanliness of the quarter panels and other lower sections of the body looks quite promising.

This is why I referred to the Mustang as a blank canvas. Originally occupying the engine bay was a C-Code 289ci V8, backed by a 3-speed manual transmission. Just because the engine bay is empty doesn’t signal the end of the world. The owner does still have the original components, and they can go with the car. The engine ran fine before it was removed, but it is said to have been a touch smoky. Maybe this is a sign of faulty valve guides or seals. If the buyer wants to return the car to original, then they could certainly give these components a refresh, and then slot them back into their rightful place. The owner does offer some alternatives that would be worth considering. It sounds like his original intention was to tackle the Mustang as a restomod, so he does have some 5.0-liter components, including an engine, standard ’90s heads, a set of Edelbrock aluminum heads, intakes, and a Tremec T5 transmission. He says that he is willing to negotiate on any or all of these components, which is definitely food for thought. Even if the next owner is considering a different path again, I know that if it were me, I’d be grabbing the original engine and transmission regardless. Given the ongoing increase in the value of the early Mustangs, this is a car that has some future potential as an investment. However, it is always going to be worth more as a numbers-matching vehicle. I would properly store the original components so that they could be reinstated at a later date if circumstances made this worthwhile.


I guess that the best thing that can be said about the Mustang’s interior is that it appears to be complete. The original radio is still present in the dash, although there are some holes cut into the rear parcel tray for a set of speakers. The seats look like they might clean fairly well, but given the fact that the Mustang is going to require carpet, a headliner, along with door and rear trims, it would just make sound economic sense to buy an entire trim kit. Since it is possible to buy an entire kit, including a replacement for the cracked dash pad, for around $820, it makes you realize why you wouldn’t muck about on this part of the car. Having said that, how the interior finishes up being configured will depend on the next owner’s vision for the car.

I think that we’re all used to seeing these Mustang project cars listed for sale with what could best be described as ridiculous auction reserves. The fact that this car has already reached its reserve with such a modest bid makes a refreshing change. It is a car that offers its next owner some options, but I’ll be interested to see whether any of our readers feel inclined to pursue the Mustang further.
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More: Coupe / Ford / Mustang

 

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Ready To Roll: 1935 Ford 5-Window Coupe

Adam Clarke


Having spent its life in Texas, this 1935 Ford 5-Window Coupe is a solid and rust-free survivor. It runs, it drives, it’s roadworthy, and it is ready for a new owner to take it home and enjoy the classic car ownership experience. If that sounds like a great option to you, then you will find the Coupe located in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and listed for sale here on eBay. The owner has set a BIN of $28,000 for the classic Ford, although the option is also available to make an offer.

The Ford is finished in Biarritz Cream and generally presents quite nicely. The paint isn’t perfect, as there are a few marks and chips to be seen in various locations. However, none of these marks are significant and are well in keeping with what could be considered to be an original survivor. Having spent its life in Texas, this Ford has managed to avoid any rust issues. In fact, the owner says that it is as solid today as it was the day that it rolled off the production line. The external trim and chrome generally look quite good, although I can notice some deterioration on the rear bumper in a couple of spots. The luggage rack is a nice addition and seems to be in good condition. It is also a practical item, providing luggage space to compensate for the space that has been lost by the inclusion of a rumble seat.

It isn’t clear when it occurred, but it looks like the interior may have received at least a partial restoration at some point. The seats and door trims look to be relatively new. This is especially apparent when you compare their condition with that of the headliner. This looks to be original, although if it is, it is still in good condition for its age. The carpet on the floor is a recent addition, while the dash has definitely been refurbished. The original owner didn’t look terribly hard at the options list when they ordered the Coupe, as it is fitted with the standard single windshield wiper, and there is also no radio. Regardless of the lack of luxury appointments, the interior still presents very well and should provide its next owner with years of service.


While the drivetrain of the Coupe is largely original, it has received a couple of upgrades that should make the ownership experience that bit more pleasant. powering the Ford is the mighty 221ci flathead V8, with its 85hp finding its way to the rear wheels via a 3-speed manual transmission. All of this sounds pretty normal up to this point. However, you can see an alternator bolted to the engine in place of the original generator. This addition and an upgrade to a 12-volt electrical system should make the Coupe a more reliable prospect, especially in colder weather. The good news here is that the Ford is said to be in really solid mechanical health. In fact, the owner is currently using it as a daily driver, which would seem to confirm this claim. He actually goes so far as to state that the Coupe drives like new. There are a couple of minor items that I would be inclined to tidy if I bought the car (loose wires), but it generally looks pretty clean under the hood.

This 1935 Ford 5-Window Coupe is a great old car, and there are a few possibilities that the owner floats when it comes to the future of the car. He suggests leaving it exactly as it currently stands, with the new owner enjoying the experience of driving an original survivor. He also floats the idea of it becoming the base for a restomod or a custom, and if this happened, it would not be the first time that it would have happened to a 5-Window Coupe. They have a shape that easily lends itself to both ideas. He also raises the idea of completing a restoration on the Ford and returning it to its former glory. Personally, I would be inclined to plump for the first of these options. What about you?
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More: 5-Window / Coupe / Ford

 

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Little Blue 1965 Ford Mustang

Brentton Fuller


This basic, blue 1965 Ford Mustang has a pretty coat of paint and it is has a lot to offer for a respectable price. You can take it home for $7,000 or you can make an offer, so you have options. It is located in Kintnersville, Pennsylvania and a VIN is listed along with a clean title. The mileage on the odometer is registering at 13,952, but the title claims it to be 140,950. You can find it here on eBay.


Unfortunately, no photos of the engine are provided in the listing. The car is said to have a running and driving six-cylinder engine that has been recently rebuilt. There are no specifics about when, but they do mention that the valves and valve seats have been replaced to allow unleaded fuel to be used by the engine. An automatic transmission transfers power to the rear wheels. A new fuel tank has been installed, likely to compliment the engine rebuild and eliminate any chance for leaded fuel. The seller also says a new radiator and front suspension have also been installed.


While the exterior of the car has been tended to, the interior has been neglected. It is not in horrible condition, but it could certainly use a cleaning and some repair. In one photo you can see the headliner is falling, the driver door panel is missing, the two front seats are torn, and a host of other issues. The photo of the instrument cluster shows surface rust starting to appear. Some sort of moisture has made its way into the car.

According to the listing the car has been kept in a barn. The seller points out that the paint is good and there are no dents and scratches, but it appears to be missing some trim pieces and there is no explanation for that. The tires are marked which might mean they were off the car recently, or these tires for the winter season. Since there is not a lot of information about the car, you will want to contact the seller to get more details.
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More: Ford Mustang

 

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Four-Eyed Survivor: 1986 Mustang GT Convertible

Jeff Lavery


This 1986 Ford Mustang GT convertible is a nicely presented four-eyed example that comes with the preferred manual transmission and 302 V8 combination. Mileage is indicated as a low 64,000, and despite residing on Long Island, the seller claims it has never had any rust issues. The original paint with the black hood insert is a great look, along with the GT specific trim that remains affixed to the doors. This is the perfect summertime cruiser, and though it is on the pricey side at $9,700, it could just be worth it. Find it here on craigslist, and thanks to Barn Finds reader Rocco B for the find.

Most of the time, we associate convertibles and luggage racks with the classic secretary-spec Mustang, but it’s always a good sign when you see the “GT” lettering and 5.0 badges on the fenders. That, plus the classic polished wheels and dual exhausts are all good signs there’s some respectable performance under the hood. I’m most pleased by the manual transmission, as oftentimes the Mustangs that were clearly bought as cruisers have a fun-sapping automatic sitting in the console. The top looks to be in great condition and the back window perfectly clear.

The interior is a definite highlight, with clean carpets, an uncracked dash, and original details throughout. The thickly bolstered bucket seats show no signs of splitting or sagging, and while the stock steering wheel isn’t exactly attractive, it is another indication as to how original this Mustang GT remains. The seller notes it is original right down to the factory radio and that the air conditioning, recently serviced, still blows cold. Despite being a top-down cruiser, I see no evidence of prolonged exposure to the sun resulting in brittle surfaces or extensive fading.


The engine has benefitted from recent service that includes a new radiator and water pump, and the seller notes the Mustang drives “…exceptionally well.” Though I always like to at least upgrade the suspension on my projects, I’m not sure I would touch this example given it has survived in stock condition all these years and will look better and better as time goes on and survivor cars dry up. While some enthusiasts may not love the four-eyed look, this 1986 Mustang GT convertible wears it well thanks to its high state of preservation.
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More: Ford / Mustang

 

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One of 439: 1985.5 Ford Mustang SVO

Jeff Lavery


The turbo Fords of the 80s continue to strike me as a hugely under-appreciated segment of American collector vehicles. We actually just sold the turbocharged and intercooled Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe out of the large Georgia collection listed here as a Barn Finds Exclusive, and I suspect cars like this 1985.5 Mustang SVO will soon be on the up and up – they’re just too good, offering impressive performance, limited production, and comfortable interiors that make it a treat to drive to work. Find this rare transition year model of the SVO here on craigslist for $14,495, and thanks to Barn Finds reader Pat L. for the find.

Now, the 1985.5 Mustang SVOs were particularly special cars, thanks to the fact that many SVO enthusiasts consider it the best of everything when it comes to SVO ownership. The flush, “aero” headlights were now the standard design, which some considered a big improvement over the recessed units of the earlier model. But the big story was the performance enhancements dialed into the 85.5’s, which included more boost, bigger injectors, dual exhausts, and a revised intake manifold. These changes, along with several others, delivered 205 b.h.p. and 240 lb.-ft. of torque. Just 439 are believed to have been built.

The interior looks quite fresh, way better than you’d expect for an odometer reading of 92,500. That’s because the front seats have been re-trimmed along with the classic three-spoke SVO steering wheel. Even without those improvements, the SVO’s cabin still presents incredibly well for a car that hasn’t been locked away in storage. The seller notes the A/C still blows cold and that it even retains the factory cassette deck. The dash doesn’t appear to show any cracks and the door panels look mint. Listing photos also show a cargo bay that looks like it’s never had any actual cargo.


Under hood looks quite clean, and that massive intercooler sitting beneath the hood scoop will always make me feel warm inside when gazing at a classic turbo Ford. The seller notes that mechanically, the suspension has been refreshed including new tires and brakes, and that it retains the factory Koni shocks and struts. One of the big turn-offs to the Thunderbird I mentioned was the electronic suspension with no suitable replacement parts; with an SVO, grab some new Koni adjustables and go racing. SVOs like this are the one to buy if you’re thinking of grabbing a 5.0 alternative.
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More: Ford / Mustang

 

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No Reserve? 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback

Adam Clarke


Update 2/4/20 – Well, it looks like there was actually a reserve on this one. The seller just didn’t tell anyone. After getting bid up to $22,500, this Mustang has reappeared here on eBay with bin price of $24,000. Hmm…
From 1/24/20 – There are plenty of people who will argue that the Fastback was the best looking of the 1st Generation Mustangs, and when you look at this 1967 model, it is easy to see why they make this claim. Even though it exhibits all of the signs of a Mustang with many of the typical rust problems of the era, it still looks very attractive. It deserves to have someone who is willing to return it to its former glory, and it would seem that there are plenty of people who are willing to put up their hand and to take this one on. Located in Des Moines, Iowa, you will find the Mustang listed for sale here on eBay. It would be fair to say that bidding on the Mustang has been pretty lively, with a total of 45 bids pushing the price along to $22,500. At that price, the reserve has been met. In addition, there also 173 people who are currently watching the listing.

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


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

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

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

 

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Gold Turned To Rust: 1965 Ford Mustang

Brentton Fuller


This 1965 Ford Mustang is said to be a D code car and a very early 1964 and a half production model. It is currently for sale at an asking price of $4,500 but there is also the option to submit an offer. It resides in Elk, River, Minnesota. No miles are listed but the VIN is provided along with a claim of a clear title. You can find it here on eBay.


Under the hood is a 289 cubic-inch, eight-cylinder engine that does fire up and run. However, it has a leaking fuel tank so it has to be run on a can. The seller believes the engine and automatic transmission are original to the car. It does have power steering which will be nice if you want to get the car out of a tight spot and up onto a trailer. It might need that too because the underside photos of the car show it in a very rough, rusty condition.


Inside, the car is in amazing condition for its age. Besides what looks like a ripped driver seat, just at the top, one part on the back floor, and dirt, it looks barely used. It is an all original interior, including the AM radio that came from the factory and the Rally Pac gauges that add to the instrument panel.

Apparently, this car has been up for sale before, but the prior winning bidder was unresponsive, so it has been relisted. It would not be a poor car to make an offer on. Since it does run, that is helpful, but it will depend greatly on the metalwork that is said that is needed to be done? For example, the seller claims the floors, quarter panels, and rear frame rails will all need to be replaced. That is beyond what most might consider a do it yourself repair. Not only is it that time consuming it also money draining. With all of that into consideration, the three options always present themselves. Buy it and resell/part it out, fix it up, or let it sit.
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More: Ford / Mustang




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Wicked 427 Thunderbolt! 1964 Ford Fairlane

Todd Fitch


Often the late 1960s muscle cars like the Road Runner, Cobra-Jet Torinos, and GTO The Judge models spring to mind when we think about the classic muscle car era, but the Detroit Horsepower Wars started much earlier. Witness this genuine 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt in Charlotte, North Carolina, one of the baddest factory drag packages to ever run the 1320. With a Buy It Now price of $359,900 here on eBay, it had better be real.


As you might expect from a former race car, the original engine and transmission (at least) are long gone, replaced by “correct” original-looking replacements. A host of NOS (New Old Stock) parts testify to the effort expended restoring this Fairlane’s authenticity. Even the steel wheels and tires are correct. Significantly different from stock Fairlanes, the Thunderbolts went from Ford to Dearborn Steel Tubing where they underwent surgery on their shock towers to accommodate the new-for-’64 high-rise 427. This mammoth mill made 425 HP on paper, but true horsepower may have been between 500 and 600 HP. Thanks to Hemmings.com for some details.


Most Thunderbolts never looked this good, as every item on the car endured scrutiny in an effort to reduce weight. Mathematically if you want a car to accelerate twice as fast you can either a. quadruple the horsepower or b. halve the weight. Extreme weight loss may not be healthy for humans, but it sure pays off on racing cars. See that black floor? There’s no sound deadening or carpeting, only a thin layer of rubber, easy to clean if your passenger suffers bladder failure during a low 12-second quarter-mile pass.

What you see here, twin four-barrel carburetors, monster V8, hood scoop, and more, all came from Ford to the buyer, making the “compact” Fairlane (about the weight of a Fox-body Mustang) a force to be reckoned with. Manual drum brakes (lower rolling resistance than discs) slow the angry maroon two-door after your ET lights up. While the museum-quality restoration may discourage too much fun, let’s hope the buyer hammers that 427 at least a few times a year. What’s the craziest factory drag car you’ve seen?
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More: Ford