Frame Up Built Mustang Convertible 392/430 HP EFI V8 AOD FAB 9in AC

A new year often inspires thoughts about the future. Planning, resolutions and idealizing what should be instead of optimizing what is. But whatever happened to the 'here and now'? You know, living in the moment and enjoying what we have as opposed to fighting for constant betterment and forever prolonging joy. So many enthusiasts are enthralled with owning the biggest, baddest and awesome-est garage trophy that they completely lose sight of the reason they fell in love with cars in the first place. I mean, have you ever met any seasoned gearhead who reminisces about huge residuals or plastic trophies? That's why inventory like this sweet '67 Mustang is such a soothing breath of fresh air. Sure, it's a stellar classic that wears a squeaky clean restoration. And yes, I'm willing to bet it'll build some value and grab a few trophies. But it's also the kind of car you buy because you actually enjoy working on, driving in, and playing with Detroit's finest metal. So, if you've been nodding in agreement with everything I just said, this slick Ford belongs in your garage!

BODYWORK/TRIM

According to the build photos included with this Mustang's sale, this was already a very clean drop-top when the restoration started. Excellent panel alignment illustrates that someone really cared about making the car right before bathing it in rich red pigment. Speaking of that pigment, wow, is it bright! Let's put it this way: you certainly won't be able to sneak around unnoticed in this Ford. And when people do notice the car, they'll likely agree that its urethane aesthetics, officially called Carrera Red, glow like vivid memories of summertime fun!

Overall, the car's clean, chiseled shape remains 100% stock, devoid of the questionable modifications you might find on lesser Mustangs. At the front of the car, a stylish billet grille founds bold “F O R D” lettering above a bright bumper, bullet-style parking lamps and modern, tri-bar headlights. At the top of that grille, a sculpted hood points factory turn signal indicators at fresh glass that's caged in polished stainless and tight vinyl. At the sides of that glass, a simple profile hangs traditional door handles and patriotic Mustang emblems between polished mirrors and dent-free rocker guards. And at the back of that profile, a stainless-trimmed valance centers an ornate fuel filler and modern, LED taillights between small reverse lamps, intricate “M U S T A N G” lettering, a second bright bumper and polished stainless exhaust tips.

ENGINE

While the car's appearance is decidedly traditional, a quick toss of its hood reveals an entirely different mindset altogether. From its firewall forward, this Ford has been completely rebuilt and re-engineered to be a modern performance monster. And the word “monster” is quite literal, given 392 cubic inches of Ford Racing Windsor that crank out 430 horsepower and 450 lb./ft. of torque! It all begins with a new Sportsman block that mirrors 2-bolt mains with aluminum GT-40 cylinder heads. Those heads come with a standard GT-40 valvetrain that includes retainers, keepers, seals and premium swirl-polished stainless steel valves with undercut stems. The cam is a Ford Racing high performance hydraulic roller-lifter unit that provides excellent midrange torque and significant power increases above 4,000 RPM. Ford Racing's GT-40 stroker engines are custom-built with the same quality controls as new production engines, and include additional performance goodies such as roller rockers and billet aluminum distributors. Instead of a garden-variety carburetor, this Mustang features easily tunable FAST fuel injection that mixes incredible performance with quick starting. A massive Be Cool radiator keeps everything cool, while billet accessories, pulleys and polished strut tower bracing dresses everything up. You've probably also noticed the billet Wilwood master cylinder, but we'll get to the brakes in a minute.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Behind the potent small block, a built AOD 4-speed automatic delivers crisp shifts when you're running hard, and smooth shifts when you're cruising. Out back, there's a FAB9 9-inch axle that's finished with 3.55 gears. Those gears roll on a Chassis Works 4-bar suspension that's fitted with adjustable coil-over-shocks. That rear-clip pushes an upgraded front-half, which cages adjustable sway bars, two more adjustable coil-overs and rack-and-pinion steering in Total Control Products tubular control arms. The chassis is solidified by sturdy subframe connectors that, along with the aforementioned shock tower bracing, make a noticeable difference in the car's overall rigidity. A true dual exhaust system mixes ceramic-coated Hooker long-tubes with 2.5-inch pipes and Flowmaster mufflers to achieve a traditional muscle car bark. A custom cell stores the fuel, while an Aeromotive pump feeds the engine. Brakes are powerful Wilwood calipers that squeeze vented and cross-drilled rotors at every corner. And outside of those brakes, polished Budnik wheels carry 245/40ZR17 front and 275/40ZR17 rear Goodyear Eagle F1 radials.

INTERIOR

The interior is a very successful mixture of old and new, and the transition is so seamlessly done that you'll be hard-pressed to find the line between the two. Obviously the two front buckets are modern pieces that, upholstered to match the factory bench, easily hold you in place during aggressive driving. A custom center console has been created to house a beefy B&M shifter. Front-and-center, an original dash frames a full array of Auto Meter Pro-Comp Ultra-Lite telemetry. The entire passenger compartment is lined in Dynamat, which enhances the performance of a powerful stereo system that includes an MP3-compatible Alpine head unit, a Kenwood amp, JL Audio speakers and a 10-inch Infinity subwoofer. Classic Auto Air supplied the A/C system. The beautifully polished tilt steering column is by Flaming River. And the trunk, fitted with a reliable Optima battery, is professionally finished and neat-looking.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

* Restoration photos
* Restoration receipts
* Component literature

Is there a better way to enjoy a warm, summer day than behind the wheel of a bright red Mustang convertible? With a thumping stroker motor, a thoroughly upgraded suspension and an interior full of modern conveniences, this is a car that's daily-driver reliable, but carries itself with infinitely more style than any new-age pony. All this Ford's work has been professionally done, and much of it has been so over-engineered that you can play without worrying about hurting anything. If you're looking for a highly desirable classic that'll provide years of weekend fun, don't miss the chance to claim this awesome Ford!

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SUMMARY

* The beneficiary of a detailed, ground–up restoration
* 392 cubic inch Ford Racing GT-40 stroker motor / 430 horsepower
* AOD 4-speed automatic transmission
* Leather interior / Classic Auto Air conditioning
* 17-inch Budnik wheels
* Substantially upgraded suspension
* FAB9 9-inch rear axle / 3.55 gears
* Rack-and-pinion steering / Wilwood 4-wheel disc brakes
* Carrera Red paint / Black top
* Sale includes restoration photos and restoration receipts