Lot Ended
Description
Imported from Florida in 2021; 3.3-litre straight-six; 3-speed auto;
power hood; power brakes; power steering; very cool; very tempting...
Just as the
Aston Martin DB5 was immortalised by Sean Connery's James Bond, so the Ford
Mustang achieved iconic status in the hands of Steve McQueen's Lt Frank Bullitt,
hurtling through the streets of San Francisco in the greatest car chase ever
filmed.
Based on the platform of the Ford Falcon,
it had a stiffer frame and wider track to give it the handling to match its
sporting looks. A truly customisable car, it is often said that no two Mustangs
are exactly alike as they were available in such a bewildering variety of
versions – three body styles, five different engines, six transmissions, three
suspension packages, three brake systems and wheel sizes, plus many performance
and cosmetic options.
At least 200kgs lighter
than a modern Mercedes C Class, a full 2” narrower and only ½” longer, the
Mustang is no bloated land yacht and can comfortably be piloted through narrow
English streets, making it one of the most desirable Yanks of
all.
This first generation Mustang Convertible
was sold new by Mount-English Sales Company of Red Bank, New Jersey, in July
1969. The original purchase invoice shows that it cost $3,194 and was originally
finished in yellow. It has the 120bhp 200ci (3.3-litre) straight-six engine
mated to 3-speed automatic transmission with power disc brakes, power steering
and an electric power soft top.
We are told
that, for many years, the car belonged to a New Jersey snowbird couple who kept
the Mustang at their winter retreat in Florida for holiday use. Our vendor
imported it from Florida in late 2021 and got it UK registered with all duties
paid.
Since then the car has been tucked away in
nice dry storage as part of a collection of interesting old cars. We are told
that it is in good running order with the power hood operating as it should but
will doubtless benefit from a precautionary check-over before
use.
As you can see in the photos, this Mustang
looks reassuringly solid and has been starting promptly and running nicely
as we have moved it around on site. Don’t let the straight-six put you off –
cheaper to run and maintain than a big block V8, it felt surprisingly lively as
we chucked it around our big 10-acre yard in true Bullitt style…
Supplied with a tonneau cover, spare wheel and
wheel-changing kit, it also come with a 5-volume set of original factory
workshop manuals and the aforementioned original bill of sale. Classed as a
Historic Vehicle on the V5C, it is of course free to tax and
MOT-exempt.
Yes, the paintwork has some
microblistering here and there (mainly on the bonnet) but this ’69 Mustang seems
reassuringly straight and solid with a good strong engine and is on offer here
at a very tempting guide price. Just think how cool you will look cruising
around with the top down in the long hot summer that lies ahead of
us...
Consigned by James Dennison – 07970
309907 – james.dennison@brightwells.com