Fuel Injected 302: 1969 Ford Mustang
This 1969 Ford Mustang is a tidy driver with a few upgrades to improve its performance. Chief amongst these is a fuel injection system that should give this classic pony car more, er, ponies. It isn’t perfect, but it would suit a person unable to tackle a project build. The Mustang has generated reasonable interest since the seller listed it here on eBay in Coushatta, Louisiana. Bidding sits below the reserve at $11,100, but there is a BIN option of $20,000 for those who find it irresistible.
The 1969 model year brought the second significant upgrade to the First Generation Mustang, with overall length, width, and weight increased compared to the previous year’s offering. This gave the car a greater sense of presence, and many enthusiasts believe these were the last cars to encapsulate the Mustang’s original design philosophy. This Hardtop is a stunning car, although the seller admits it isn’t perfect. They claim it received a repaint in its original Champagne Gold, but the photos suggest this is inaccurate.
The color cloaking its panels looks significantly darker and is more akin to Medium Copper Metallic, which first appeared on the palette in 1973. Whatever the truth, it makes a positive first impression. The exterior retains a wonderful shine, with the immaculate Black vinyl top adding a splash of class. The panels are straight, and there is no mention or evidence of rust problems. The trim and glass are spotless, while the front spoiler and period-correct Cragar wheels suggest there is more to this classic than meets the eye.
The Marti Report confirms it is a sea of change when we examine this Mustang’s interior. It indicates the original owner ordered the car trimmed in Nugget Gold vinyl, but every surface now wears Black. It retains its factory bench seat, but the sports wheel, column-mounted tachometer, and CD player are later additions.
The interior presentation is probably better than the exterior, and I don’t believe the winning bidder needs to spend a dime inside this classic. There are no signs of wear or physical damage and no evidence of abuse. The only thing I might consider adding would be air conditioning because I think the paint and trim combination might make the interior pretty warm on sunny summer days. However, that isn’t essential, and the new owner could leave it untouched.
Lifting the hood reveals a 302ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. So far, that is per the Marti Report. That V8 would have delivered 220hp and 300 ft/lbs of torque when this classic was shiny and new, allowing it to cover the ¼-mile in 16.4 seconds. It is worth noting that the figure is slower than a similarly equipped Mustang from the previous year.
A slight power drop is a partial reason, while a weight increase of 68 lbs was another contributing factor. However, that could be academic because this pony features upgrades that should unleash extra power and make the car more civilized. The engine benefits from an MSD Atomic fuel injection system. It also received an upgraded camshaft during a recent rebuild, with the engine and transmission only clocking 2,000 miles since receiving their significant slice of TLC.
The seller states this beauty runs and drives really well, but a few tweaks to its suspension would provide a marked improvement. They identify the driver’s side tie rod, strut bushes, and shocks as items requiring replacement. An alignment once these new components are installed would be the finishing touch. That list isn’t comprehensive and is unlikely to break the bank.
This 1969 Mustang isn’t perfect but it is a driver-grade classic featuring some welcome upgrades. It won’t appeal to everyone, which may be reflected in the auction action. It has received eleven bids, a far lower figure than I would typically expect from a car of this caliber. Some potential buyers may be biding their time, planning a last-minute assault. If that doesn’t happen, this Ford could sell for a figure below the BIN. If that isn’t the case, someone could score themselves a decent bargain before the year ends. I can’t see anything wrong with that.