If you’re in the market looking for a first-generation Mustang project, someone on Craigslist says they have the perfect 1969 candidate for the job. While the 1965 and 1966 model years are typically the most desirable releases of the first Mustangs, the models launched later in the same decade are still compelling purchases, especially if they retain the original engines.
The first Mustangs launched with limited engine options, whereas the 1969 and 1970 model years included more powerful choices, including the almighty 429 (7.0-liter) Boss V8 with 375 horsepower. Most people who ordered a Mustang in 1969 picked the 351 (5.8-liter) – the 1969 model year launched with Windsor units, whereas its successor switched to Cleveland engines.
The base unit on the 1969 Mustang was the 250 (4.1-liter) six-cylinder unit with 155 horsepower. In 1970, Ford introduced a new base configuration, this time with a displacement of 200 cubic inches (3.3 liters) and producing just 120 horsepower. The 302 (4.9-liter) was the base V8 option for both model years. The 2-barrel version developed 210 horsepower, while a 4-barrel configuration generated 290 horsepower.
A 302 was also in charge of putting the wheels in motion on this 1969 Mustang, and the good news is the same original unit is still with the car today. As anyone can figure out with just a few clicks on the photos in the gallery, the vehicle doesn’t flex the tip-top shape you’d love to see on a first-generation Mustang, so you shouldn’t expect any good news in the engine department. The owner believes an original engine is a significant selling point, though they did not reveal whether the V8 is still running.
The vehicle has been sitting for over 20 years, and you can tell this is true by checking out the photos. The rust has already invaded most of the metal, but the Mustang is far from becoming a rust bucket nobody would want to save. It’s pretty solid, but the new owner must replace the left quarter panel and patch the floors.
The car needs complete restoration, but the listing does not include essential information that would make this project more intriguing. For example, we don’t know if the car is still complete – though chances are it isn’t, mainly because it spent decades in the same place, and some parts probably ended up on other projects.
The owner’s expectations are a little too high as far as the selling price is concerned. They plan to let the car go only if someone agrees to pay $6,000 for the car, so if you’re interested, you should go to Redding to see it in person. If the engine is stuck, paying that much for a Mustang project makes no sense.