Hey folks, welcome to all from Las Vegas Motor Speedway, one of the sites for the Mustang’s 50th Anniversary celebration. Although it’s tough to spot in this picture, the Soul Survivor (my 1974 Mustang II) sits in this row of Mustangs right next to the entry tent. In order to highlight each of the Mustang era, we parked cars from each era here, allowing attendees to see several examples of each generation. Since there were only three Mustang IIs at the event, the Soul Survivor received one of these primo parking spaces.
I hoped to find many Curbside Classics here at the show, but top-trim line Mustangs with big engines dominated the show. The typical car came with multiple spoilers and fancy options, or represented the golden era of Mustangs from 1965 to 1970. For example, from 1979 until 1993, Ford installed a 2.3 four cylinder engine in the Fox body. Despite that, I did not see a single Fox body with a (normally aspirated) 2.3 four.
Still, I found many interesting cars, and can share them here with you, on the final day of the event. Enjoy!
First, the Grandfather of the Mustang. This 2 seat concept car first appeared at the 1962 US Gran Prix in Watkins Glen NY. It shared its name with the Mustang, but very little else. I should also note the car mounted a Taunus V-4, the forerunner of the Cologne V-6 that provides motive power in the Soul Survivor. There were a few other concept cars at the event, but none of them matched the cachet of this little Mid-engine sports car, so I’m moving on to production cars.
For simplicity’s sake, let’s start our review in 1964 and move ahead year by year. As the “260” badge on the fender indicates, this little red convertible is one of the “1964.5” early models. Looking at this car, it’s easy to see that Ford caught lighting in a bottle with this car, and just like you I’d be delighted to take this one home.
Here’s another ’65 car. I wanted to share a fastback with you, and the windshield sign declaring this car a “survivor” indicates its made it through 50 years of use without a restoration- Very impressive indeed. (not original wheels, though- ED)
But not as impressive as this ’66 coupe, which brought its original paint job to the party. Up close, the paint showed signs of age, and some blotchiness on the top surfaces, but overall, it has held up very well. I’d be interested to know the owner’s paint maintenance procedures.
I’ve shown you the convertible, coupe, and fastback versions of the ’65/66 car, but someone brought this 1st generation wagon as well. As you can see, it uses the coupe’s window openings, and finessed the back glass by simply going the sedan delivery route.
They also used flat glass for the tailgate, which helped simplify the rear design. The roof line shows strong similarities with the Falcon wagon, and someone nearby (who was not the car owner) thought it used a modified Fairmont wagon tailgate. I’m not signing off on either theory, but I am impressed with the quality of the metal work. You can love it or hate it, but it is well constructed.
I said at the top we would all love to have that 260 powered convertible. If that isn’t enough juice, how about this 1967 GTA ragtop? The big block delivers the power, the drop top says fun in the sun, and the automatic equals effortless cruising.
In this picture, you see four 1968 High Country Specials, and a Shelby KR500 (King of the Road). These cars all belong to some friends of mine from Colorado, home to the High Country Special.
Ford’s Denver sales office put together the High Country Special package back in the day (much like the California Special Mustangs that sold in the Golden State), and it consisted of the side scoops with badging seen here, and the Shelby style tail lights and ducktail spoiler shown below.
I’m no expert in these cars, but the cars here in Vegas had several engine packages, so it appears the buyers could check the option sheet and buy their preferred engine to go with the High Country visuals. It also appears that Ford assembled coupe, fastback and convertible High County Specials, but the only fastback in this lineup is a Shelby.
The Kansas City District Sales Office also got a regional specific vehicle the Twister Special. I know NOTHING about these cars, beyond the fact that they were offered, and this on is a 1970.
Speaking of 1969/70 cars, there were a couple of very original models at the show, including this ’69 convertible with -get this- factory wheel covers! The lack of aftermarket or factory mag wheels guaranteed the inclusion of this car in Curbside Classics.
This ’69 is also extremely stock, but also extremely rare. It’s a 428 Super Cobra Jet coupe, with the drag pack option. With those sort of options, this car could compete with COPO Chevelles and Camaros at the drag strip.
This baby blue fastback also appears in our 1969/70 section. The owner was not around, but the car included very unusual markings, that were NOT factory trim parts.
As you can see, the stripe and the C-Pillar badge both read “Mock 302”. I’m not sure what the owner meant by these markings, but they went lot a lot of trouble to come up with trim that looked very factory, so I’m sure there’s a story behind it.
To wrap up our 1969/70 section, let’s check out this blue ’70 coupe. Once again mounting steel wheels, the car is complete and unmolested. I just wish it came with a 6 cylinder engine, since very few early generation cars using the base power plant showed up for the celebration as well.
This 1971 Boss 351 is notable as a one year model. Ford brought it out in an attempt to maintain some momentum in the muscle car market, but this compromise splitting the difference between the elephant motors and small blocks could not carry forward the banner, and Ford dropped it in 1972.
The Mustang convertible was also dropped in the seventies. This ’73 example represented the last one until Ford re-introduced the drop top in 1983.
Some say this 1978 King Cobra represents the rarest Mustang model ever built by Ford. Also a one year model, it was only one of three Mustang IIs at the show.
If you don’t remember the 1979 Cobra, I’m not surprised. Not a lot of buyers bit on them, and the 1979 to 1983 Fox body cars are in a bit of a black hole- The engine choices were under whelming, and the Fox body didn’t really begin to wake up until the 2 bbl H.O. 302 v8 engine arrived in 1982. I do like the color choice though- a nice transitional shade from the disco seventies to the exuberant eighties.
You may better remember this pace car model- Ford built a ton of them, and many owners salted them away into storage for future profits. The value hasn’t skyrocketed, and clean examples are often available for purchase on E-bay and the like.
Well, that pretty much wraps up the Curbside Classic era. I did photograph a couple unusual Fox bodies built after 1982, so I’ll just share those photos below without comment. Now that I’ve got some free time again, I’ll try to clean out my CC photo queue, and post some articles in the near future.
1984- Second year of the Fox convertible!
’85 or ’86 GT
Early SVO
Turbocharged and Intercooled 2.3 Four Cylinder
Later SVO with flush head lamp assemblies
Genuine CHP Car
Mustang LX 5.0
No cherry straight six auto ’65 convertibles with the Pony interior, console and GT headlights? I spotted one of these in white that had been decently restored near Ft. Smith, Arkansas about 13 years ago and never forgot it. It was for sale, too. Asking price was $12,000.
re The Boss 351: The model was dropped after a year but the engine continued partly into 1972. It was the same engine with lower compression, rated at 275 HP net. It was available in any body style, but was dropped early in the year. Possibly the rarest Mustang engine ever.
That “BOSS 351” is the first one produced in the run !!!!
Great spotters guide Dave. I have to ask, was there any gossip about the whereabouts or ownership of the 1965 Bertone Mustang?
[First comment as “Drzhivago138”, formerly “David,” for anyone who cares to know.]
“One of only 3 Mustang IIs at the show”? I know my love for Pintostangs is a little larger than most, and I realize the Mustang II represents a time most Ford fans would sooner forget, but it’s still an integral part of Mustang history, and (IMHO) more true to the spirit of the original Mustang than the overwrought-yet-somehow-beloved ’73.
By the way, a certain word should have an apostrophe in the phrase “its made it through 50 years of use without a restoration” and shouldn’t have an apostrophe in the phrases “It shared it’s name with the Mustang” and “which brought it’s original paint job to the party
[/grammarnazi]
[/englishmajor]
The very original brown ’66 coupe appears to be wearing its original California license plates.
In a sort of CC effect, I have a nice natural ’66 California license plate pair listed on ebay right now. (ebay item 251506312563 if you’re curious.) By “natural” I mean that the rear plate has only the 66 sticker, an indication that the plates were issued in 1966 and never renewed.
Great pictures, Dave. Glad to see your car made it to the show. I’m torn on the wagon, I think side windows might improve the look, though I generally prefer the “panel truck” look.
“For example, from 1979 until 1993, Ford installed a 2.3 four cylinder engine in the Fox body. Despite that, I did not see a single Fox body with a (normally aspirated) 2.3 four.”
Which is extremely sad since the 2.3l equipped Mustang made up the balk of Mustang sales for 1987-1993 time period.
The 2.3l Mustang was an important car since due to its lower price and lower insurance rate(compared with the 5.0) allowed folks on a budget or younger drivers(who might have been stifled due to high insurance rates on the V8) to buy a Mustang and thus got their first taste of the Cult of the Mustang.
Ford Netherlands is already celebrating the official return of the Mustang. The 2015 model, that is. Engine choices the 5.0 liter V8 and a 2.3 liter 4 cylinder EcoBoost (“with Ford Mustang performance”).
http://www.ford.nl/Personenautos/Verwacht/Mustang
Nice selection, looks like a nice show. Unfortunately, with the usual problem.
Nobody wants to restore (or at least show) what was an AVERAGE Mustang for (pick one year): Base or one step up engine, automatic transmission, the “secretary’s car”. No, everybody’s got to have a muscle car.
Well I had my 65 289 2v auto plain white coupe which I drove 300 mile to get there. I also was able to drive it around the speedway at a little over a 100. I know the new gt500 where going a lot faster. but going into the corner after the long straight a way at 100+ with stock size tires was a thrill.
“The Mustang convertible was also dropped in the seventies. This ’72 example represented the last one until Ford re-introduced the drop top in 1983.”
IINM, the last year was actually ’73.
Even worse, the car shown is a ’73.
The downside to writing posts at 3 AM in Sin City. Content updated, D/S
“Mock 302″. I’m not sure what the owner meant by these markings,
Only thing I can think of is he’s going for a Boss 302 “tribute” look
Or he’s poking fun at “tributes.” Good for him!
Thanks Tom
Those are not factory wheelcovers on the red 69. Those wheelcovers first saw duty in 1971.
You know, they did look a little off to me…
I’d edit the content, but while they may be on the wrong car, they are still factory wheelcovers so I’m leaving it be. Call it the split hair clause. D/S
Still think the ’65-’66 and ’69-’70 are the best looking.
I disagree that the early Fox cars are a ‘black hole’. They may not have had 300-400 hp motors, but they were a modern platform for the time, had handling packages, and did last long on the market.
Also, 1979 sales were high not a ‘black hole’ and the 302 2 bbl was offered that year. Article infers that it didn’t appear until ’82.
You’ve misunderstood the timeline I’m referring to- I didn’t mean they WERE in a black hole, I meant they ARE in a black hole. There’s very few ’79 to ’83 Fox bodies left on the road, and many of the remaining cars have been relegated to drag car status thanks to the light Fox Body platform.
Too bad really, as I’m not sure how many people remember the early Fox bodies. Those cars carried over Cobra and Ghia trim levels from the Mustang II. When’s the last time anyone saw a 1979 Mustang Ghia? If you find one, share it here at CC!
Also, the 2 bbl 302 in 1979 was not the same engine as the 5.0 H.O. 2 bbl offered in 1982. The ’82 GT is generally credited with re-establishing the Fox Body’s street credibility, something the ’79 V-8 failed to do.
The “MOCK 302” belongs to me . I always liked the ’70 BOSS stripe , since this car came with a six , I did not want to restore it but do it my way . When finished it will have a few thing that the originals did not , fuel injection , automatic overdrive, air conditioning, better suspension ….. you see where I am going . Thanks for taking the time to shoot and post the pictures .
p.s.it is one of the 2029 that were painted the “Aztec Aqua”
Gary, sorry to have missed you. Your car looked very interesting, and I wanted to know more about it. I particularly liked your C-Pillar emblems, as they looked like factory pieces.
BTW, are you out of the San Joaquin Valley? If so, perhaps we can meet up sometime and I can write up your car in detail. It sounds like you haven’t completed it, but we could include your final vision as part of the article.
Thanks, D/S
Dave , I am in Bakersfield . The emblems are the same as the wheel centers too . You are welcome to any and all pictures and info you want . Thanks again
Where can I see the 1969/70 section ? Is it on another site ?
No I was referring to the ’69s and ’70s I had already shared before presenting the ’70 Coupe.
Anyone here go to the Charlotte venue? The Vegas show and dinners were a bust. Ford pretty much failed to show beyond two exhibits and a weak-ass ride and drive on the very small inside track. Pony drive was great, well organized. Vegas was disorganized, poorly planned and virtually nothing to do.
Thanks for sharing the event with us David, also the others who attended.
I recently went to a US car show that had a bunch of 64-70 Mustangs, a handful of 71-73 and post 94 models plus 2 Fox bodies – one a (straight 6) Mercury Capri! The scene is a bit different here.
Interesting comment on the King Cobra above, I happen to have a Brown King and have been told it is the only Brown King with a mix of white deluxe and chamois interior. Made even more rare by the no AC no T top option with a 4 speed. I have been told by more than a few that it is a one of one car, so it is eagerly awaiting restoration.Thank you for sharing this car, I have searched the internet for another non T top Brown king and really had no luck until this picture. If the owners could please visit Mustang II tech and leave a message to member cadwiz it would be much appreciated. the pic below was taken when i pulled it out of a barn last year.