Ford Mustang 289 Coupe
1964-70 FORD MUSTANG
You can thank the power of marketing for the presence of a car as iconic as the Ford Mustang making this list. Looks, hype and V8-powered substance made it the fastest-selling car of all time, an appeal that didn’t let up for half a decade of mild facelifts. Built for a country that demands continent-crossing ability, faultless dependability and fix-itby-the-roadside simplicity, basing it on the even more mass-market Falcon kept parts cheap and plentiful. Then it became an icon, attracted an ownership cult, and specialists all over the world cashed in on the fact that millions were built. Catering to even a fraction of survivors is good business. As a result, like the MGB and the Morris Minor, a 196470 Ford Mustang is one of those cars where everything is available. You can buy a Ford-licenced replacement bodyshell from various Us-based specialists for $18,000 (£13,000). Not that you’d necessarily want to, but it just demonstrates the comprehensiveness of the support network.
Mechanically, these are simple cars. Small-block V8s in 260 and 289 ci (4260cc & 4735cc) are the most commonly found on the UK market. A complete stripdown takes just an hour, and a rebuild will cost £1000£3000 depending on parts required, but these engines rarely need so much intervention, given the mileages they’re designed for.
Rust is of greater concern. Inspect the underside thoroughly. Rot can spread rapidly underneath a Mustang so ensure it’s clean, solid and wax treated. That said, it’s a simple pressing so unless a sill or transmission tunnel has been gobbled up, a patch-weld could fix it.
Parts supply is comprehensive, although nearly everything needs importing from the United States. Not that this is a problem – longestablished firms like Pennsylvania-based CJ Pony Parts is well setup online to operate worldwide – although you do need to factor in shipping costs and import taxes when ordering.
The bargain of the range is the £12k-£20k notchback, and in some ways it’s the best – better visibility, fewer leaks. Fastbacks and Convertibles carry £5k premiums across the board.