Barn Finds

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Six Door Conversion: 1996 Ford F-350 XLT

Jeff Lavery


This 1996 Ford F-350 is a stretched, six-door model that retains factory appearances while adding loads more interior space for hauling passengers or multiple dogs and cats. The look is an acquired taste, and I’m guessing parallel parking is out of the question. The seller says it’s a headturner that can seat nine, and is equipped with a 7.3L Powerstroke diesel. Mileage is indicated as being 181,000 and the seller has a clean title in hand. While it’s unclear to me the immediate value such a conversion provides, there are numerous vendors offering to stretch your truck – so apparently, I’m the one that’s been living under a rock. Find the six-door Ford here on eBay with bidding over $15K and a Buy-It-Now of $32,500.

Now, truth be told, given how much full-size trucks have grown in the last few years, this stretched F-350 may not be dramatically longer than what you can buy off the dealer lot at the moment. The seller specifically mentions this rig being useful for towing a camper, so perhaps that’s the intent behind it – head off to a remote camping site but bring along eight of your friends or, God help you, seven children. The truck looks completely stock aside from the stretched chassis and added doors, which is a testament to the original builder who somehow managed for this not to look like an ill-fated stretch limo conversion. I would like to know a bit more about the company that did the conversion, as it looks like a high-quality job from this side of the computer monitor.

The seller mentions that the truck has a custom, one-piece headliner, which is a level of detail I wasn’t expecting. From the few sites I scanned through of companies offering stretch services, this F-350 appears to follow some of the basic guidelines of a solid conversion, including retaining factory-style seating to further preserve the OEM feel of the truck despite the additional room to stretch out. You can even see that factory storage bins and armrests were maintained as well, and if you are bringing a family along, it’s ideal that everyone has their own space. Whenever you stretch a vehicle, there’s obviously questions about the fortitude of the structure or how it feels going down the road; getting a clear sense of the driving experience are details I’d want if I was a buyer.


The bed appears to be a standard long bed, but I’m not entirely sure that it didn’t get stretched as well. Here you can see the mounts for a trailer, so it becomes clearer as to how this truck was originally used. The added space and utility are obvious advantages, and the drivetrain should be able to haul whatever you strap to the back. But like a set of retirees piloting a monster R/V for the first time, I do wonder what happens if you buy this thing and then find out it’s a monster to drive in tight spaces. The details do seem right, as the seller even mentions having a custom-matched bed cap and driveshaft built to accommodate the additional length. Would you consider a six-door conversion for regular use, or does the practicality factor limits its appeal?
Have something similar for sale? List it here on Barn Finds!

More: Ford

 

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#46 Of 140: 1985 Saleen Mustang

Jeff Lavery


Despite the association Saleen has with building high-performance cars and trucks, their first fling with the Fox Body Mustang platform didn’t actually incorporate any dramatic power increases. This 1985 model is largely a case of significant aero upgrades and suspension tuning, as engine upgrades were still a few years away when Saleen decided to work its magic on a few 1985 Mustangs. This example listed here on eBay has just 38,000 miles and seems to retain all of its original Saleen enhancements, with bidding currently at $14,300 with no reserve.

To me, the early, four-eyed Saleen cars were the epitome of 80s excess. The ridiculous spoiler, aggressive front air dam, color-matched basketweave alloys, and stripe kit running along the bottom of the doors and quarter panels were all styling cues that buyers were very much into at the time, and those tweaks are surviving nicely on this three-owner car. Interestingly, the seller notes that a previous owner made some enhancements to equip the Saleen for battle at local road course events. These include four-wheel disc brakes, headers, Tremek TKO transmission, and more.

The interior is surviving nicely, with some light areas of wear but nothing to get distressed about. At first, I thought there was some caked-in dirt in the carpets, but that appears to just be a trick of the lighting. The Saleen retains its factory bucket seats with bolsters that appear to be holding up well. The Saleens also got a sweet three-spoke steering wheel, which thankfully hasn’t been swapped out. The seller notes that aside from the aforementioned tweaks by the previous owner, the Saleen remains stock – he even sourced new reproduction Goodyear Gatorback tires to keep the OEM vibe.


Now, there is one additional enhancement that should be noted that breaks with stock components, which is the addition of a cat-back exhaust from a 1998 Ford Mustang Cobra. Now the biggest deal, but worth noting for the purists in the room looking for a 100% bone-stock Saleen. Overall, this presents as a great example of a rare Fox Body that you can actually use without feeling bad about it – and the enhancements are sure to make it even more grin-inducing to drive.
Have something similar for sale? List it here on Barn Finds!

More: Ford / Mustang / Saleen

 

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Original 390, Original Owner: 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1

Adam Clarke


When a classic car comes onto the market and it has been the subject of long-term ownership, that’s always an encouraging sign. However, when a 51-year-old classic comes onto the market and is being offered for sale by its original owner, that’s a true rarity. Well, that’s the story with this 1969 Mustang Mach 1, because the original owner has decided that now is the time to part with this classic survivor. It is located in Concord, California, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. After some pretty frantic bidding, the price on the Mustang has made its way to $22,000. At that price, the reserve has been met. However, with a further 188 people currently watching the listing, you get the feeling that there might still be a bit of a bidding battle still to come.

The Mustang certainly wears its share of minor dings and dents, while the Raven Black paint is also showing its age. However, beauty is more than skin deep, and in the case of this classic, what is hiding below the skin is a lot of original and solid steel. The owner provides a number of photos of the Mustang’s floor, and it looks to be extremely solid. I can spot some rust in both bottom corners of the driver’s door, but the rest of the car looks to be really clean. All of the external trim and chrome is present, and while there are some small pieces that might require restoration, the majority looks like it would respond well to some work with a polish cloth. The factory tinted glass all looks to be in good condition, and one of the nice options fitted to this car is the “Sport Slats” on the rear window.

The numbers-matching Mach 1 features an S-Code 390ci V8, a 3-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. With 320hp available under the right foot, the Mach 1 was more than capable of turning in sub-15-second ¼ mile ETs any day of the week. The good news is that this Mustang is in sound mechanical health. So much so that the current owner uses the car on a regular basis, and says that it still drives like a new car. That means that with no rust issues and a sound and healthy drive-train, this is a car that the buyer can drive and enjoy immediately.


With the exterior looking so weather-beaten, it is probably no surprise to find that the interior of the Mustang is in about the same state. It is certainly serviceable as it currently stands, but I believe that the next owner is going to want to treat the interior to at least a partial refresh to make it present better. The dash and pad look to be pretty reasonable, although the original radio has made way for an aftermarket CD player. The vast majority of the upholstered surfaces are showing their age, and I suspect that a lot of these components (door trims, seat covers, headliner, etc.) will probably be replaced by the next owner. The Mach 1 was ordered with factory air conditioning, and it appears as though this is still pumping out plenty of cold air. I’ve also spent some considerable time looking at this photo, and while the owner doesn’t specifically mention it, I believe that the car may have been ordered with a tilt-away wheel. The vehicle is also equipped with power windows. However, these are either aftermarket kits or have been sourced from a later model Mustang because power windows were only available as a factory option from the 1971 model year.

The opportunity to buy a classic of this age from its original owner is not something that is unique to this particular car, but it also isn’t an opportunity that comes along every day. When you combine the originality of the car with that of the owner, it’s easy to see why bidding on the Mach 1 has been so lively. With this in mind, do we have any readers who would be willing to join in on the bidding battle?
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More: Ford / Mach 1 / Mustang

 

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Garage Find GLX: 1982 Ford Mustang

Jeff Lavery


This 1982 Ford Mustang GLX may not be everyone’s idea of a performance car, but it is an interesting alternative to the GT if you’re looking for a Fox Body. The reason I say this is because it could be optioned to the hilt when new and still come with a respectable 3.8L V6 powerplant. Of course, the wire-look hubcaps pretty much tell you all you need to know about this car’s intentions, but Ford did allow customers to order a GLX with the V8 and TRX wheels. Check out this long-parked survivor here on eBay where it’s listed with 63,000 miles for $9,500 or best offer.

There’s some great info out there about why the GLX was such an intriguing model at the time. Ford was basically allowing customers to not live with a penalty-box base model but also avoid stepping up the “powerful” GT if that wasn’t their bag. The GLX allowed customers to have a more luxurious driving experience if that was their priority, without sacrificing access to performance if speed was also a must-have. The GLX set the stage for the later LX trim, which effectively offered a lower-spec model with GT-grade power and performance – with a lighter overall curb weight.

Now, this particular car really was the epitome of how Ford intended most GLXs to be ordered, with the automatic transmission, six cylinder engine, and fancy hubcaps. Still, it came with a handsome woodgrain-look dashboard fascia, and the four-spoke steering wheel was intended to invoke some sense of sportiness. The rest of the cabin was standard Fox Body fare, though it’s worth noting in this case that the bucket seats appear to be in excellent condition, and aside from a good vacuuming, not much else is needed to have the cockpit looking top-notch.


The engine bay appears surprisingly clean for a car that I’m sure has been parked for some time. The seller notes that it runs and drives, but that’s all he shares for details on mechanical health. The optional T-tops give this car some level of sportiness, but it’d be further enhanced if the original owner had opted to stick with the manual gearbox. Still, the great colors and surprisingly well-preserved interior make this GLX worth a look if you’ve been hunting for an obscure Fox Body that isn’t a GT or a pace car tribute. Would you spring for this
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More: Ford / Mustang

 

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Roadworthy Project: 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible

Adam Clarke


The owner of this 1965 Mustang Convertible uses the car for a spot of relaxed weekend cruising, but after a year of ownership, he has decided to part with the car. It shows a lot of promise as a restoration project, and the fact that it can be driven and enjoyed immediately is a real bonus. The Mustang is located in Peabody, Massachusetts, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $4,350 but the reserve hasn’t been met. Being a relatively early 1st generation Mustang Convertible, it has managed to generate a reasonable amount of interest. There have been 13 people who have submitted bids up to this point, while 96 people are watching the listing.

The Mustang has received a repaint in its original Caspian Blue at some point in the distant past. It remains relatively presentable at this point, although there is some rust starting to show in the rockers. The photos make it hard to see if there are any other rust issues, either externally or hidden under the car, and the owner doesn’t mention any problems that would need to be addressed. He does say that the doors open and close easily, and with all of the panel gaps looking nice and consistent, this hints at the fact that the Mustang might be structurally sound. The vehicle also features a White power top, and while it operates as it should and the frame is in good condition, the original vinyl will need to be replaced. All of the external trim and chrome appears to be in good condition, and it looks like all of the original hubcaps are present, and are free of damage.

The interior of the Mustang remains serviceable, but it will need restoration at some point in the future. There is an aftermarket radio/cassette player fitted into the dash, but the rest of the interior appears to be original. With so much of the upholstery showing its age, the most sensible way to tackle the interior would be to source a trim kit. For the Convertible, a kit can be sourced for around $650 and should have the interior presenting very nicely. At that price, you won’t receive a dash pad, but these can be found in the correct color for around $225. When you think about that, whipping the interior into shape for under $900 sounds like a pretty fair deal. Even better, the work can be performed at home by a competent person, and I can vouch from personal experience that there are few things that are more satisfying than to step back and admire your work once a new trim kit has been installed.


Powering this Mustang you will find the T-Code 200ci 6-cylinder engine, which is backed by a 3-speed automatic transmission. It isn’t clear whether these components are original but given the fact that the owner uses the car on a regular basis, it would seem as though they are in good health. He does say that the brakes and tires are in good condition, and also floats the idea of the next owner upgrading the drivetrain. This is a pretty easy task, and unless the next owner is fixed on maintaining the vehicle’s originality, it could be a pretty decent sort of investment. Of course, the next owner might happen to have a larger engine and different transmission just laying around in their garage, which would make this a very tempting path to explore.

If this Mustang Convertible is as solid as it would appear to be, it really doesn’t look like it will take a lot of work to return it to its best. It can be driven and enjoyed immediately, meaning that with Summer just around the corner, it could provide plenty of enjoyable motoring for the next owner during those warmer months. It would be tempting to make the most of that and to then tackle the restoration as a project for the following Winter. The hardest decision would be to contemplate what would occupy the engine bay once the project was complete. What would you slot in there?
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More: Convertible / Ford / Mustang

 

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Has original 140 HP 2 Barell 302.

Snow White: 1975 Ford Mustang ll

Bruce Johnson


After a year without a V8 in the Mustang, Ford decided that a 302 cubic inch V8 with two barrel carburetor would be enough for their little Mustang II. Here is a nice and fairly unmolested example. It is a 1975 Ford Mustang II with 109,000 miles and can be seen here on Craigslist. The car is for sale in northern California outside of Sacramento. This survivor is listed for sale for $4,200.


Pumping out a wheezy 140 horsepower, the 302 cubic inch V8 was a shadow of its former self. The 302 cubic inch V8 was an option available over the 2.3 liter 4 banger base engine. Road and Track tested the V8 Mustang II and recorded a top speed of 106 mph and 0-60 time of 10.5 seconds. Can you imagine this car pulling up to a light next to a Super Duty 455 Trans Am or a 454 Corvette. It might start leaking fluids right on the spot! Despite all the fun we might poke at this version of the Mustang, it was a great seller with 199,199 sold in 1975. This was down by 100,000 models from the prior year.


The interior looks fairly nice on this white on white Mustang II. With manual crank windows, the seats and door panels look original and a little dirty. The car is equipped with air conditioning and an automatic transmission. When Ford introduced the Mustang II in 1974, it shortened the car by 19 inches and the Mustang lost almost 500 lbs. With it rack and pinion steering, it is said to handle better than the prior generation Mustang.

The chrome slotted mags and tires look undersized but then again, this car was designed for fuel economy not machismo. More stripes and an appearance package or two were to come in 1976. What do you think this Mustang II with its original V8 is worth?
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More: 302 V8 / 5.0 Liter / Ford Mustang / Mustang II

 

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K-Code Field Find: 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe

Adam Clarke


When it was new, this 1966 Mustang Coupe would have been a great car. It has since fallen on hard times, having spent many years sitting in this field. There is no reason why it couldn’t be returned to its best once again. It will take some work, but when you look at it, the Mustang seems to remain surprisingly solid. It is located in Joplin, Missouri, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. The listing has been set to open at $4,500 in a No Reserve auction, but there have been no bids up to this point.

The Mustang started its life finished in very attractive Ivy Green with a Black vinyl top. There is little evidence of this paint on the car now, while the vinyl top has been gone for many years. The photos that the owner supplies are a bit inconclusive, but there is no doubt that the vehicle has the usual rust in the floors and trunk pan, along with the common rust issues in the lower rear quarter panels that you find in Mustang project cars of this era. Surprisingly, the photos seem to indicate that the frame might be quite solid, including areas such as the torque box region. It will certainly take plenty of work to bring it back from the dead, but when you compare its condition with some of the similarly-priced examples that we have seen here at Barn Finds over the years, it does seem to compare quite favorably.

Sadly, the Mustang isn’t a numbers-matching car. This is hugely disappointing because what originally occupied the engine bay was a K-Code 289ci V8. This beauty pumped out 271hp, allowing the vehicle to easily cover the ¼ mile in 14.7 seconds. It isn’t clear when the original engine disappeared, but the owner is candid about the fact that when that one went, what replaced it wasn’t a K-code. I get the impression that it has been quite a few years since the Mustang last fired a shot in anger, and it isn’t even clear whether the engine turns freely. As the owner rightly points out, locating a replacement K-Code is definitely possible, and while the buyer might choose to follow that particular path, they might also choose to try something a bit different. If the Mustang is as solid as the photos would seem to indicate, they might choose to pursue a Restomod project. Personally, even though it wouldn’t be numbers-matching, I really would love to see another K-code under the hood.


Given the external state of the vehicle, the interior of the Mustang holds no real surprises. The original black vinyl upholstery looks pretty shredded, although the door trims look like they might be able to be salvaged. One positive aspect is that at least the interior looks to be complete, and it doesn’t look like anyone has loaded it up with aftermarket parts. Having to source a new interior trim kit is a pretty common occurrence with Mustang restorations, and undertaking this work can be one of the least expensive and most satisfying aspects of a restoration project. This car will need a complete kit, including seat foam. High-quality kits, including carpet, headliner, dash pad, seat foam, and every other component required to return the interior to “as-new” condition can be found for around $1,600. Of course, if you want something a bit special and aren’t fussed about returning the interior of the Mustang to a completely original state, you might choose to fit the car with a Pony interior. These are available with all hardware and trim pieces for around $1,800.

I won’t shy away from the fact that it is going to take some work to return this Mustang to a roadworthy state, but it does show some promise. I’d love to get a look at the car just to confirm how solid it actually is. If it is structurally sound and could be secured for a price somewhere around the opening bid region on the listing, then it could potentially be a pretty reasonable sort of buy when compared to other Mustang project cars in a similar state. Of course, it would be a whole lot better if the original engine was still in residence, but I guess that we can’t have everything, can we?
Have something similar for sale? List it here on Barn Finds!

More: Ford / Mustang

 

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The 480 Lbs of Torque the 429 under the hood puts out should be enough to move along it's 4,400 pound curb weight, would be a nice Highway Cruiser.

Beauty And Beast: 1969 Mercury Marauder X-100

Scotty Gilbertson


If I had a Top-10 Best Car Names List, this 1969 Mercury Marauder X-100 would have to be somewhere in the mix. This two-owner Marauder X-100 can be found here on eBay in Las Vegas, Nevada. There is an unmet opening bid price of $8,000 and no reserve after that. Let’s check out this beautiful beast.


As a higher-performance version of the Mercury Marauder, the Marauder X-100 offered buyers more performance and more style. It was one of the longest cars of its type and I would argue, one of the most beautiful. And no, Steve McGarrett didn’t drive one. The X-100 version of the Marauder came standard with rear-fender skirts and I know that isn’t a look that everyone is on board with, but I love it.


There’s the view! Gorgeous. That famous flat-black painted rear end and those flying buttress C-pillars – outstanding. The matte finish was standard but owners could delete it if they wanted to and we’ve seen examples of that here at Barn Finds. The Mercury Marauder X-100 is the automotive equivalent of Cary Grant, Chuck Norris, and a finely-tailored suit all rolled into one. With AC, this car is worth just over $8,000 in #4 fair condition according to our friends at Hagerty.

The interior photos and some of the others are somewhat grainy and have a few strange color shifts going on in them. But, what we can see of the interior sure looks good. The Marauder X-100 was made for two short years, 1969 and 1970, as second-generation Marauders. The Marauder name would go away until the 2003/2004 revival and those cars are beginning to ramp up in value, so jump on board now while you can still pick one up for reasonable money. Back to this beauty and beast.

Speaking of a beast, this is Ford’s 429 cubic-inch V8 which had 360 horsepower and 480 ft-lb of torque. This is a 4,400-pound car so it needs all of that power. This one has new plugs, wires, and a new “re-manufactured era correct” carburetor, according to the seller. It was purchased from the original owner in 2017 so it’s just had two owners over the last 51 years. Are there any fans of the big, beautiful Marauder X-100 out there? And for the record, what’s your top-10 list for best car names?
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More: Marauder / Mercury

 

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Dan Gurney Special! 1968 Mercury Cougar

Jim ODonnell


With the Ford Mustang’s ubiquitousness, we could cover them here on Barn Finds 24/7. No doubting their popularity with their sheer production numbers and multiple iterations, there is something in a Mustang for everyone; sort of like Mustangs out the ying-yang. But here’s a treat, like a Mustang but not quite, its corporate cousin, the Mercury Cougar. This 1968 example is located in Mill Valley, California and available here on craigslist for $12,900. Thanks to Roger for this tip!


The Mercury Cougar was introduced in the ’67 model year as a slightly larger, more upscale version of the Ford Mustang. It was heralded as a competitor to Pontiac’s new Firebird pony car. Like the Mustang, the Cougar came in both a standard version and a performance variant known as the XR7. Additionally, in both ’67 and ’68, Mercury added a “Dan Gurney Special” edition as an option package that sought to create a more sporting appearance through a tie-in to Gurney. Dan Gurney was an auto racing champion who scored victories in Formula One, Indy Car, NASCAR and LeMans, among others, between the years 1959 and 1970. He went on to team ownership after his racing career ended.


This Dan Gurney example is listed as a “survivor” and is being sold by a seller for the original owner. What separates this Dan Gurney Special from more pedestrian Cougars? Well in ’67, its initial year, it was a list of equipment that included: turbine wheel covers, F70-14 white stripe tires, various chromed engine bits and radiator cap, standard V8 engine and of course, a Dan Gurney Special signature decal. By ’68 it was down to the wheel covers, V8 engine and the window decal – not much of a special really. To add to the confusion, there was an XR7-G (“G” for Gurney) offered in ’68 and its design and intention was more along the lines of the Shelby Mustang. This example is just the standard Dan Gurney edition, one of about 11,000 + copies produced that year. The seller does provide a Marti report to verify its authenticity.

At 146,000 miles, this survivor looks pretty good. It is a San Jose, California based car and has been garaged its entire life. It has had one repaint in the original Lime Frost finish and the seller tells us that it looks good still though it has some minor cracking. There is no mention of body/underside integrity but there is no visual evidence of a problem either. Being from the San Jose region and having been garaged, I would expect this Cougar to be quite sound.

The standard engine for this Dan Gurney Special was a 302 CI V8 that produced 210 HP. Of note is that ’68 was the first year for this Windsor based small-block engine as it followed on the heels of Ford’s venerable 289 CI V8. The seller states that “Fires right up and drives great.” It operates through a three-speed automatic transmission. The seller further adds that “All lights, windshield wipers, fans/heater, and gauges work as intended”, all very positive signs. Also referenced are specific parts that have been recently replaced. This 302 engine is stated as the original and, obviously, at 146K miles, it will need some internal attention at some point before too long. For now, though, it’s sound.

The interior of this Cougar looks about how you would expect it to appear on a 52-year-old automobile. The vinyl seat upholstery is faded, though it doesn’t look ripped, and the dash pad seems to have encountered some warping. Beyond those typical matters, the rest of the interior, including the door cards, carpet, instrument panel, console, etc. looks to be all there and functioning as intended.

I have to admire a car of this age and condition. Its owner has shown it the proper care and maintenance over all of these years and has avoided the temptation to monkey around with it by modifying or hot-rodding it. It shows as a really nice, older, sporty Mercury that is representative of the time when it was designed and produced. Mustangs are great but this similar “non” Mustang is a nice diversion. I have never owned a Cougar and don’t believe that I know anyone who has. How about you, any experience among you with Mercury’s contribution to the pony car market?

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

More: Mercury Cougar

 

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Two-Owner Survivor: 1966 Ford Mustang GT

Adam Clarke


All good things come to those who wait. That saying would seem to be very true of this 1966 Mustang GT. The current owner of the car first laid eyes on it as a 10-year-old boy back in 1978, and it was love at first sight. He then spent many years working away trying to convince the original owner to part with it but had no luck. His persistence eventually paid off after the original owner’s husband passed away, and he was able to rescue the Mustang from the garage that you see above. After reviving the car and enjoying the ownership experience, he has now decided that the time has come for the classic Ford to head off to a new home. If you think that the new home could be yours, then you will find the Mustang located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding on the GT has reached $16,101, but the reserve hasn’t been met. There is also a BIN option available, and this has been set at $27,500.

Finished in Sauterne Gold with a White vinyl top, the Mustang presents very nicely. The paint isn’t original, with the car receiving a repaint at its local Ford dealership back in 1975. It has remained largely untouched ever since. The owner has undertaken some minor paint correction, and while it still retains a few minor marks, its appearance is well within character for a car that could be classed as a survivor. The vinyl top has also been replaced, and this provides a classy contrast to the Gold paint. The owner makes no mention of any rust issues, and there are certainly none visible in any of the supplied photos. The trim and chrome appear to be in great condition, as do the styled steel wheels. The original owner chose to order the Mustang with tinted glass, and this is all present and free of any significant defects.

I have to take my hat off to the original owner because he definitely chose to tick a few pretty decent boxes on the options list when he ordered the Mustang. The car is numbers-matching, which means that it comes with its original A-Code 289ci V8, 4-speed manual transmission, limited-slip rear end, and power steering. The original owner parked the Mustang in 1978, and after decades of inactivity, the current owner didn’t spare the cash or effort when returning the car to active duty. He treated the engine to a rebuild, and it should now be pumping out its healthy 225hp once again. The transmission has also been rebuilt, as has the front end and the entire braking system. A new fuel tank has gone in, along with an aluminum radiator and a new heater core. The whitewall tires were a special order, and they really set the car off nicely. The owner says that he has never added up just how much he has spent on the car, but it is a fair amount of cash to date. The good news is that he has all of the receipts to verify the work. In fact, it gets better, because he actually holds every invoice and service record for the Mustang all the way back to “day one.” In addition, all of the original paperwork and the Window Sticker are included in the sale. The owner states that the car now runs and drives extremely well, which is something that I don’t find at all surprising.


The interior of the GT is original, and while it isn’t perfect, it wouldn’t take much to improve things without sacrificing originality. The front seats are showing some seam separations, but I suspect that a good upholsterer should be able to fix these without replacing the covers. The armrests on the doors are also looking a bit on the ragged side, but I think that these are probably beyond repair. However, it is possible that the next owner might be able to come up with a more attractive solution than the one that is there at present. The rest of the trim looks to be in good condition, and it looks like no-one has ever sat on the rear seat. Once again, the original owner ticked a few good boxes on the options list for this car. These included the ones beside the air conditioning, console, Rally Pac gauges, and the factory radio/stereophonic tape player. The owner states that everything inside the Mustang works, with the exception of the clock. That’s no surprise because the clock is one of those items that can have a mind of its own, especially as the years pass.

For me personally, this Mustang represents the car that I always dreamed of owning as a young boy. I’ve always had a love of the ’66 Mustang, and this one looks like it is a real beauty. It wouldn’t take a lot of work to have this classic shining like a new pin, but for me, I would probably leave the car largely as it is. If you bought it, what would you do? More importantly, are you willing to pursue this one further with a view to parking it in your garage?



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

More: Ford / Mustang GT




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Daily Driver: 1969 Ford Mustang

Adam Clarke


The owner of this 1969 Mustang says that it needs a little TLC, but given the fact that he uses it daily, this looks like a classic that is ready to be driven and enjoyed immediately. If that’s the sort of car that holds a strong attraction to you, then you will find the Mustang located in Santa Monica, California, and has listed for sale here on Craigslist. If you would like to become the next proud owner of this daily driver, then you only need to hand the owner $10,500 and it’s all yours. I have to say thank you to Barn Finder local_sheriff for spotting the Mustang for us.

The owner states that the Wimbledon White Mustang needs some TLC, but doesn’t elaborate on what this will entail. The vehicle’s panels look straight, with no sign of any significant dings or dents. There are a few scratches and scrapes in the paint, so maybe he feels that it would benefit from a repaint. Having said that, there is evidence visible in a few locations to indicate that the car has received at least a partial repaint at some point in its life. No mention is made of any potential rust issues, and while the photos aren’t the best, there is nothing obvious visible externally. If the car has spent the majority of its life in California and been garage-kept as its current (and second) owner claims, then this might have helped its cause in this area. The trim, chrome, and glass all look to be quite good, and while the wheels aren’t original, I don’t mind them.

The tidy and serviceable theme continues when we look inside the Mustang. There are some visible signs that the car has spent a large part of its life in warmer climes, and this is most obvious when you look at the condition of the steering wheel. It sports a fair collection of cracks, and it would undoubtedly be a more comfortable proposition if it was either treated to a wrap or if it was replaced altogether. The cover over the dash makes it difficult to ascertain the state of the pad, but even if it is cracked, replacements are readily available for around $310. The door trims have some wrinkles, but these should be able to be fixed, while the foam looks like it is beginning to collapse on the driver’s seat. The rest of the interior is just showing its age a bit, with edge-wear and discoloring on the seats, and the carpet fading in spots. Of course, if you want the interior to pop, then you could treat it to a complete trim kit. This would cost around $1,500 but would include the dash pad that I mentioned earlier. It is certainly an option that would be worth considering if perfection is the ultimate goal. The factory radio is still present but has been adapted to operate a cassette player. The Mustang has also featured air conditioning, but the compressor is missing from under the hood.


Lifting the lid on the Mustang reveals a 302ci V8, a 3-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power disc brakes. For the 1969 model year, the Mustang had gained some weight, and when compared with a similar car from 1968, this accounted for around an additional 70lbs. The 302 also dropped approximately 10hp, down to a figure of 220hp. This resulted in an increase of around a ½ second in the ¼ mile ET, which now stood at 16.4 seconds. This Mustang has recently been treated to a full set of new front brakes, along with a new radiator. The owner claims that the car has a genuine 101,000 miles on the odometer, and in his own words, “it runs amazingly.”

The relative worth of this 1969 Mustang depends very heavily on what is hiding under the skin. If it is either rust-free, or any rust that might be present is minor, then at the asking price, it would represent a pretty respectable buy. Finding affordable 1st Generation Mustangs is becoming more difficult, and there is a possibility that this is what this one is. Personally, I think that this is a classic that would be well worth a personal inspection.
Have something similar for sale? List it here on Barn Finds!

More: Ford / Mustang

 

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A Code: Ford Mustang 2+2 Fastback

Bruce Johnson


This 1966 Ford Mustang 2+2 Fastback is sitting pretty high in the front end and that is because it does not have an engine or transmission in it. The car is for sale here on eBay with 4 days remaining in the auction and it is already bid to $6,100. Located in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, this project car is believed to be a real Mustang GT. Originally the car was equipped with an A Code 289 cubic inch V8 engine and a 3 speed manual transmission.


The black interior does not look too bad and, while the dash is warped, all the door handles and other interior components seem to still be in place. At some point, the 3 speed manual transmission was replaced with an automatic transmission and the 3rd pedal was removed. The seller states that the car is equipped with GT components and there is evidence that it was once adorned with GT badges and stripes. About 35,000 Mustang 2+2 Fastbacks were ordered in 1966 out of an overall production of over 600,000!


The Mustang’s body is riddled with rust through in a number of the usual places. The buyer admits that the car undercarriage is crusty. The optional A code 289 cubic inch engine was equipped with a 4 barrel and produced 225 horsepower and 305 lb ft of torque in 1966. The next step up was a K Code 289 cubic inch engine that was beefed up with improved engine components and produced 271 horsepower and 312 lb ft of torque.

As you a pushing this car up on the trailer, you get to enjoy this nice menagerie of custom paint on the tail panel. I think it is hard to go wrong with a red Mustang Fastback and black is my favorite interior color. Is this a project that you would take on? How long do you think it would take to get this car back on the road?
Have something similar for sale? List it here on Barn Finds!

More: 1966 Ford Mustang / A Code 289 / Ford Mustang / Mustang 2+2

 

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C-Code Project: 1967 Ford Mustang

Bruce Johnson


This Wimbledon White 1967 Ford Mustang looks like a great foundation for a restoration. It is currently bid to $5,600 here on eBay with three days left on the auction. The car is located in Houston, Texas where it was acquired by the seller along with the purchase of a house. The car is said to have been assembled at the San Jose, California Ford plant and sold at Jack Roach Ford in Houston, Texas.


The bottom of the car looks a little crusty compared to the top. The Mustang has been stored under a carport but it is not revealed whether the car was damaged in the flooding that Houston experienced a couple of years ago. The car is nonrunning but is said to have its original 289 cubic inch C Code V8 engine. This motor was a step up from the 200 cubic inch inline 6 cylinder engine that produced only 120 horsepower and 190 lb ft of torque. The C Code 289 cubic inch engine was fed through a 2 barrel carburetor and produced 200 horsepower and 282 lb ft of torque in 1967.


Alternatively, a buyer could have opted for the A code 289 cubic inch engine which had a 4 barrel and produced 225 horsepower and 305 lb ft of torque or a K Code 289 cubic inch engine which had a 4 barrel, upgraded components and produced 271 horsepower and 312 lb ft of torque. I would have definitely gone with a 4 barrel but this car was owned by an engineer and maybe he was more interested in better gas mileage. In 1967, a buyer could also order a 390 cubic inch engine with a 4 barrel that generated 320 horsepower and 427 lb ft of torque. This Mustang was fitted with an automatic transmission and AM radio.

The red interior looks original but is well worn and the driver seat is splitting. The seller has loads of documentation on the car from the prior owner. So does this car peak your interest? Is it good enough to restore or would you wait until a 1967 fastback Mustang comes up for sale?
Have something similar for sale? List it here on Barn Finds!

More: 1967 Mustang / C Code 289 / Wimbledon White




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Early Example: 1964½ Ford Mustang Convertible

Adam Clarke


While there was never officially a 1964½ model, this is a designation that has managed to find its way onto the earliest production Mustangs that were produced by Ford between March and August 17th, 1964. This particular Mustang is 1-of-28,833 Convertibles built during that initial run, and it still contains many of the distinctive components and features that mark it as an early car. It will require a complete restoration, but if the idea of owning an early Mustang really appeals to you, then you will find this one located in Northford, Connecticut, and listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding on the Mustang has reached $3,400, and the reserve has been met. There are also 141 people currently watching the listing, so it will be interesting to see just how high the bidding eventually goes.

As it currently sits, there are a few indicators visible to suggest that the Mustang is going to require a fair amount of restoration work. When you combine snow tires, outdoor storage, and a soft-top that doesn’t appear to be particularly weatherproof, you can bet that there will be some rust to be dealt with…and you wouldn’t be wrong on that front. There is definitely rust visible in the floors, and given its proximity to Mother Earth, I suspect that the torque box and frame rail issues that can plague early Mustangs might well be present in this car. In fact, if you look at the alignment of the driver’s door in the photo above, it looks like the Mustang might potentially have a bit of a sag in the center. I can definitely see some rust in the rockers, lower front fenders, the lower rear quarter panels, and the bottom corners of the doors. While it is hard to pick a few of the external features that might indicate to the naked eye that this really is a 1964½ model, we do get a good look at the front of the car, and there are no horns visible through the grille. The early Mustangs had a pair of pretty large horns that were mounted in the engine bay, while those produced after the August date had smaller horns mounted behind the grille. Hardly conclusive proof I know, but it is a start.

When you consider the outdoor location and the condition of the top, it’s no surprise to learn that the Mustang’s interior is looking pretty sad. Apart from the carpet, the interior does appear to be largely complete. Looking at the passenger seat, I can’t see an adjuster. The early production Mustangs that eventually became known as the 1964½ model had the passenger seat bolted solidly to the floor, so it wasn’t adjustable. That appears to be the case with this car. Even though this is essentially a pretty basic Mustang when you consider its specifications, the fact that it is fitted with the optional console is a nice bonus.


Glancing quickly at the VIN for one of these Mustangs won’t necessarily provide you with a clear indication that the car is a 1964½, because there was never actually a VIN designation for a Mustang earlier than 1965. However, for this particular car, the 5th digit is a giveaway about its age. It indicates that the Mustang is fitted with a U-Code engine, which is the 170ci 6-cylinder. This 101hp powerplant was only available as the base engine for early Mustangs and was dropped from the range after the August 1964 manufacturing date. The 170 is what you find under the hood of this car, backed by an automatic transmission. Obviously, the Mustang doesn’t run, and there is no indication as to whether the engine even turns freely. At first glance, it also might seem that there are a number of components missing from the engine. However, what appears to be the original carburetor and air cleaner, along with the all-important generator, are sitting on the rear seat. For those who don’t know, the 1964½ was the only Mustang to be fitted with a generator, with subsequent cars receiving an alternator.

When Ford unveiled the Mustang in 1964, they had high hopes for the car, but it is now known that there were more than a few people in the upper reaches of management that were very nervous individuals. The memories of the Edsel were still quite fresh and raw for those people, but the Mustang managed to sweep those memories away in an avalanche of sales. The popularity of the 1st Generation Mustang has not diminished after more than half a century, and it is doubtful that this situation will ever change. This is definitely an early car, and even though the 6-cylinder engine will undoubtedly impact its ultimate value, I suspect that someone will eventually return the car to its former glory.
Have something similar for sale? List it here on Barn Finds!

More: Convertible / Ford / Mustang

 

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Early Example: 1964½ Ford Mustang Convertible

Adam Clarke


While there was never officially a 1964½ model, this is a designation that has managed to find its way onto the earliest production Mustangs that were produced by Ford between March and August 17th, 1964. This particular Mustang is 1-of-28,833 Convertibles built during that initial run, and it still contains many of the distinctive components and features that mark it as an early car. It will require a complete restoration, but if the idea of owning an early Mustang really appeals to you, then you will find this one located in Northford, Connecticut, and listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding on the Mustang has reached $3,400, and the reserve has been met. There are also 141 people currently watching the listing, so it will be interesting to see just how high the bidding eventually goes.

As it currently sits, there are a few indicators visible to suggest that the Mustang is going to require a fair amount of restoration work. When you combine snow tires, outdoor storage, and a soft-top that doesn’t appear to be particularly weatherproof, you can bet that there will be some rust to be dealt with…and you wouldn’t be wrong on that front. There is definitely rust visible in the floors, and given its proximity to Mother Earth, I suspect that the torque box and frame rail issues that can plague early Mustangs might well be present in this car. In fact, if you look at the alignment of the driver’s door in the photo above, it looks like the Mustang might potentially have a bit of a sag in the center. I can definitely see some rust in the rockers, lower front fenders, the lower rear quarter panels, and the bottom corners of the doors. While it is hard to pick a few of the external features that might indicate to the naked eye that this really is a 1964½ model, we do get a good look at the front of the car, and there are no horns visible through the grille. The early Mustangs had a pair of pretty large horns that were mounted in the engine bay, while those produced after the August date had smaller horns mounted behind the grille. Hardly conclusive proof I know, but it is a start.

When you consider the outdoor location and the condition of the top, it’s no surprise to learn that the Mustang’s interior is looking pretty sad. Apart from the carpet, the interior does appear to be largely complete. Looking at the passenger seat, I can’t see an adjuster. The early production Mustangs that eventually became known as the 1964½ model had the passenger seat bolted solidly to the floor, so it wasn’t adjustable. That appears to be the case with this car. Even though this is essentially a pretty basic Mustang when you consider its specifications, the fact that it is fitted with the optional console is a nice bonus.


Glancing quickly at the VIN for one of these Mustangs won’t necessarily provide you with a clear indication that the car is a 1964½, because there was never actually a VIN designation for a Mustang earlier than 1965. However, for this particular car, the 5th digit is a giveaway about its age. It indicates that the Mustang is fitted with a U-Code engine, which is the 170ci 6-cylinder. This 101hp powerplant was only available as the base engine for early Mustangs and was dropped from the range after the August 1964 manufacturing date. The 170 is what you find under the hood of this car, backed by an automatic transmission. Obviously, the Mustang doesn’t run, and there is no indication as to whether the engine even turns freely. At first glance, it also might seem that there are a number of components missing from the engine. However, what appears to be the original carburetor and air cleaner, along with the all-important generator, are sitting on the rear seat. For those who don’t know, the 1964½ was the only Mustang to be fitted with a generator, with subsequent cars receiving an alternator.

When Ford unveiled the Mustang in 1964, they had high hopes for the car, but it is now known that there were more than a few people in the upper reaches of management that were very nervous individuals. The memories of the Edsel were still quite fresh and raw for those people, but the Mustang managed to sweep those memories away in an avalanche of sales. The popularity of the 1st Generation Mustang has not diminished after more than half a century, and it is doubtful that this situation will ever change. This is definitely an early car, and even though the 6-cylinder engine will undoubtedly impact its ultimate value, I suspect that someone will eventually return the car to its former glory.
Have something similar for sale? List it here on Barn Finds!

More: Convertible / Ford / Mustang

 

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EXCLUSIVE: 1991 Ford Taurus SHO W/ Partial Plus Package

Jesse Mortensen


Update: Scott has dropped his asking price from $3,500 to $2,500!
From The Seller: This 1991 Taurus SHO 5-speed was purchased by a Ford employee (Worked for Ford for forty years). He had a small collection of classic Fords and this was one of his daily drivers. It’s all stock with no modifications and was garage kept until last year. It has been under a carport since then. The original owner passed away last year and I purchased the car from the estate. It’s a west coast car with no rust or no sun damage inside or out. I have all records since new. No dents, dings, or paint damage. No interior flaws, or cracks. Nonsmoker, no pets. 100% survivor car. Runs flawless, everything works except the stereo (have not figured out why yet).

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

• Asking Price: $2,500 or best offer
• Location: Grants Pass
• Mileage: 111,000
• Title Status: Clean
• VIN: 1FACP54Y3NA191070

 

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Former Highway Patrol: 1992 Ford Mustang SSP

Jeff Lavery


This 1992 Ford Mustang LX notchback coupe is a former state highway patrol vehicle, otherwise known as an SSP, that loyally served the great state of North Carolina. Today, it resides in private hands, and the owner has changed it back to its original colors after an unfortunate repaint in red after it left the state police force. Today, it has a few maintenance needs but nothing major, and still looks quite sharp despite having 166,000 miles on the clock. These will never not be cool. Find the Mustang SSP here on eBay with bidding over $7,000 and the reserve unmet.

I suppose it doesn’t help that I’m a big fan of the original Blues Brothers film and love that scene when Elwood explains why piloting a former police vehicle is essentially a good thing, despite the obvious irony of riding in a cop car after you’re released from prison. From this vantage point, I can still picture the Mustang hiding beside a billboard, with the light bar on the roof, awaiting a driver heading the opposite direction at speeds well above the legal limit. You felt bad for them, sure, but you also secretly wanted to see a rooster tail of gravel shoot up from beneath the dual exhausts as the cop lit ’em up.

The interior of the SSP models were very utilitarian, and Fox Body Mustangs weren’t exactly luxurious to begin with. No sport seats here with their thick bolsters, as that would make it incredibly hard for a police officer to enter and exit the car however many times a day. The Mustangs looked largely similar inside and out when not equipped with computers, radios, and emergency lights, and most of that equipment was ripped out when the SSPs returned to civilian use. The seller notes there are still some clues to its past, as the trunk release is on the left side of the car and no longer in the glovebox.


While some SSPs came with a manual transmission, this one has the automatic, which had to have been way easier for most police officers to live with on a daily basis. The seller notes the Mustang runs well with just a few issues to sort, including a heater core and header gasket. The A/C still works despite the core needing replacement, and the seller has upgraded the exhaust by deleting the cats, so it should make some good noises. Under-hood reveals no issues aside from a hose that looks non-OEM in origin, and it appears to come with a red top battery. What do you think a fair reserve is for a car like this?
Have something similar for sale? List it here on Barn Finds!

More: Ford / Mustang

 

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Solid Project: 1970 Ford Mustang

Adam Clarke


The owner of this 1970 Mustang used the vehicle as his daily driver but then parked it in this garage more than 30-years-ago. It has sat there ever since, and while it is a forlorn-looking sight, it is a solid car that has generated plenty of interest since it was listed for sale. It shows a lot of potential as a project car, and he does suggest that it could make a great father/son/daughter project. The Mustang is located in Haverhill, Massachusetts, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. This is a classic that is set to go to a new home because with bidding now sitting at $5,850, the reserve has been met. If watchers really do indicate the popularity of a particular car, then the fact that there are currently 205 people watching this listing suggests that this a car that plenty of people would like to own.

The first thing to note about the Mustang is that whilst it might not be completely original, it is an essentially solid car. The photos don’t do it any real favors, but the owner states that the only rust that he can find is a small spot in the front floor on the driver’s side. He says that all of the usual trouble spots appear to be nice and solid. There is also an issue where a previous owner patched a hole for the antenna, but the rest of the car is said to be clean. The paint has seen better days, and I would be very inclined to have the car media blasted if I bought it so that any fresh paint would be applied to a clean surface. It is hard to see the state of all the trim and chrome, but the aftermarket wheels are looking a bit dull. They might respond to some hard work with a good-quality polish, but I think that I’d be prepared to replace them completely. The hood scoop and ” Cobra Jet” badges could best be described as aspirational, as we are about to see.

It isn’t clear whether the Mustang’s drivetrain is original, but what we find is an F-Code 302ci V8, a 3-speed automatic transmission, and power steering. The engine has been fitted with an aftermarket intake and a Holley 650cfm carburetor, while engine breathing has been further improved by the fitting of a dual exhaust. The removal of the air cleaner and one valve cover suggests that at some point the plan was to do some work on the engine, but the owner doesn’t indicate what this work might have been. He also says that he is unsure about the mechanical condition of the car, which is quite frustrating. It would be interesting to know why the Mustang was parked in the first place because that might provide at least a small clue about its mechanical health.


It would seem that the Mustang’s interior is complete, but it isn’t completely original. At some point, the owner made the decision to remove the original bucket seats and substitute a set of leather buckets from what he says was a Lincoln Mark III. This is an interesting choice, and I would love to know whether he has retained the original seats. There are a few trim pieces that appear to be missing, but there are some obviously removed items visible in a few different photos, so it might be that the interior is actually complete. The carpet was replaced by the owner just prior to the car being parked, but it is hard to see what sort of condition this is in. It looks like the interior would benefit from a full trim kit, but the good thing with a 1st Generation Mustang is that the next owner will be spoiled for choice when shopping for one of those.

I’m never really surprised when I see a 1st Generation Mustang listed on eBay with the “watchers” list nudging well into the 3-figure territory. That merely reinforces the popularity of these cars, especially when we are talking about a project car as solid as this one appears to be. I suspect that the bidding might have a way to go yet, so it will be interesting to see what it finally sells for.
Have something similar for sale? List it here on Barn Finds!

More: Ford / Mustang

 

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Garage Find GLX: 1982 Ford Mustang

Jeff Lavery


Update 2/19/20 – The seller has cut their asking price by two grand! Is that enough to find a buyer though?
From 2/8/20 – This 1982 Ford Mustang GLX may not be everyone’s idea of a performance car, but it is an interesting alternative to the GT if you’re looking for a Fox Body. The reason I say this is because it could be optioned to the hilt when new and still come with a respectable 3.8L V6 powerplant. Of course, the wire-look hubcaps pretty much tell you all you need to know about this car’s intentions, but Ford did allow customers to order a GLX with the V8 and TRX wheels. Check out this long-parked survivor here on eBay where it’s listed with 63,000 miles for $9,500 or best offer.

There’s some great info out there about why the GLX was such an intriguing model at the time. Ford was basically allowing customers to not live with a penalty-box base model but also avoid stepping up the “powerful” GT if that wasn’t their bag. The GLX allowed customers to have a more luxurious driving experience if that was their priority, without sacrificing access to performance if speed was also a must-have. The GLX set the stage for the later LX trim, which effectively offered a lower-spec model with GT-grade power and performance – with a lighter overall curb weight.


Now, this particular car really was the epitome of how Ford intended most GLXs to be ordered, with the automatic transmission, six cylinder engine, and fancy hubcaps. Still, it came with a handsome woodgrain-look dashboard fascia, and the four-spoke steering wheel was intended to invoke some sense of sportiness. The rest of the cabin was standard Fox Body fare, though it’s worth noting in this case that the bucket seats appear to be in excellent condition, and aside from a good vacuuming, not much else is needed to have the cockpit looking top-notch.

The engine bay appears surprisingly clean for a car that I’m sure has been parked for some time. The seller notes that it runs and drives, but that’s all he shares for details on mechanical health. The optional T-tops give this car some level of sportiness, but it’d be further enhanced if the original owner had opted to stick with the manual gearbox. Still, the great colors and surprisingly well-preserved interior make this GLX worth a look if you’ve been hunting for an obscure Fox Body that isn’t a GT or a pace car tribute. Would you spring for this
Have something similar for sale? List it here on Barn Finds!

More: Ford / Mustang

 

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39,854 Original Miles: 1989 Ford Taurus SHO

Jeff Lavery


To me, one of the biggest sleepers on the collector car market is the Ford Taurus SHO. I’m sure someone more well versed in market trends could explain to me why even survivor-grade examples like this one command relatively modest dollars, and I’m guessing it has to do with being wrapped in the plain brown wrapper of a sedate family sedan. But for anyone who digs sleepers, or really any car that may surprise more than a few stoplight challengers with the thrust its Yamaha-designed powerplant is capable of generating, there’s no reason to ignore this bona fide performance sedan any longer. Find this 39,854 mile example here on eBay with a Buy-It-Now of $8,500 and the option to submit a best offer.

We’ve had a great driver of a first-generation SHO listed here on Barn Finds as an Exclusive, and it shows you just how much car you can get for relatively few dollars. This example is commanding a bigger price tag due to its claimed documented low miles, and that’s understandable. Many of these and the second-generation SHOs (which is even more tragically unloved) end up for sale at fire-sale prices due to the 60,000 mile service which is fairly involved. But here’s the thing: unlike so many other limited-production performance models of a mass-produced vehicle, the SHOs really aren’t that demanding once that service is done. It’s a shame so many of them have fallen from grace because the second or third owners didn’t want to bother with basic upkeep requirements.

The body and interior of this low-mileage example obviously show no major flaws, and seeing a manual transmission in a slab-sided family sedan is always a treat. The seller notes aside from a swap to a modern radio, there’s nothing out of place inside and that the carpets and headliner remain in mint condition. One additional plus of buying a survivor like this is all of the documentation that’s included, and in the case of this example, it’s extensive. The seller purchased the SHO from the estate of the original owner, and it comes with goodies you just don’t see: an unused trunk convenience package bag, including a poncho; extra headlight; tire gauge; multi-use safety lantern; Call Police! flag; work gloves and shop rag, and more. It’s a treasure trove for a SHO enthusiast.


The engine bay looks spotless, with those gorgeous intake runners giving you a clue as to the performance that lies within. Despite the low mileage, the seller has done plenty of maintenance work to ensure this SHO runs as smoothly as it should, including new spark plugs and wires, intake gaskets, valve cover gaskets, plug well seals, rear sway bar end links, passenger side CV axle, new tires, and more. Finding a survivor is one thing; finding a seller that has actually addressed the typically short list of needs is another. While I don’t think SHOs will ever rise dramatically from their current values, that should by no means discourage you from buying one, as few cars offer so much performance and rarity for such a low cost of entry.
Have something similar for sale? List it here on Barn Finds!

More: Ford