Classic Mustang for wife's 50th?

[Tim Hancock]

My wife had a '68 Mustang coupe in high school and over the years she has on occasion mentioned wanting another. I always told her that there was no way in hell I would waste my "precious shop time" on a UAW built POS.

Well, I found this drivable '67 289 auto coupe originally from Tennessee that has solid floors/frame/trunk and it is local. I lost on the Ebay auction, but the buyer did not come through and the local seller said he would sell it to me for $6000 if I want it. I looked it over and drove it last night and while the 8 year old paint job is probably not gonna cut it long term, the car is solid underneath with a "fair" interior.

Ford Mustang Coupe | eBay

I am thinking of buying it to surprise her in a few weeks on her 50th birthday (we typically just give each other a birthday card).

If I buy it, I intend to buff it out and fix any obvious mechanical issues prior to surprising her with it then eventually dig a bit deeper..... probably eventually will repaint and freshen all the mechanicals.

Part of the value of this gift to my wife to her will be the fact that I will be spending some of my "precious shop time" on something for her for a change.

I know nothing about the value of these cars.... Is this price fair? I really only wanted to spend 3-4k, but it looks like anything in that price range in this part of the country will mean structural rust which I do not want to address. Because of the surprise factor and a busy schedule, I am limited to buying something local that I can pick up without her knowing.

[pa911]

Make sure to check the cowl area for rust. drivers floor looks wet in the picture.

[Tim Hancock]

Originally Posted by pa911

Make sure to check the cowl area for rust. drivers floor looks wet in the picture.

The floors looked good from underneath, but I will check the cowl area.... thanks!

[Tim Hancock]

Cool.... someone rated this thread with one star.

[HardDrive]

I don't think $6k is unreasonable, especially in this part of the country.

You would score some serious points for sure.

[dave 911]

Dang, that looks exactly like my first car from high school! White 67 with red interior, 289 and 3 speed auto. Those pictures brought back some memories!

I see bidding ended - did you buy it?

[Jim Bremner]

Originally Posted by pa911

Make sure to check the cowl area for rust. drivers floor looks wet in the picture.

best advice ever! run a hose into the vents if the floor is wet it's a $1,500 plus fix

[onewhippedpuppy]

Price seems pretty fair, assuming that it is mechanically a decent driver. It's a pretty undesirable model as far as Mustangs go (coupe with a basic 289 automatic) but should make a good Sunday driver. If you haven't looked already, parts are silly cheap for these things and available pretty much everywhere. I haven't dug into my 1970 project but have put together a basic parts list, if you're used to Porsche pricing you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[J P Stein]

I bought my wife a 65 fastback, 4 speed for her birthday.
Her punch list for modifications is large........Oh well.

[DanielDudley]

Would you be willing to change the car to ''her'' color ?

If you would, I'd say go for it.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by DanielDudley

Would you be willing to change the car to ''her'' color ?

If you would, I'd say go for it.

The good thing about a 289 coupe is that you can do whatever you want, because it's never going to be a rare collector car.

[fintstone]

Personally prefer a 65 or 66, but a 67 has a few unique, transitional features that make it cool. Sorta like a 74 911. It was the first year of the new body style, first year with the wide oval tires... last year without side markers (how you tell them from a 68).

[Tim Hancock]

At first I was looking at the 65/66 models, but the 67/68 looks bit "sportier" IMO. At some point, I will likely repaint it whatever color she wants and will probably paint two stripes down the hood/roof/trunk. I can envision swapping the auto for a manual trans someday, but the 289 will likely stay in it.

[herr_oberst]

I take it you bought it, Tim?

Now you can start perusing catalogs! Refresh the carpets, get some Pony interior pieces, (I'd find a different horn button).

I like 67's because of the taillights. The Cragers on that car are pretty cool, too.

[fintstone]

Yes, the intent was a sportier, lower, wider look...but some of us old guys that had the 65-66 cars in youth love those (just like guys who prefer early 911s...i like my 74 better). The late 60s Mustangs had a strong 4 speed...but most mature women that I know hate the strong return and pressure/clutch stiffness. It is like a flintstonemobile after driving a more modern stickshift or even a 911. My wife hated to drive my 65.

Make sure she drives one first.

You can get a lot of parts from other, not-so-popular bodystyle donors line Falcons.

[Nickshu]

If you are not familiar with classic Mustangs I would recommend you have someone who is look the car over. Many "restorations" out there which are just lipstick on a pig with a basketcase hiding underneath...like alot of stuff you see on the TV car restoration shows, cutting corners, poor quality work, etc.

It's very easy to get in over your head. I'm looking at being about $30-50K into my Corvair restoration soon.... It's a labor of love.

[pavulon]

still green but better...

[steve911]

I'll let others comment on the mechanical aspects, but from a surprise factor standpoint, I say go for it. Just be aware that her memory of that '68 may not match up with the reality of 45 year old car today (i.e. loud, rough, no seat warmers, etc. etc.)

Years ago, my wife expressed a desire for a BMW 2002, though she'd never owned one. I did a lot of looking and came to the conclusion that she had no idea what she'd be getting into. Instead, I surprised her with a brand new 528i (with seat warmers) for her birthday in 2000, for which she was utterly speechless. She'd still be driving it today if I hadn't pried it away from her for an Audi A6 (and 'gave' the 528 to our 16 year old).

If you think that your wife will enjoy the '68, then by all means buy it for her. Just remember though, that YOU gave it to her, so that when she wants things fixed or 'upgraded' (seats, interior, etc.) you can't say no...

[Tim Hancock]

The deed is done..... Wife went to her mother's for a few hours and I left right after to buy the car. I am not too happy with it up close in many areas.... gonna be a lot of work to make it "nice". I had to pay $1000 more than it is worth IMO, but I was out of options.





I will surprise her with it on Thanksgiving day (her 50th birthday is actually a few days later) after we host a meal for her family at noon up in our house. Until then, I have it stashed over in the corner furthest from my workshop. Hopefully she will not come out to the shop for the next three weeks (she rarely comes out). If she does, I am hoping she will not notice the extra car under a Porsche car cover, blankets and a model airplane parked on top for good measure.

[saxen]

this should be fun to watch- subd