Highlights
- Dry stored
- Convertible hood in excellent condition for its age
- Mechanically sound
- Ready to enjoy
The Appeal
Nothing screams “I’m headed to a sunny day at the beach” like a bright red convertible Mustang. The iconic stature of the convertible Mustang is synonymous with a free-spirited pleasure-drive in the sun. This one has its own style, complete with a genuine zebra skin tonneau cover, a custom stainless steel exhaust, and a set of 8-track tapes to get you started!
The original inline 6 under the bonnet starts on the touch of a button and breathes to life with a lively-yet-restrained roar, then settles to a mild idle. The 6-cylinder engine has seen almost 100,000 miles in its life, but rest assured it is still eager to please. It leaves nothing to be desired and is well suited for the open road.
This is an excellent opportunity to pick up an iconic American classic which has been owned, loved, and enjoyed by the same lady for the last 12 years. This Mustang is, in our opinion, an ideal project with room for your own improvements and restorations, or it can be driven and thoroughly enjoyed as-is without the worries associated with keeping a car in absolute-perfect condition.
The History and Paperwork
- Up to date V5
- MOT exempt, yet still tested most years since it was imported
- Same owner since 2010
The vehicle was imported from the US in 2008, and in 2010 was purchased by the current owner. Since then, the vehicle has been maintained regularly and repaired as needed. Even though the vehicle is MOT exempt, the owner felt it right to have it pass MOT as a matter of safety and upkeep. The current MOT will expire on the 22nd of May 2023.
The invoices included with the sale suggest that the car has been taken care of when anything has been noticed as needing a fix. Its most recent work included a front brake service and handbrake adjustment to pass MOT.
The Interior
- All-black interior, perfect colour combination to the red paint
- Overall condition is better than expected for its age
- Retro-style head unit with AUX port as well as 8-track player
The black seats and interior trim are in better-than-expected condition for being 55 years old. While there are some use-related signs of wear, there is nothing that leaps out as an eye-sore.
It’s the kind of interior where you wouldn’t sweat leaving it top-down when you’ve parked up and nipped into the ice cream shop on a sunny day, or when you hop over the door and into the driver’s seat to hasten your quick getaway (or impress the inevitable onlookers).
The design of the interior is an excellent picture of American ‘60s class and there’s certainly no lack of chrome. Everything is placed within easy reach, all of the dials work, and it all feels solid and unbreakable. The owner states the electronics are in working order, however there is an intermittent fault on the fuel gauge that’s been diagnosed as most likely a poor earthing connection. It would be prudent for the buyer to budget for a new fuel tank sender unit.
The boot is very spacious and tidy and contains a spare tyre and lug wrench. The owner is also throwing in her collection of 30+ 8-track tapes, a couple of restoration/project handbooks, the original owner’s manual with warranty, and some Mustang-relevant magazines.
Along with those, the vehicle comes with a set of two tonneau covers which go over the convertible top when it is lowered. One cover is a red to match the paintwork, and one is black with a genuine zebra skin inlay. That’s right, we did say genuine zebra skin. Both covers are in excellent condition and really suite the vehicle’s character.
The Exterior
- Perfect restoration project or enjoyed as-is
- Bold red paintwork – perfectly suits the elegance of the vehicle shape
- Convertible top in good condition
- Stainless steal exhaust system
This vehicle is a prime candidate for a winter restoration project, it really isn’t too far from being something truly incredible. That being said, it isn’t perfect, but its condition isn’t something that would get in the way of truly enjoying the car as it currently sits. Its current state is one which is the result of a previous owner’s respray and mild restoration. While we will let the pictures speak for themselves, there are some exterior imperfections to note.
The current owner wanted to mention a couple bits here to be clear: the front bumper has a “décor section” which covers up a spot of rust on the chrome underneath. The black stripe on the bonnet not only offers a bit of décor, but it covers up a blemish underneath as well. The N/S rear quarterlight window mechanism is in need of an overhaul and does not work currently. Other than those things mentioned, the owner assures us there’s nothing else to note. They’re also including an additional front bumper with the sale (see photo).
The convertible top is in good condition, with some age-related marks. The rear plastic window on the top is not faded or sun damaged but does show some signs of use. The latches, convertible mechanics, and electronic up-and-down operation all perform flawlessly. We’ve also been told it is watertight.
The wheels are in great visual condition, but could benefit from a refurbish, as the centre caps are marked and worn.
Finally, to finish this stunning American classic it comes with a full stainless steal exhaust system, giving a glorious sound when the vehicle is in motion.
Finally, to finish this stunning American classic it comes with a full stainless steal exhaust system, giving a glorious sound when the vehicle is in motion.
The Mechanics
- Passes MOT
- 3.3 L “thriftpower” straight six engine with Cruise-o-matic automatic transmission
- 120bhp with 190 ft lbs of torque
- Owner states it runs perfectly and shifts smoothly
The engine bay does show its age, but everything is in working order with no obvious signs of misuse. It has been cared for over the years, and as such is said to be in a ready and reliable state.
Suspension, steering, and pickup are all as good or better than to be expected for a car of this age. The car runs straight and does exactly what it’s told. There are no unexpected quirks to quarrel with.
The car still has plenty of pickup with its 3.3 L straight-size and smooth-shifting automatic gearbox. This, coupled with the automatic convertible roof, provides a touch of luxury which does not go unnoticed. The roof comes down quickly and with hardly any effort, meaning that it can be used as often as desired without any hassle.
Summary
When the sun comes out, what could be better than feeling the exhilaration and sense of freedom that only a chromed-up convertible classic can provide. That, coupled with the timeless styling of this American icon brings you right back to a time almost forgotten.
Whether you have plans to restore it, or leave it as-is, this is a great chance to pick up a well-maintained, mechanically sound example of a tried-and-true classic.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
