Nothing wrong with the right modifications. Rebuild the drive train. Add performance parts. Make the car or truck better than it left the factory. Its yours. Enjoy it.
Agree and so do TODAYS buyers .... almost all my buyers have us add the updates and enhancements that move the car forward in time just enough to make them all the more fun.
They have always been personalized/customized. That's important to it defines periods of time and styles maybe not to everyone's taste but does keep it interesting.
I think the problem is many sellers still expect to get the same price as if it's original (either because they're outright scammers or just dunderheads who don't realize how vintage car pricing works). And the argument that you can 'change it back' kind of misses the point. If you buy, say, a Chevelle SS 396 clone, changing it back to its original base 305 configuration could see you losing $$$ (and that presumes you even have the original engine and trans available).
I think all of us need to just enjoy these rides, in any way we can, while they and we are all still here. Life is short, and its getting shorter, my .02, thanks.
I used to be ITS GOTTA BE ORIGINAL!!! Know what? Screw that. You have the best answer here. Enjoy the dam thing. He'll even Jay Leno ain't that much of a hard ass.
Paint change is fine, easy change. But not sure why someone would buy a relatively rare 4 speed car and then go to all the trouble and expense of converting to a C4 auto. Considering how many auto cars are out there, seems like a waste but whatever. Probably the same type of person that would butcher that trunk pass through door with lame 6X9 speakers LOL
In 20 years the people that care about it being 'all original' are either going to gone or in a old age home ! The younger generation don't care about these classic vehicles , or at least in the numbers that will sustain their price rising
The speakers cut into the back panel bothers me more than anything else. But hey, I've done some things in the past that make me shake my head today! And a good metal worker can fix that I guess. Most important is to keep the car away from the crusher. In any condition.
@@QualityClassics I'd say that the rear panel has already been replaced with a reproduction. Actually the entire rear interior looks to have been replaced. Shouldn't this car have a rear seat and horizontal rear deck panel?
I have owned my 68 Torino GT for 34 years. I spend money on it when i can. I love the car. I enjoy driving it & working on it. Everyone talks about what they had. I still have. It's mine.
I bought a 1964.5 in 1979 that had been molested, I had brown shag fur glued all over the inside ,side pipes, and a bad paint job. I realized that the cost of going back to the original setup was not cost effective so I have updated the suspension, brakes, engine transmission to make a cool resto rod
That's fine because the original Mustang was a 3-speed 6 cyl school teacher's car no one wants. I know someone who has an original 65 just like yours and it ain't worth much.
Very valid question, thanks Michael 👍 My opinion is, as long as such changes compared to the original are transparent, this is not a problem at all. Because then the buyer can decide for himself whether he wants a car for fun or a car for fun and maybe investment. The problem, however, is often that buyers are deceived and not all such facts are on the table. Another argument to turn to professionals like Michael and Tyler who have honest cars only and nothing to hide.
Keep automotive history and classic icons as original as possible. You won't regret it if you resell it. Always get a second opinion from professionals like from this workshop and channel.
In the end it's only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. All the Mustang's I've ever owned were modified to my liking. I've made money I've lost money when reselling but, in the end, when it's your car you want it the way you want it.
I still own and drive my grandmother's '68 Mustang coupe. She left it to me in her will in '92. She lived in Las Vegas and as a youngster I would write her and ask, "How is your Mustang grandma?" When I got older I would visit and help her with maintenance and repair. I have fond memories of her and those times. Also video where she says, "I will never sell it.",. I drove it to Ontario which was an event in itself, as when I got home I asked my wife to marry me. The car retains the original automatic, rear end, paint (red!) and vinyl roof. Grandpa had a cheap engine swap done in the early eighties so I sourced a correct 289 (It's an early car) and my very young son "helped" me build the engine in our garage. It is in a climate controlled storage at a buddy's nearby. Beside it sits my Challenger SRT, and a '90 Miata. We are far from rich, but "enriched by far", by grandma's old Mustang, which has lead to our family car passion. Thank you for letting me ramble. Your car? I say, "You do you".
If the car has the quality and you changed it to an Auto, I would still pay you the manual price as I would prefer the quality. I could always change it back if I wanted.
I see alot of older folks wanting automatic cars or converting their 4-spd cars. Often the people that love these cars are aged 55-up, and have more tendency toward knee, hip, and hand issues. The auto lets them still enjoy the cars they love.
Not revealing my age, but I had to wait three months for delivery of my new car in 2023 because I ordered a six-speed instead of the optional CVT in my Crosstrek. The salesman asked why I didn't want the automatic, I replied that I need the exercise. "You can sell a young man's car to an old man, but you'll never sell an old man's car to a young man."
I was a courier for 30 years living in my own car without cup holders. Balancing a microphone, a coffee, a stick shift and the wheel was taxing. I learned how to drive a stick in 1973, now my knees and feet are kaput.
I bought my 66 2+2 in 1975 for $600. Drove it daily until 1988. Sat until 2016 when we did a full resto. We restored the car but used FORD parts and tried to make it like FORD could have. We may have hurt it's value by adding a GT350R front pan, high back seats (I'm 6'2") kept the top loader and manual everything....as built. Value matters little. My son says it's never leaving the family. THANKS
The Shelby front valance is an easy swap. I just don't get the allure of high back seats in a 66. They don't match the rest of the car. If you want headrests, I have seen a repro set that works with the original 66 buckets and at least fit the style of the car. If I really need high back seats I'll buy a 69 or 70 but hey, that's just me LOL
I can recall $600 Mustangs. I bought my first car, a '56 Ford Customline Ranch Wagon (2 door) with T-Bird 312, for $400 in '78. It was my 'poor man's Nomad' as those were starting to bring money then.
It will be a trend going forward for some of the younger buyers ... and yes, there are some younger buyers who not only love the old timers but can also afford them.
@@QualityClassicsit's not like it takes 4 years of college to learn to drive a manual. If someone is going to go through what it takes to get into driving a classic car in the first place, spending a few hours in a parking lot to learn how to drive. It shouldn't be that big of a deal.
@@kennethsouthard6042 - The overwhelming percentage of younger drivers have zero experience driving a manual transmission car. Heck, most have never even seen a car with a stick. When all of us old geazers (I’m 69) are gone our stick cars are either going to sit hidden away in garages and showrooms and deteriorate. If swapping to an auto gets a younger person to actually get a classic car out and drive it and allow the car to be seen I have no problem with if. It won’t matter what I think anyway as I will be in heaven with the Lord!
@@danmyers9372 You know what's harder than learning to drive a manual? Finding someone who knows how to rebuild an early 60s automatic. And that's going to get even harder as more people who do that work die off.
I have a 65 coupe that is pretty original! The changes that I have made are mostly cosmetic and can be reversed by a new owner when I decide to sell it. The exception is that the 289 has been upgraded and modified, something that you can't tell by just looking at it! Your cars are the best, and simply amazing! However, I wouldn't be comfortable driving one around for fear that something would happen to it! My Mustang is definitely down a tier from what you sell and I still won't drive it in the rain, or park it anywhere near other cars! You definitely set the bar! I really enjoy your videos!
I can tell you one thing about originality when it comes to the old muscle cars, they were scary dangerous to drive! So modernizing them with better suspension and tires and brakes makes a lot of sense especially if you're going to drive the cars and enjoy them. Other musclecar collectors want to see nothing but originality so they has something to keep in their trailers! LOL
@@dicksonfranssen I find it hilarious that people are afraid of buggy springs, drum brakes, and bias ply tires. I drive a restored late WW2 Willys MB. Six volt, mighty 60 HP 'Go Devil' side valve four banger, 6.00 X 16 military NDTs, brakes are an abstract concept on any pre AMC Jeep. My hot rod 'Flattie with Kenne Bell equipped Buick 225 V6 Odd Fire (former sprint car engine) would terrify you.
Pretty cool! I can see why some buyers want completely untouched classics, all OEM. I am definitely the complete opposite. I have a 67 Mustang coupe, obviously not as valuable as a fastback. Does not have the original engine, practically rebuilt the entire thing from the ground up. New floor pans, new transmission, various things like that and intentionally upgrading components to keep it far from stock. Paint job that wasn't available, aftermarket wheels, disc brakes. Will it be worth what I put in to sell it later? Of course not. Am I enjoying the hell out of it, racking up miles, and making it my own? Heck yeah.
It’s a classic car and everyone is different so to each’s own. It’s an absolute beauty! I’m a huge classic Mustang fan and owner from Miami. My buddy Rob Staple bought a car from you and unfortunately, he passed away. He always spoke highly of you and your shop!
To each their own, but personally with driving Mustangs for 40 years, I think pony and sports cars should be sticks. I also am kinda tired of every other car in the show being red, blue, or black. I'm liking the original colors more and more. I'd love to have this car in light blue with a 4-speed, but again, to each their own. Diversity makes the world go around.
The color thing makes me nuts. If it's horrid (my mom's salmon pink Chrysler) just sell it. We now have our last ever new car, an orange Crosstrek. Not a performance car but at 67 it's safe and easy to find in a parking lot. I have zero toe-in and with all wheel drive in the snow I'm having fun again. I'm the guy who hated the school bus so much I put studded tires on a dirt bike for the last 2 years of high school.
You make some good points in the video. In my opinion, not every classic car has to be red. When I go to a car show and see a red car the first question that comes to mind is “was this car originally red ?” This car would be much more fun if it still was a four-speed.
@@patstiff True. Personally I would prefer a 4spd. and the original color. As younger people become interested in these cars they will be more attracted to a pretty usable vehicle, red mustang fastback with a V8 and automatic will always be valuable. The older generations naturally place more value on originality.
@@QualityClassics Resale Red. Since I had to special-order the six-speed in my Crosstrek, I also ordered _pure red_ because damn near everything on the road these days is black, white, or some shade of gray. The day after I took delivery I took a friend to Easter dinner at Golden Corral and of about three hundred cars in the lot, mine was the only red one in a sea of gray, black, and white.
Those speakers in the rear package tray put me off. Luckily, it's an easy fix to remove and replace the panel. I work at a classic British resto shop. Soooo many owners want us to install aftermarket sound systems into their E Types, Austin Healeys, MGs, Triumphs, etc. I try to dissuade the owners, (especially Jag owners) but sometimes they are 100% insistent on having ugly systems in their classics.
@@QualityClassicsI have an early 65 K code GT fastback that’s a 5 bolt bellhousing Hi PO with Uber rare 5 bolt aluminum toploader bellhousing ( the 5 bolts for most other models are cast iron ) and its silver blue ( code y) Really odd color. Looks silver mostly. But you’ll catch some blue tints. Rotisserie done. Factory deluxe interior.
The whole "I need my car to be red" mindset is getting old. I have a '69 Mach 1 in Black Jade, 428CJ, 4-speed, all numbers matching and looks great! I have a friend with a '69 Mach 1 with the 351, automatic, also looks great. He routinely wins trophies at car shows, while I have but a few. I am not jealous or otherwise put off, I am just making the point that many people cannot or do not want to appreciate many of the other great colors that these cars were born with other than red.
My favorite color for the ‘69 Mach 1 is Silver Jade especially is it’s a more modern 2 stage paint. It makes the color pop and combined with good chrome makes the car look like a piece jewelry. Absolutely gorgeous.
I had a 69 cougar that was black jade. It had a 351 Windsor 4 barrel automatic. All factory. I put in a dual exhaust and it had keystone classics. Back in the day it had bias tires that were factory width on the front and 60s on the back. Oh I had air shocks on it too because that was the thing. It was a nice car and it rode very nice.
@ I’m not criticizing anyone for what they like, i to like what they did to the car also but I also like keeping things stock to, it depends on what has been done to the car to, if it’s a day two resto mod where there’s been stuff done to it that has enhanced its drivability I’m all for that
Edward I indicate to force a person's own opinion. I used to like a 4-speed over an automatic. Nowadays I prefer the automatic. Nathan that's my opinion. It would be even more expensive than what they already are.
I work for a Classic car dealer a few days a week. Most all the cars they sell are not as built from the factory. But most are a good quality car. One that they sold last summer was a Black 57 T-bird. Red interior. Mild modified 312 and a 5 speed. Looking at the car you would not think it was a modified car. I think keeping the car looking period correct is great but adding modern amenities and safety items (like dual circuit master cylinders) are money well spent. One of my 70's Muscle cars I swapped from the automatic to a 5 speed, but done to make it look like a factory 4 speed.
As a lifelong car lover in my seventies, many of us wish that we could have kept our muscle cars from the sixties. We didn't know a gas crisis would kill the cars getting better, and didn't have the ability, financial or storage, to keep our original cars that we had to sell or trade in. I enjoy the memories of my old cars and love my 2013 Mustang GT, but miss the old days when classics were new.
To each his own, but changing a rare color to a common color is a no no. Changing to non-factory color is a bigger no no. Someone crashed into my prairie bronze GT. I'm trying to find another, but there are none out there. Plenty of reds, whites, blacks, even turqoise. Too many with stripes. The search continues...
As the original owner and still driving it my 1966 fastback GT has had a few changes made - dealer installed tri-power - and other upgrades that were available in the 60s - it’s your car do what you want - the next person can do what they want or move on to a different car- there are hundreds of Mustangs available- the same goes for my collection of Shelby 500s and other cars. They are to be driven and enjoyed
Amazing .... hopefully you can share some photos and more history. I LOVE cars with history like yours. If you like you can contact me though my site to share more about your long term ownership.
Great video. I love the fact that it's not offending you to see a car that's been modified . I personally own a 1965 Fastback Mustang that's been highly modified. It started out as a six with a 3-speed transmission, so it wasn't anything special. I really tried to go out of my way to make the car look non-modified. So I guess my car is more of a resto mod than anything else. I would love to see a video about when it's okay to modify a car because it wasn't exactly a rare car
i agree with your opinions on the quality verses originality. some years back original was all the rage but as time went on people wanted to enjoy their cars so color and accessories to make it more fun to drive became the norm. ac, power steering, disc brakes all add to the fun of driving your car but also add value. buy it if you like everything about it and go enjoy it with your family. you are spot on with your assessments.
My '72 BMW 2002 was fully restored on the West Coast 10 years ago. Swapped the four speed for a 5-speed. I bought it and shipped it to the east coast where I've been enjoying driving it for 6 years. Bought my first 2002 and fell in love with it 50 years ago.
I am, the original owner of a Shelby GT 350. (1969) I have changed the color to Gulfstream Aqua, and changing the interior to white. This is the combination I would have bought, but I appreciate the quality that the car has today.
Well Michael, what cheered me up most was the quality of your presentation and content in this concise post...! It was very thought provoking; I’ll try to follow your example to contribute... As the decades pass, it’s increasingly difficult to argue for a car that at best will present and perform no better than when first born. The market for these must be getting (comparatively) very narrow, even for a collector of 45 years like you... Equally as time passes, it’s increasingly difficult to argue against or ignore the advances and improvements in many of the technologies, incl. tyres, suspension, in-car information by example - on top of the 2 changes to the trim tag you’ve exampled.
Hi Michael, great video and great topic! In this case I have to say they missed it a bit on this one. You didn’t touch on it in the video, but this is also an A-code (289 4-barrel). In this case the best for this car is both (quality and originality)! ‘66 fastback, Silver Frost, Black Interior, A-code 289, 4-speed… Already pretty darn good! If anything, maybe an upgrade to GT package (power steering, power front disc brakes, etc.) but that would be about it on this one!
I am more of a quailty type person. I am also not big on clone cars that people try to sell as a GTO or an SS, for example. That's a beautiful Mustang!
People should build their cars for their needs/wants. I think originality for actual historic pieces is nice, but ultimately it's your car. I'm more concerned about restoring and maintaining these awesome cars. If someone pulls one from a scrapyard and saves it, they can do whatever they want to it. If I need a heart transplant or an organ donor, believe me, I'm not concerned about originality
Beautiful Mustang, I would drive it with a big smile. I don't think converting it to an automatic hurt the value too much, as it could always be converted back. As I get older I can appreciate an automatic transmission. I have a 71 Challenger with a 4 speed (I converted it from an automatic), and some days I wonder if my head was loose, especially when my knees are sore. Nice looking shop by the way.
I have a cousin who is all about back to original. On the other hand, I like cars that look original but perform like a newer car. Mild restomods like brakes, radial tire, 6:00 electronic ignition, AC all make hanging out in your ride that much more enjoyable. Guys who get too hung up on originality sometimes create trailer queens, but cars are meant to be driven.
My two favorite car designs were the 1972 Mercedes 350/450SL (same car-different badging) and the 1965/66 Ford Mustang Fastback. Both stunning designs in my opinion. I had a 1970 Fastback (351-C 2V, 4-speed) in the early 80's but had to sell it as it was always getting broken into for parts! Also had a '72 450SL for 20 years. A nice weekend car that was starting to show it's age again. I decided to sell it rather than "fix it up" again. I also had a 1970 Fiat 124 convertible for over 20 years. More fun than you might think!
I have a numbers matching 66 GT coupe with 58,000 original miles. It is Siver Frost, which I researched was an extremely low percentage for the GTs. It has always been in the Seattle for its entire life. The only changes were refreshing the motor, bigger carb and bigger exhaust. Been thinking about selling it, but I can't get myself to pull the trigger. You are correct, it is sure a hoot to rip around with that throaty motor sound!
Gorgeous Car!!! This is a car that is meant to be enjoyed and driven, and the modifications are of high quality. An all original car is "typically" not driven as much as the owner usually doesn´t want to increase the mileage or roll on original tires. Nothing wrong with either choice. To me the only thing I personally disliked about this car were the 6x9 speakers on the back... the soundtrack on this car comes from the gorgeous exhaust note!!!
I accept the fact that there are purerists who, for investment purposes, want every detail to match the original build sheet. Such folks love the value more than the car itself. I fall into the category of those who love the car, the memories, and the opportunity to reexperience the joy of owning and driving a tangible part of my youth.
As long as it was a base model car without many value attributes from the factory I would be totally fine with those quality modifications as a buyer 😊
Great video. I have a question. I have a 1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler that is a survivor. It has original paint and interior. Of course, if has some flaws being a 55 year old car. The only issue with the interior is the carpet. It has some tears and looks kind of ratty. In general is a classic car worth more as a survivor in VG condition or more if it is restored?
I am a super fan of the original paint survivor, patina and all. As far as worth, it can be worth more to one guy and less to the next. We all place values in different ways but generally speaking only the MINT survivor would be worth more than a well restored example.
Sounds and looks good. Owners must have done a good job as i noticed the steering was consistent and not needing frequent corrections. My 65 was a "C" code 289 2 barrel, 3 sp manual 8" open diff as delivered with not many options. Excellent for upgrading without killing its value. I bought it 30+ yrs ago as a 302 automatic. Its currently a 5.0l efi (late 80's factory mustang) 5sp manual, 9" traction lock with disc's up front. Still needs to be finished.
I enjoy the original color pallet for the cars era not the original car color. I also like the period corect technology as well as the aftermarket items of that era. Some times you need modern tech to get what you want but with my '66 Mustang gt I keep it simple as 60's correct as possible with a few modern mods that can go back stock if one wanted too. I want my car to have that original feeling while driving it.
In the video he said quality trumps originality, but for my money originality is everything. They say there's an ass for every seat, it just won't be mine if it's not original.
I would upgrade to a dual-circuit brake system, maybe discs if they were an option for that model, but nothing that cannot be undone easily by a later buyer.
I've restored and sold a few cars over the years. My experience is the guys that pay BIG money for a car are the guys that want everything original. They probably won't drive the car much except for from the show to the auction block. The rest of the people want to drive the cars and will tolerate changes that make the car better to drive in the modern world. They'll pay for a good car, but not the big prices. Trouble is, they don't pay enough for you to make any money on the car. If you are trying to make a living restoring cars, you have to keep everything original.
The modifications, possibly except for the sound system addition, could have been made the day after the original purchase and from this film it appears to be original assembly line components, just not the ones originally fitted.
LMAO! The algorithm brought me to you! I’m watching this, and all of a sudden, you’re driving out of Canyon Oaks. I’m like, there’s no way thats 1171. But then I sort of make out the sign that reads “Cross Timbers.” Not 100%, I just go ahead and look you up. …your place of business is in that small airport just off the road! We actually looked at possibly buying a hanger there to store cars at about 14 years ago, before that one plane crash. So all these classic mustangs and other cars that I would see every so often driving around town… …they were probably your inventory! They were probably even you! 😆
Yep. I live just behind the (former) Pumpkin Patch. I’ve been driving my “vintage” mustang up and down 1171 since 1998, back when it was just a two lane asphalt road. It’s a red on red on red 94 if you ever see it.
If you manage to find a totally original classic, then keep it as such. But don't criticise anyone like me who has a totally restored Mustang coupe, mine has 5sp trans, from a C4, which I believe to be an Auto. Its now Raven black, and was Pale yellow, rebuilt 289ci with a four barrel carb which was originally a 2 barrel. I feel the main thing here is to keep these old classics on the road. Regardless of originality. Just enjoy what you have.
Deviation Alert! The majority of Mustangs were Automatics, and some people are going to be pissed off that a Manual Transmission Car was swapped over to an Automatic. This is my take. If it has an Automatic Transmission, hold onto it to reinstall it at a later point in time, but upgrade it to a Ford Automatic 4 Speed Overdrive from the late 80's, or there abouts for better Fuel Economy. If it has a Manual Transmission, hold onto it, but upgrade it to a Tremec 5 Speed or 6 Speed Manual Transmission or a Ford 5 Speed Manual Transmission. As far as the Color goes: at least it was a Factory Color from that year and all of the info is disclosed before the sale, and to all buyers in the future. P.S. There would have to be something wrong with my left leg or foot before I would spend money on a Mustang with an Automatic Transmission! Love Your Channel!
I appreciate your nuanced viewpoints in the video! Quality is of foremost importance. Especially when it comes to "polishing" the rough edges Ford cost-cut when they left the assembly line. Originality is (generally) a myth. Machines have parts that are designed to wear. My own mustang is original, but I've had to replace every single part forward of the firewall while my family and I daily drive it for 30+ years. You wouldn't want to drive around with 70 year old rubber seals or original light bulbs. Time always marches forward. Mustangs will always be a common classic, and each one is a blank canvas to leave your mark on it. It could be something as small and logical as an electronic distributor, or something as intense as a million dollar frame off restomod, as long as it exudes the fun of a Pony car, it's fine. Otherwise it's just a useless static metal sculpture that takes up more space than a gold ingot, and less fun. Just do it with some care and respect towards the original idea of what the Mustang is, and do it tastefully. Original door trim tag or not, we're all stewards of the vehicles we own, and if the next owner seeks to restore it back to the EXACT specs it left the factory with, so be it. If you buy a classic just for the value, you're in the wrong hobby, go day trade stock or something.
Mustnags are great, and 65/66 fastbacks are the best of them. And even though they have become quite valuable in certain circumstances they're never going to be as collectable as a Ferrari or pre-90s Aston, simply because of the number which were built. Over 100,000 1965 and '66 fastbacks rolled off the line. If even only 10% survived, that's still a lot of cars. The lesson? Unless it''s a very limited variant (like a GT350), there's no crime in changing colours, engines/transmissions, gear ratios, trim levels. There aren't that many absolute purists out there, and lots of buyers who simply want the car they want because they like it. I have a low mileage '65 T-code fastback in Wimbledon white. When I got it it had the 200 six and a 3-speed auto. Not a single tear was shed when I dropped in a foxbody 5.0, T5 and limited slip rear end. It probably cost more to buy/convert it than it would have cost to find an A or C code car (if I eventually found one), but I have the car I always wanted. If you've got one, just make into whatever you want it to be, and don't look back.
I think a lot of the variation depends on the car in question as well. A very rare model would have a much bigger hit on value over a tastefully modded standard car. I agree that in general though most folks don't mind a nicely updated car, as long as it gives the feel for what the car would have been like in its time. I think that if this was something like an 62-63 Ford Thunderbird Convertible Sports Roadster with the M Code engine option then any change could possibly hurt the price of the car. There were less than 50 made with that package so most that would want one of these cars would not want a change in any kind of major component. I'm sure Shelby Mustangs, Yenko Camaros and others like these would be similar. If this had been a Hertz Mustang painted red then it definitely would have been effected. So you are right, most cars this won't change the ability to sell the car that much. At the same time don't do a change like this, especially one that is expensive to reverse, to a particularly rare car.
These are cars, and are meant to be driven and enjoyed. I personally enjoy shifting a "toy" car. Daily driver is an auto. Make it the way you want it, and smile!!
I have a 66 C code fastback (factory candy apple red), and I'm converting it to EV. Measuring up a Model 3 rear engine/gearbox/suspension cradle right now to see if I can fabricate it into the stock frame rails.
The workshop next to mine do restoration work and recently swapped an original 307 chev 4 speed manual for a vortec 350 crate motor and a turbo 400 trans in a genuine GTS HT Holden Monaro! It's what the owner wanted so they took his money, probably wiped $ 50K from it's value, lol. These cars bring $100K - $250K depending on condition in Australia.
Ive been a classic car guy since i was a teenager in the 90’s. Full time restoration shop guy for 13 years now…. When I look for a particular car or one just catches my eye It’s the color that is my main attraction, closely followed by build quality as those are what ‘makes’ the car. If Im looking for a beautiful red mustang I don’t care if it was originally pink. If im looking for a good daily cruiser I’m looking for an automatic, just my preference, along with maaaaaaaaaaany others, IE you damn near can’t buy a manual anymore…. Originality would only matter to me on an extremely rare or valuable car, 71 hemicuda, boss 429 or something like that… For a driver I just don’t care. Color I like and quality 👍
The changes on my C code 65 fastback were made in 1965. My Uncle seen a GT 350 and went to buy one. He was told it was a $1500.00 package. He felt that he could just add his own high rise manifold, cam, rims, and exhaust for $500.00 himself, and that is exactly what he did as soon as he got it home from the dealer. Never heard of this Shelby guy. So my four speed, four barrel was converted in 1965. Every car has a story, maybe this one does too.
I bought a 63-1/2 Ford Fairlane 2dr. fastback. It was in decent shape and had some hard to find options. At car shows I would get comments from purists on things like the wheels and radiator cap. I was afraid to repair anything. I ended up selling it to a place that restored them. Before this I bought a beat up 74 Challenger. Then I did whatever I wanted to the car. It was redone bumper to bumper , nothing matched how it was originally made. I would say, leave the rare cars to the purist, but there’s plenty of others that you can modify and enjoy all you want.
I personally like silver frost as a color. It seems everyone wants to paint them red. I guess that I'm in that shrinking pool of drivers that prefer originality. If I was contemplating the purchase of this particular car, I would have taken the changes made into the pricing and valued it less.
Doug is my new best friend, I like Silver Frost too. When we took title of her family's '66 Convertible which had not been running for 10-12 years, she tasked me with getting it running and road worthy with the simple instructions "keep it looking like it was when I drove it to high school". That has been done while still making major improvements to the suspension, brakes and of course, the engine. 😂
Ford built a million Mustangs in the first 18 months of production. If someone wants to restore a Mustang like this one, it won't hurt the value as long as it's a "quality build." However, if this were a GT 350 Fastback repainted and swapped similarly,. there would be some very upset enthusiasts with pitchforks, tar and feathers knocking on your door.
The larger portion of buyers that are looking for quality will pay for it and the car will easily sell for a good amount. But the small portion looking for everything original are oftentimes willing to pay obscene amounts.
I think a lot of buyers in the last few years have been swayed away from the “it has to be original” mindset by a couple things. 1). Finding the exact version of a car you want is getting harder and harder. If you can find a version that us very close and make a couple changes to make if fit your personal preference you can have the car sooner and actually enjoy it. Let’s face it a lot of us classic car guys are getting long in the tooth and don’t have that many years in front of us. 2). A lighter resto modded car is WAY more enjoyable and safer to actually drive than a totally original car. And 3). Well built restomods are worth as much and sometimes much more than original models these days..
Up until 2016 I was a manual shift kind of guy. But, I had a serious work accident that resulted in a broken pelvis and injury to my right shoulder. So, a clutch and a manual shifter are more difficult to manipulate these days. So the Mustang would be more marketable to people with certain disabilities.
What is your opinion of the seemingly popular coupe to fastback conversions? Assuming the job is done professionally and tastefully and correctly, does this detract from the value?
It's really what someone is willing to pay. What's it worth to them. I have a 77 Ford Granada, 2 door, 33 thousand miles southern Cali car. Triple yellow. The ebay bidding stopped at $1003 dollars. My point? Car prices are erratic, and make no sense. It's what the market wants that month.
I have no direct experience here but I would certainly consider a build like this for myself if my goal was to build a mild resto-mod and I found a super cherry coupe. Not sure about the cost side or the resale side, but the resale side would not be my main focus. Building the car of my dreams would be my focus.
I find it hilarious that some who post here are afraid of buggy springs, drum brakes, and bias ply tires. I drive a restored late WW2 Willys MB. Six volt, mighty 60 HP 'Go Devil' side valve four banger, 6.00 X 16 military NDTs. Brakes are an abstract concept on any pre AMC Jeep. My hot rod 'Flattie with Kenne Bell equipped Buick 225 V6 Odd Fire (former sprint car engine) sitting on leaf springs, rather large, fat, bias plys with aged drum brakes all 'round would terrify them.
Overall, a stock fastback in its original color will be worth more to more people. Add the 4 speed and it would significantly add to the buyer pool. Quality and originality would make this worth the most to collectors and non-collectors.
I added safety and performance features because I drive it frequently and I want to be safer than the car could provide originally. Added disc brakes all around, sway bars, stiffer, suspension, and seat belts for the back seats after my kids were born. Looks original, but far from it. Have had her for 35 years, and would never sell her. She’s made just for me. 👍🏽
While I appreciate a "numbers matching" car, I prefer to make my old cars the way I want them. My wife has a '69 Corvair Monza Convertible (one of 521 made) that we modified to our liking. Frankly, the color options that year (interior and exterior) were pretty awful, so that was change number one. The wife also refuses to drive a four-speed (she can but won't), so in went the Powerglide. It is now a real head-turner, and is pretty fast with the de-smogged four carburetor 140HP motor.
My car is a 1966 GT with an A code and 4 speed is almost identical to this one. The previous owner changed the color from Ivy Green Metallic it Candy Apple Red. Other than that, the car is totally stock. It will need to be painted at some point again soon as the paint is starting to show signs of aging. I have been torn on what to do color wise. I felt that if I repainted it, I would need to change it back to stock to increase the value of the particular car I own. I can say that now, after watching this, I am less likely to do that. I will still struggle with the decision, but this has helped me see things a little differently. I will never sell the car, so what do I really care about the value? I think that is the question I need to ask myself. Thank you for your good videos! I especially liked your "True GT" video as I was able to check all the boxes on my car to confirm it was the real deal :)
Its up to the owner. Wants to drive it or show it? Concourse judging want it perfect as in the dealership. Most blow that with a repaint. The original paint was far from perfect. Runs, orange peel, overspray. Im guessing this car has headers and 4bl, 65 side scoop trim, most likely had a blue 2 tone interior and not deluxe. I like it!
My friend has a ‘66 with a front bench seat ! From the factory! First one I’ve ever seen! My first was a ‘67 GT350 fastback ❤❤❤ had the factory wheels just like in this video.
First rule on these cars is never go by that tag. It says right on there, "not for title or registration" Why,? Because doors can be swapped. The real numbers are stamped on the fender apron on the drivers side. First, always check to see that this VIN matches the one on the door. Also, the 63A on the tag denotes a standard interior. This has been converted to a Pony interior, except whoever did it forgot to add the puddle lights in the doors. At least do it right.
True. The vin of course does not tell you everything, however with the vin and the original door trim tag (on of course the original door) tell you a lot. For those super familiar with these cars there is more to be gleaned. Part of the fun.
As people get older, an automatic gains a great appeal. I'd rather have an automatic in socal. Get stuck in a sig alert or two, and you begin to change your mind on the manual thing.
If I was a serious big money collector I would be concerned about numbers matching 100 point originality and the dollar value of my collection. That's not me. I just love driving and occasionally showing my good running, nice appearing '67 Mustang coupe. I guess it's what you would call a mild resto-mod. 302 crate motor, aftermarket fuel injection, AOD trans, 4 wheel disc brakes, aftermarket A/C Etc. and it drives like a dream. I wouldn't enjoy a million dollar supercar as much as driving my Mustang and it cost me about 1/20th as much to build.
I would pay more for it if it had a 4 speed and silver frost but that is just my preference not because of the originality. My 66 A code is the original dark green because I like the color. It was red with an automatic when I bought it, a 3 speed when new and a 4 speed now. and now it's a GT too
I'm glad that I own a silver-blue '65 coupe that was originally a six-cylinder with a 3-speed automatic. I can make it what I want, and nobody makes a fuss.
Nothing wrong with the right modifications. Rebuild the drive train. Add performance parts.
Make the car or truck better than it left the factory. Its yours. Enjoy it.
Agree and so do TODAYS buyers .... almost all my buyers have us add the updates and enhancements that move the car forward in time just enough to make them all the more fun.
They have always been personalized/customized. That's important to it defines periods of time and styles maybe not to everyone's taste but does keep it interesting.
I think the problem is many sellers still expect to get the same price as if it's original (either because they're outright scammers or just dunderheads who don't realize how vintage car pricing works).
And the argument that you can 'change it back' kind of misses the point. If you buy, say, a Chevelle SS 396 clone, changing it back to its original base 305 configuration could see you losing $$$ (and that presumes you even have the original engine and trans available).
If you want to you can change it back.
I think all of us need to just enjoy these rides, in any way we can, while they and we are all still here. Life is short, and its getting shorter, my .02, thanks.
I used to be ITS GOTTA BE ORIGINAL!!! Know what? Screw that. You have the best answer here. Enjoy the dam thing. He'll even Jay Leno ain't that much of a hard ass.
100% agree with that. I am most pleased when I sell a classic to a buyer whom I know will actually drive and enjoy the car.
Paint change is fine, easy change. But not sure why someone would buy a relatively rare 4 speed car and then go to all the trouble and expense of converting to a C4 auto. Considering how many auto cars are out there, seems like a waste but whatever. Probably the same type of person that would butcher that trunk pass through door with lame 6X9 speakers LOL
In 20 years the people that care about it being 'all original' are either going to gone or in a old age home ! The younger generation don't care about these classic vehicles , or at least in the numbers that will sustain their price rising
Modernize them so you can drive them in todays f ing traffic
The speakers cut into the back panel bothers me more than anything else. But hey, I've done some things in the past that make me shake my head today! And a good metal worker can fix that I guess. Most important is to keep the car away from the crusher. In any condition.
Every guy in the 70s put the Kraco 6x9s back there anyway. It's kinda period correct lol
@@anthonyrowland9072 Not a Mustang but my 8-track and co-ax speakers sitting loose (in blocks of wood) on the passenger shelf said something else.
Rear panel is easily replaced with a reproduction. In my opinion the EXHAUST is the "music" I want to hear.
@@QualityClassics I'd say that the rear panel has already been replaced with a reproduction. Actually the entire rear interior looks to have been replaced. Shouldn't this car have a rear seat and horizontal rear deck panel?
Lol I used some wood screws and L-brackets to install some home speakers (in wooden cases) in the backseat of my 1979 Trans Am.
I have owned my 68 Torino GT for 34 years. I spend money on it when i can. I love the car. I enjoy driving it & working on it.
Everyone talks about what they had. I still have. It's mine.
Long term ownership always makes me smile .... many of my BEST FINDS where from the hands of a long term owner.
@@jimolson8424 Me too. 1968 390 GT Torino. Had it since 1987.
I have a tire rim with GT hub cap and ring off a 1968 Ford 390 4 speed GT. Let me know if you are in it. I have no use for it.
@@jimolson8424 long term ownership is the best congratulations
Lucky to have owned my 1969 Mustang Mach-1 since 1980. It's been in our family since 1974.
I bought a 1964.5 in 1979 that had been molested, I had brown shag fur glued all over the inside ,side pipes, and a bad paint job. I realized that the cost of going back to the original setup was not cost effective so I have updated the suspension, brakes, engine transmission to make a cool resto rod
That's fine because the original Mustang was a 3-speed 6 cyl school teacher's car no one wants. I know someone who has an original 65 just like yours and it ain't worth much.
Very valid question, thanks Michael 👍
My opinion is, as long as such changes compared to the original are transparent, this is not a problem at all.
Because then the buyer can decide for himself whether he wants a car for fun or a car for fun and maybe investment.
The problem, however, is often that buyers are deceived and not all such facts are on the table.
Another argument to turn to professionals like Michael and Tyler who have honest cars only and nothing to hide.
Keep automotive history and classic icons as original as possible.
You won't regret it if you resell it.
Always get a second opinion from professionals like from this workshop and channel.
Thank you for the kind comment. I only wish we could FIND more 'quality' cars to offer.
@@maldiesmaldas7711Agree: Don't forget the resale value.
@@maldiesmaldas7711 - Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
In the end it's only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. All the Mustang's I've ever owned were modified to my liking. I've made money I've lost money when reselling but, in the end, when it's your car you want it the way you want it.
I still own and drive my grandmother's '68 Mustang coupe. She left it to me in her will in '92. She lived in Las Vegas and as a youngster I would write her and ask, "How is your Mustang grandma?" When I got older I would visit and help her with maintenance and repair. I have fond memories of her and those times. Also video where she says, "I will never sell it.",. I drove it to Ontario which was an event in itself, as when I got home I asked my wife to marry me. The car retains the original automatic, rear end, paint (red!) and vinyl roof. Grandpa had a cheap engine swap done in the early eighties so I sourced a correct 289 (It's an early car) and my very young son "helped" me build the engine in our garage. It is in a climate controlled storage at a buddy's nearby. Beside it sits my Challenger SRT, and a '90 Miata. We are far from rich, but "enriched by far", by grandma's old Mustang, which has lead to our family car passion. Thank you for letting me ramble. Your car? I say, "You do you".
Truth. My ‘63 1/2 Falcon Futura convertible V8 is worth about $10k more because it is a factory 4 speed car.
If the car has the quality and you changed it to an Auto, I would still pay you the manual price as I would prefer the quality. I could always change it back if I wanted.
I see alot of older folks wanting automatic cars or converting their 4-spd cars. Often the people that love these cars are aged 55-up, and have more tendency toward knee, hip, and hand issues. The auto lets them still enjoy the cars they love.
lots of truth in that
Thanks for having good sense.
So sell it and buy an automatic
Not revealing my age, but I had to wait three months for delivery of my new car in 2023 because I ordered a six-speed instead of the optional CVT in my Crosstrek.
The salesman asked why I didn't want the automatic, I replied that I need the exercise.
"You can sell a young man's car to an old man, but you'll never sell an old man's car to a young man."
I was a courier for 30 years living in my own car without cup holders. Balancing a microphone, a coffee, a stick shift and the wheel was taxing. I learned how to drive a stick in 1973, now my knees and feet are kaput.
I bought my 66 2+2 in 1975 for $600. Drove it daily until 1988. Sat until 2016 when we did a full resto. We restored the car but used FORD parts and tried to make it like FORD could have. We may have hurt it's value by adding a GT350R front pan, high back seats (I'm 6'2") kept the top loader and manual everything....as built. Value matters little. My son says it's never leaving the family. THANKS
There you go. Make it yours!!
The Shelby front valance is an easy swap. I just don't get the allure of high back seats in a 66. They don't match the rest of the car. If you want headrests, I have seen a repro set that works with the original 66 buckets and at least fit the style of the car.
If I really need high back seats I'll buy a 69 or 70 but hey, that's just me LOL
I can recall $600 Mustangs.
I bought my first car, a '56 Ford Customline Ranch Wagon (2 door) with T-Bird 312, for $400 in '78.
It was my 'poor man's Nomad' as those were starting to bring money then.
I’d rather save money and buy a non numbers matching car because I’m not a collector. I like driving the car.
Beautiful work .
Would never change a classic original manual to automatic though
It will be a trend going forward for some of the younger buyers ... and yes, there are some younger buyers who not only love the old timers but can also afford them.
@@QualityClassics I doubt that, since original 4speed cars are harder to find. Much easier to just buy what you can drive.
@@QualityClassicsit's not like it takes 4 years of college to learn to drive a manual. If someone is going to go through what it takes to get into driving a classic car in the first place, spending a few hours in a parking lot to learn how to drive. It shouldn't be that big of a deal.
@@kennethsouthard6042 - The overwhelming percentage of younger drivers have zero experience driving a manual transmission car. Heck, most have never even seen a car with a stick. When all of us old geazers (I’m 69) are gone our stick cars are either going to sit hidden away in garages and showrooms and deteriorate. If swapping to an auto gets a younger person to actually get a classic car out and drive it and allow the car to be seen I have no problem with if. It won’t matter what I think anyway as I will be in heaven with the Lord!
@@danmyers9372 You know what's harder than learning to drive a manual? Finding someone who knows how to rebuild an early 60s automatic. And that's going to get even harder as more people who do that work die off.
I have a 65 coupe that is pretty original! The changes that I have made are mostly cosmetic and can be reversed by a new owner when I decide to sell it. The exception is that the 289 has been upgraded and modified, something that you can't tell by just looking at it!
Your cars are the best, and simply amazing! However, I wouldn't be comfortable driving one around for fear that something would happen to it! My Mustang is definitely down a tier from what you sell and I still won't drive it in the rain, or park it anywhere near other cars!
You definitely set the bar! I really enjoy your videos!
Thank you
I can tell you one thing about originality when it comes to the old muscle cars, they were scary dangerous to drive! So modernizing them with better suspension and tires and brakes makes a lot of sense especially if you're going to drive the cars and enjoy them. Other musclecar collectors want to see nothing but originality so they has something to keep in their trailers! LOL
Originality can (not always) equal fading brakes, sloppy steering and if you're a fanatic for originality, bias ply tires, No thanks.
@@dicksonfranssen I find it hilarious that people are afraid of buggy springs, drum brakes, and bias ply tires.
I drive a restored late WW2 Willys MB. Six volt, mighty 60 HP 'Go Devil' side valve four banger, 6.00 X 16 military NDTs, brakes are an abstract concept on any pre AMC Jeep.
My hot rod 'Flattie with Kenne Bell equipped Buick 225 V6 Odd Fire (former sprint car engine) would terrify you.
@@-oiiio-3993 cool ... on of my personal and favorite 'keepers' is my 1966 Willys Jeep which I drive as much as any of my other keepers
Pretty cool! I can see why some buyers want completely untouched classics, all OEM. I am definitely the complete opposite. I have a 67 Mustang coupe, obviously not as valuable as a fastback. Does not have the original engine, practically rebuilt the entire thing from the ground up. New floor pans, new transmission, various things like that and intentionally upgrading components to keep it far from stock. Paint job that wasn't available, aftermarket wheels, disc brakes. Will it be worth what I put in to sell it later? Of course not. Am I enjoying the hell out of it, racking up miles, and making it my own? Heck yeah.
I am also a "driver type" owner. If it does not make me happy behind the wheel, I move on to a different machine that does.
It’s a classic car and everyone is different so to each’s own. It’s an absolute beauty! I’m a huge classic Mustang fan and owner from Miami. My buddy Rob Staple bought a car from you and unfortunately, he passed away. He always spoke highly of you and your shop!
So very sad to hear this about Rob.
@ Rob was so happy when he purchased the Ghost from you, it was his pride and joy.
To each their own, but personally with driving Mustangs for 40 years, I think pony and sports cars should be sticks. I also am kinda tired of every other car in the show being red, blue, or black. I'm liking the original colors more and more. I'd love to have this car in light blue with a 4-speed, but again, to each their own. Diversity makes the world go around.
Diversity does make the world more interesting to be sure.
Petty Blue
The color thing makes me nuts. If it's horrid (my mom's salmon pink Chrysler) just sell it. We now have our last ever new car, an orange Crosstrek. Not a performance car but at 67 it's safe and easy to find in a parking lot. I have zero toe-in and with all wheel drive in the snow I'm having fun again. I'm the guy who hated the school bus so much I put studded tires on a dirt bike for the last 2 years of high school.
Changing fro a very rare Sliver Frost to Candle Apple resale Red is insanity!!
You make some good points in the video. In my opinion, not every classic car has to be red. When I go to a car show and see a red car the first question that comes to mind is “was this car originally red ?”
This car would be much more fun if it still was a four-speed.
Too many people these days cannot drive a manual transmission car. So sad.
@@patstiff True. Personally I would prefer a 4spd. and the original color. As younger people become interested in these cars they will be more attracted to a pretty usable vehicle, red mustang fastback with a V8 and automatic will always be valuable. The older generations naturally place more value on originality.
True. So many cars have been changed to Red. It has always been a good look on the Stangs but its not the only great color.
This one really goes and I would put a 5-speed to really enjoy the 3rd and 4th GEAR PULLS.
@@QualityClassics Resale Red.
Since I had to special-order the six-speed in my Crosstrek, I also ordered _pure red_ because damn near everything on the road these days is black, white, or some shade of gray. The day after I took delivery I took a friend to Easter dinner at Golden Corral and of about three hundred cars in the lot, mine was the only red one in a sea of gray, black, and white.
Those speakers in the rear package tray put me off. Luckily, it's an easy fix to remove and replace the panel. I work at a classic British resto shop. Soooo many owners want us to install aftermarket sound systems into their E Types, Austin Healeys, MGs, Triumphs, etc. I try to dissuade the owners, (especially Jag owners) but sometimes they are 100% insistent on having ugly systems in their classics.
The speakers cut into the rear deck are more concerning than color change. He really went on far too long repeating the same thing.
changing a silver frost 4 speed to anything else is a sin.
Yes!
Agree and I'm no fan of silver, but it's a rare color. Tons of candy apple red out there already.
@@brandonjones8575 Don't deviate from factory stock. If you want a Candy Apple Red car, buy one that came red from the factory.
I have only owner a handful of Silver Frost cars, two of them were K-codes. I wish I would have kept one of those.
@@QualityClassicsI have an early 65 K code GT fastback that’s a 5 bolt bellhousing Hi PO with Uber rare 5 bolt aluminum toploader bellhousing ( the 5 bolts for most other models are cast iron ) and its silver blue ( code y) Really odd color. Looks silver mostly. But you’ll catch some blue tints. Rotisserie done. Factory deluxe interior.
The whole "I need my car to be red" mindset is getting old. I have a '69 Mach 1 in Black Jade, 428CJ, 4-speed, all numbers matching and looks great! I have a friend with a '69 Mach 1 with the 351, automatic, also looks great. He routinely wins trophies at car shows, while I have but a few. I am not jealous or otherwise put off, I am just making the point that many people cannot or do not want to appreciate many of the other great colors that these cars were born with other than red.
Black Jade is beautiful
I am a fan of many colors, some common and some not. Red is perfect on some but not all thats for sure.
Ford had a few misses, but also a lot of great colors in the 60s. And I agree, candy apple red paint is way overrated.
My favorite color for the ‘69 Mach 1 is Silver Jade especially is it’s a more modern 2 stage paint. It makes the color pop and combined with good chrome makes the car look like a piece jewelry. Absolutely gorgeous.
I had a 69 cougar that was black jade. It had a 351 Windsor 4 barrel automatic. All factory. I put in a dual exhaust and it had keystone classics. Back in the day it had bias tires that were factory width on the front and 60s on the back. Oh I had air shocks on it too because that was the thing. It was a nice car and it rode very nice.
I would have kept it all original, and i don’t like red on a car, i much prefer to have a manual transmission in the car
There are a lot of folks that would agree with exactly that.
@ just wondering are you guy’s on instagram?
And that is YOUR choice. But don’t criticize those who feel differently.
@ I’m not criticizing anyone for what they like, i to like what they did to the car also but I also like keeping things stock to, it depends on what has been done to the car to, if it’s a day two resto mod where there’s been stuff done to it that has enhanced its drivability I’m all for that
Edward I indicate to force a person's own opinion. I used to like a 4-speed over an automatic. Nowadays I prefer the automatic. Nathan that's my opinion. It would be even more expensive than what they already are.
I work for a Classic car dealer a few days a week. Most all the cars they sell are not as built from the factory. But most are a good quality car. One that they sold last summer was a Black 57 T-bird. Red interior. Mild modified 312 and a 5 speed. Looking at the car you would not think it was a modified car. I think keeping the car looking period correct is great but adding modern amenities and safety items (like dual circuit master cylinders) are money well spent. One of my 70's Muscle cars I swapped from the automatic to a 5 speed, but done to make it look like a factory 4 speed.
My favorites are the original LOOKING cars but with some updates to make them safer, more comfortable and perform better all around.
As a lifelong car lover in my seventies, many of us wish that we could have kept our muscle cars from the sixties. We didn't know a gas crisis would kill the cars getting better, and didn't have the ability, financial or storage, to keep our original cars that we had to sell or trade in. I enjoy the memories of my old cars and love my 2013 Mustang GT, but miss the old days when classics were new.
To each his own, but changing a rare color to a common color is a no no. Changing to non-factory color is a bigger no no. Someone crashed into my prairie bronze GT. I'm trying to find another, but there are none out there. Plenty of reds, whites, blacks, even turqoise. Too many with stripes. The search continues...
I am also a fan of Prairie Bronze. Simply put it looks great but you rarely ever see it. Hope you eventually find one!
Not a problem if you keep all the original parts so the next owner.
As the original owner and still driving it my 1966 fastback GT has had a few changes made - dealer installed tri-power - and other upgrades that were available in the 60s - it’s your car do what you want - the next person can do what they want or move on to a different car- there are hundreds of Mustangs available- the same goes for my collection of Shelby 500s and other cars. They are to be driven and enjoyed
Amazing .... hopefully you can share some photos and more history. I LOVE cars with history like yours. If you like you can contact me though my site to share more about your long term ownership.
Great video. I love the fact that it's not offending you to see a car that's been modified . I personally own a 1965 Fastback Mustang that's been highly modified. It started out as a six with a 3-speed transmission, so it wasn't anything special. I really tried to go out of my way to make the car look non-modified. So I guess my car is more of a resto mod than anything else.
I would love to see a video about when it's okay to modify a car because it wasn't exactly a rare car
Thank you! Yes, we’ll probably do a video along those lines. Thanks for the suggestion. 👍🏻
i agree with your opinions on the quality verses originality. some years back original was all the rage but as time went on people wanted to enjoy their cars so color and accessories to make it more fun to drive became the norm. ac, power steering, disc brakes all add to the fun of driving your car but also add value. buy it if you like everything about it and go enjoy it with your family. you are spot on with your assessments.
My buyers often have us ADD updates and upgrades to allow for more 'seat time'. I think this makes perfect sense.
My '72 BMW 2002 was fully restored on the West Coast 10 years ago. Swapped the four speed for a 5-speed. I bought it and shipped it to the east coast where I've been enjoying driving it for 6 years. Bought my first 2002 and fell in love with it 50 years ago.
I am, the original owner of a Shelby GT 350. (1969) I have changed the color to Gulfstream Aqua, and changing the interior to white. This is the combination I would have bought, but I appreciate the quality that the car has today.
Well Michael, what cheered me up most was the quality of your presentation and content in this concise post...! It was very thought provoking; I’ll try to follow your example to contribute...
As the decades pass, it’s increasingly difficult to argue for a car that at best will present and perform no better than when first born. The market for these must be getting (comparatively) very narrow, even for a collector of 45 years like you...
Equally as time passes, it’s increasingly difficult to argue against or ignore the advances and improvements in many of the technologies, incl. tyres, suspension, in-car information by example - on top of the 2 changes to the trim tag you’ve exampled.
much appreciated and well said
Hi Michael, great video and great topic! In this case I have to say they missed it a bit on this one. You didn’t touch on it in the video, but this is also an A-code (289 4-barrel). In this case the best for this car is both (quality and originality)! ‘66 fastback, Silver Frost, Black Interior, A-code 289, 4-speed… Already pretty darn good! If anything, maybe an upgrade to GT package (power steering, power front disc brakes, etc.) but that would be about it on this one!
Good comment, thanks
Hey I bought y 66 FB as a shell and did what I wanted - 351C - Rod and Custom front end - 4 speed - nine inch. I love it - had it since 1987.
I am more of a quailty type person. I am also not big on clone cars that people try to sell as a GTO or an SS, for example. That's a beautiful Mustang!
People should build their cars for their needs/wants. I think originality for actual historic pieces is nice, but ultimately it's your car. I'm more concerned about restoring and maintaining these awesome cars. If someone pulls one from a scrapyard and saves it, they can do whatever they want to it.
If I need a heart transplant or an organ donor, believe me, I'm not concerned about originality
Beautiful Mustang, I would drive it with a big smile. I don't think converting it to an automatic hurt the value too much, as it could always be converted back. As I get older I can appreciate an automatic transmission. I have a 71 Challenger with a 4 speed (I converted it from an automatic), and some days I wonder if my head was loose, especially when my knees are sore. Nice looking shop by the way.
I had a mid-seventies Coronet with three-on-the-tree and the clutch felt like the leg press station on a weight machine.
I have a '71 Challenger with the Slapstick 3 speed. Want to trade? I'm only joking but it's nice to see another '71 owner.
I have a cousin who is all about back to original. On the other hand, I like cars that look original but perform like a newer car. Mild restomods like brakes, radial tire, 6:00 electronic ignition, AC all make hanging out in your ride that much more enjoyable.
Guys who get too hung up on originality sometimes create trailer queens, but cars are meant to be driven.
My two favorite car designs were the 1972 Mercedes 350/450SL (same car-different badging) and the 1965/66 Ford Mustang Fastback. Both stunning designs in my opinion. I had a 1970 Fastback (351-C 2V, 4-speed) in the early 80's but had to sell it as it was always getting broken into for parts! Also had a '72 450SL for 20 years. A nice weekend car that was starting to show it's age again. I decided to sell it rather than "fix it up" again. I also had a 1970 Fiat 124 convertible for over 20 years. More fun than you might think!
I have a numbers matching 66 GT coupe with 58,000 original miles. It is Siver Frost, which I researched was an extremely low percentage for the GTs. It has always been in the Seattle for its entire life. The only changes were refreshing the motor, bigger carb and bigger exhaust. Been thinking about selling it, but I can't get myself to pull the trigger. You are correct, it is sure a hoot to rip around with that throaty motor sound!
Let's talk when you are ready to sell, in the mean time ENJOY it!!
Gorgeous Car!!! This is a car that is meant to be enjoyed and driven, and the modifications are of high quality. An all original car is "typically" not driven as much as the owner usually doesn´t want to increase the mileage or roll on original tires. Nothing wrong with either choice. To me the only thing I personally disliked about this car were the 6x9 speakers on the back... the soundtrack on this car comes from the gorgeous exhaust note!!!
I accept the fact that there are purerists who, for investment purposes, want every detail to match the original build sheet. Such folks love the value more than the car itself. I fall into the category of those who love the car, the memories, and the opportunity to reexperience the joy of owning and driving a tangible part of my youth.
Not all. I fall into both categories.
As long as it was a base model car without many value attributes from the factory I would be totally fine with those quality modifications as a buyer 😊
Great video. I have a question. I have a 1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler that is a survivor. It has original paint and interior. Of course, if has some flaws being a 55 year old car. The only issue with the interior is the carpet. It has some tears and looks kind of ratty. In general is a classic car worth more as a survivor in VG condition or more if it is restored?
I am a super fan of the original paint survivor, patina and all. As far as worth, it can be worth more to one guy and less to the next. We all place values in different ways but generally speaking only the MINT survivor would be worth more than a well restored example.
@@QualityClassics that makes sense, thank you!!
Sounds and looks good. Owners must have done a good job as i noticed the steering was consistent and not needing frequent corrections. My 65 was a "C" code 289 2 barrel, 3 sp manual 8" open diff as delivered with not many options. Excellent for upgrading without killing its value. I bought it 30+ yrs ago as a 302 automatic. Its currently a 5.0l efi (late 80's factory mustang) 5sp manual, 9" traction lock with disc's up front. Still needs to be finished.
I enjoy the original color pallet for the cars era not the original car color. I also like the period corect technology as well as the aftermarket items of that era. Some times you need modern tech to get what you want but with my '66 Mustang gt I keep it simple as 60's correct as possible with a few modern mods that can go back stock if one wanted too. I want my car to have that original feeling while driving it.
In the video he said quality trumps originality, but for my money originality is everything. They say there's an ass for every seat, it just won't be mine if it's not original.
I would upgrade to a dual-circuit brake system, maybe discs if they were an option for that model, but nothing that cannot be undone easily by a later buyer.
I've restored and sold a few cars over the years. My experience is the guys that pay BIG money for a car are the guys that want everything original. They probably won't drive the car much except for from the show to the auction block. The rest of the people want to drive the cars and will tolerate changes that make the car better to drive in the modern world. They'll pay for a good car, but not the big prices. Trouble is, they don't pay enough for you to make any money on the car. If you are trying to make a living restoring cars, you have to keep everything original.
The modifications, possibly except for the sound system addition, could have been made the day after the original purchase and from this film it appears to be original assembly line components, just not the ones originally fitted.
LMAO! The algorithm brought me to you! I’m watching this, and all of a sudden, you’re driving out of Canyon Oaks. I’m like, there’s no way thats 1171. But then I sort of make out the sign that reads “Cross Timbers.” Not 100%, I just go ahead and look you up. …your place of business is in that small airport just off the road! We actually looked at possibly buying a hanger there to store cars at about 14 years ago, before that one plane crash. So all these classic mustangs and other cars that I would see every so often driving around town… …they were probably your inventory! They were probably even you! 😆
Yes! That’s where we’re located! Are y’all local?
Yep. I live just behind the (former) Pumpkin Patch. I’ve been driving my “vintage” mustang up and down 1171 since 1998, back when it was just a two lane asphalt road. It’s a red on red on red 94 if you ever see it.
If you manage to find a totally original classic, then keep it as such. But don't criticise anyone like me who has a totally restored Mustang coupe, mine has 5sp trans, from a C4, which I believe to be an Auto. Its now Raven black, and was Pale yellow, rebuilt 289ci with a four barrel carb which was originally a 2 barrel. I feel the main thing here is to keep these old classics on the road. Regardless of originality. Just enjoy what you have.
Agree
Deviation Alert! The majority of Mustangs were Automatics, and some people are going to be pissed off that a Manual Transmission Car was swapped over to an Automatic. This is my take. If it has an Automatic Transmission, hold onto it to reinstall it at a later point in time, but upgrade it to a Ford Automatic 4 Speed Overdrive from the late 80's, or there abouts for better Fuel Economy. If it has a Manual Transmission, hold onto it, but upgrade it to a Tremec 5 Speed or 6 Speed Manual Transmission or a Ford 5 Speed Manual Transmission. As far as the Color goes: at least it was a Factory Color from that year and all of the info is disclosed before the sale, and to all buyers in the future. P.S. There would have to be something wrong with my left leg or foot before I would spend money on a Mustang with an Automatic Transmission! Love Your Channel!
Good comment and also, thank you !!!
I appreciate your nuanced viewpoints in the video! Quality is of foremost importance. Especially when it comes to "polishing" the rough edges Ford cost-cut when they left the assembly line.
Originality is (generally) a myth. Machines have parts that are designed to wear. My own mustang is original, but I've had to replace every single part forward of the firewall while my family and I daily drive it for 30+ years. You wouldn't want to drive around with 70 year old rubber seals or original light bulbs. Time always marches forward.
Mustangs will always be a common classic, and each one is a blank canvas to leave your mark on it. It could be something as small and logical as an electronic distributor, or something as intense as a million dollar frame off restomod, as long as it exudes the fun of a Pony car, it's fine.
Otherwise it's just a useless static metal sculpture that takes up more space than a gold ingot, and less fun.
Just do it with some care and respect towards the original idea of what the Mustang is, and do it tastefully. Original door trim tag or not, we're all stewards of the vehicles we own, and if the next owner seeks to restore it back to the EXACT specs it left the factory with, so be it. If you buy a classic just for the value, you're in the wrong hobby, go day trade stock or something.
Agree. The word "original" is used very broadly and sometimes with too much esteem.
Mustnags are great, and 65/66 fastbacks are the best of them. And even though they have become quite valuable in certain circumstances they're never going to be as collectable as a Ferrari or pre-90s Aston, simply because of the number which were built. Over 100,000 1965 and '66 fastbacks rolled off the line. If even only 10% survived, that's still a lot of cars.
The lesson? Unless it''s a very limited variant (like a GT350), there's no crime in changing colours, engines/transmissions, gear ratios, trim levels. There aren't that many absolute purists out there, and lots of buyers who simply want the car they want because they like it.
I have a low mileage '65 T-code fastback in Wimbledon white. When I got it it had the 200 six and a 3-speed auto. Not a single tear was shed when I dropped in a foxbody 5.0, T5 and limited slip rear end. It probably cost more to buy/convert it than it would have cost to find an A or C code car (if I eventually found one), but I have the car I always wanted.
If you've got one, just make into whatever you want it to be, and don't look back.
Smart educated answer. Just enjoy them. Folks are fixated on value. Stop it!!! Just drive it.😊
So glad they made soooo many. This sweet little machine has been putting smiles on folks faces for 60 years now. To me that's pretty impressive.
I fell in LOVE Mustang in 1964! As a KID> love all three models. My dream car!
I think a lot of the variation depends on the car in question as well. A very rare model would have a much bigger hit on value over a tastefully modded standard car. I agree that in general though most folks don't mind a nicely updated car, as long as it gives the feel for what the car would have been like in its time.
I think that if this was something like an 62-63 Ford Thunderbird Convertible Sports Roadster with the M Code engine option then any change could possibly hurt the price of the car. There were less than 50 made with that package so most that would want one of these cars would not want a change in any kind of major component. I'm sure Shelby Mustangs, Yenko Camaros and others like these would be similar. If this had been a Hertz Mustang painted red then it definitely would have been effected.
So you are right, most cars this won't change the ability to sell the car that much. At the same time don't do a change like this, especially one that is expensive to reverse, to a particularly rare car.
These are cars, and are meant to be driven and enjoyed. I personally enjoy shifting a "toy" car. Daily driver is an auto. Make it the way you want it, and smile!!
I have a 66 C code fastback (factory candy apple red), and I'm converting it to EV. Measuring up a Model 3 rear engine/gearbox/suspension cradle right now to see if I can fabricate it into the stock frame rails.
Yes, why not. I can even imagine that this could become a trend. The car can still have all the other original parts. Interesting comment.
🤦
@ actually not much worse than Restomods, just modern times.
If it was Silver, the mods would not matter to me. Very pretty car in the original Silver.
And the 4-spd.
Agree, the Silver when done well is very nice.
A few 'bolt-ons' that can be 'bolted-off' is the way to go when personalizing a car.
The workshop next to mine do restoration work and recently swapped an original 307 chev 4 speed manual for a vortec 350 crate motor and a turbo 400 trans in a genuine GTS HT Holden Monaro! It's what the owner wanted so they took his money, probably wiped $ 50K from it's value, lol. These cars bring $100K - $250K depending on condition in Australia.
it honestly depends on who the buyer is wether its someone who wants it original down to the tag or someone who just wants it for how it looks
Ive been a classic car guy since i was a teenager in the 90’s. Full time restoration shop guy for 13 years now…. When I look for a particular car or one just catches my eye It’s the color that is my main attraction, closely followed by build quality as those are what ‘makes’ the car. If Im looking for a beautiful red mustang I don’t care if it was originally pink. If im looking for a good daily cruiser I’m looking for an automatic, just my preference, along with maaaaaaaaaaany others, IE you damn near can’t buy a manual anymore…. Originality would only matter to me on an extremely rare or valuable car, 71 hemicuda, boss 429 or something like that… For a driver I just don’t care.
Color I like and quality 👍
I preferred Rangoon Red rather than Candy Apple.... Long long ago, a 1964 1/2 fastback. Gawd I miss the football field sized front hoods.
The changes on my C code 65 fastback were made in 1965. My Uncle seen a GT 350 and went to buy one. He was told it was a $1500.00 package. He felt that he could just add his own high rise manifold, cam, rims, and exhaust for $500.00 himself, and that is exactly what he did as soon as he got it home from the dealer. Never heard of this Shelby guy. So my four speed, four barrel was converted in 1965. Every car has a story, maybe this one does too.
Crazy, most today want a stick shifter. Full stop. Should have never converted it. But , luckily it can be converted back, but with a price $!
You are correct concerning the fact that ..."it can be changed back"
I bought a 63-1/2 Ford Fairlane 2dr. fastback. It was in decent shape and had some hard to find options. At car shows I would get comments from purists on things like the wheels and radiator cap. I was afraid to repair anything. I ended up selling it to a place that restored them.
Before this I bought a beat up 74 Challenger. Then I did whatever I wanted to the car. It was redone bumper to bumper , nothing matched how it was originally made.
I would say, leave the rare cars to the purist, but there’s plenty of others that you can modify and enjoy all you want.
I personally like silver frost as a color. It seems everyone wants to paint them red. I guess that I'm in that shrinking pool of drivers that prefer originality. If I was contemplating the purchase of this particular car, I would have taken the changes made into the pricing and valued it less.
Doug is my new best friend, I like Silver Frost too. When we took title of her family's '66 Convertible which had not been running for 10-12 years, she tasked me with getting it running and road worthy with the simple instructions "keep it looking like it was when I drove it to high school". That has been done while still making major improvements to the suspension, brakes and of course, the engine. 😂
Yep, there are still plenty of folks you feel that way but the tire has been turning for the last decade.
Nice exhaust note during that initial acceleration up to the posted and highly monitored 50mph 👍🏻
Ford built a million Mustangs in the first 18 months of production. If someone wants to restore a Mustang like this one, it won't hurt the value as long as it's a "quality build."
However, if this were a GT 350 Fastback repainted and swapped similarly,. there would be some very upset enthusiasts with pitchforks, tar and feathers knocking on your door.
True
Totally agree with your statement … half the luck to the new owner … a steal 👌
Enjoy ….
The larger portion of buyers that are looking for quality will pay for it and the car will easily sell for a good amount. But the small portion looking for everything original are oftentimes willing to pay obscene amounts.
I think a lot of buyers in the last few years have been swayed away from the “it has to be original” mindset by a couple things. 1). Finding the exact version of a car you want is getting harder and harder. If you can find a version that us very close and make a couple changes to make if fit your personal preference you can have the car sooner and actually enjoy it. Let’s face it a lot of us classic car guys are getting long in the tooth and don’t have that many years in front of us. 2). A lighter resto modded car is WAY more enjoyable and safer to actually drive than a totally original car. And 3). Well built restomods are worth as much and sometimes much more than original models these days..
My way of thinking exactly
Up until 2016 I was a manual shift kind of guy. But, I had a serious work accident that resulted in a broken pelvis and injury to my right shoulder. So, a clutch and a manual shifter are more difficult to manipulate these days. So the Mustang would be more marketable to people with certain disabilities.
What is your opinion of the seemingly popular coupe to fastback conversions? Assuming the job is done professionally and tastefully and correctly, does this detract from the value?
It's really what someone is willing to pay. What's it worth to them.
I have a 77 Ford Granada, 2 door, 33 thousand miles southern Cali car. Triple yellow. The ebay bidding stopped at $1003 dollars.
My point? Car prices are erratic, and make no sense. It's what the market wants that month.
I have no direct experience here but I would certainly consider a build like this for myself if my goal was to build a mild resto-mod and I found a super cherry coupe. Not sure about the cost side or the resale side, but the resale side would not be my main focus. Building the car of my dreams would be my focus.
I find it hilarious that some who post here are afraid of buggy springs, drum brakes, and bias ply tires.
I drive a restored late WW2 Willys MB. Six volt, mighty 60 HP 'Go Devil' side valve four banger, 6.00 X 16 military NDTs. Brakes are an abstract concept on any pre AMC Jeep.
My hot rod 'Flattie with Kenne Bell equipped Buick 225 V6 Odd Fire (former sprint car engine) sitting on leaf springs, rather large, fat, bias plys with aged drum brakes all 'round would terrify them.
Overall, a stock fastback in its original color will be worth more to more people. Add the 4 speed and it would significantly add to the buyer pool. Quality and originality would make this worth the most to collectors and non-collectors.
I added safety and performance features because I drive it frequently and I want to be safer than the car could provide originally. Added disc brakes all around, sway bars, stiffer, suspension, and seat belts for the back seats after my kids were born. Looks original, but far from it. Have had her for 35 years, and would never sell her. She’s made just for me. 👍🏽
While I appreciate a "numbers matching" car, I prefer to make my old cars the way I want them. My wife has a '69 Corvair Monza Convertible (one of 521 made) that we modified to our liking. Frankly, the color options that year (interior and exterior) were pretty awful, so that was change number one. The wife also refuses to drive a four-speed (she can but won't), so in went the Powerglide. It is now a real head-turner, and is pretty fast with the de-smogged four carburetor 140HP motor.
My car is a 1966 GT with an A code and 4 speed is almost identical to this one. The previous owner changed the color from Ivy Green Metallic it Candy Apple Red. Other than that, the car is totally stock. It will need to be painted at some point again soon as the paint is starting to show signs of aging. I have been torn on what to do color wise. I felt that if I repainted it, I would need to change it back to stock to increase the value of the particular car I own. I can say that now, after watching this, I am less likely to do that. I will still struggle with the decision, but this has helped me see things a little differently. I will never sell the car, so what do I really care about the value? I think that is the question I need to ask myself. Thank you for your good videos! I especially liked your "True GT" video as I was able to check all the boxes on my car to confirm it was the real deal :)
So glad to here that my True GT video helped!
Some owners simply want to drive a car they like; they don't care about resale.
YEP ...... and this is more common than you would think
Its up to the owner. Wants to drive it or show it? Concourse judging want it perfect as in the dealership. Most blow that with a repaint. The original paint was far from perfect. Runs, orange peel, overspray. Im guessing this car has headers and 4bl, 65 side scoop trim, most likely had a blue 2 tone interior and not deluxe. I like it!
Originality is scarce and more valuable than performance upgrades which are common. But, gotta sell what you got. (A*s for every seat.)
I think silver is a rarer older color because silver used to fade badly back when it was single stage.
Very true ... the old single stage Silver went away quickly back in the day
My friend has a ‘66 with a front bench seat ! From the factory! First one I’ve ever seen! My first was a ‘67 GT350 fastback ❤❤❤ had the factory wheels just like in this video.
I'd rather have taught my wife to like a 4-speed than to have put an automatic in it, but I love the color change. Beautiful car.
When possible, its cool to own BOTH an auto & a manual as there are some drives/roads that one is more enjoyable than the other.
@@QualityClassics I put a 4 speed in mine, now my wife won't drive it. good deal for me
First rule on these cars is never go by that tag. It says right on there, "not for title or registration" Why,? Because doors can be swapped. The real numbers are stamped on the fender apron on the drivers side. First, always check to see that this VIN matches the one on the door. Also, the 63A on the tag denotes a standard interior. This has been converted to a Pony interior, except whoever did it forgot to add the puddle lights in the doors. At least do it right.
True. The vin of course does not tell you everything, however with the vin and the original door trim tag (on of course the original door) tell you a lot. For those super familiar with these cars there is more to be gleaned. Part of the fun.
Everybody & there Brother has a RED Mustang!! Silver Frost is a RARE & beautiful color if done right.
If the car is numbers matching, restore to original. If it's not, do what you want. If you want to just go wild on a classic, buy a non numbers car.
most agree with this
Absolutely agree!
It's only original once. _restored can approximate it, but it isn't original.
As people get older, an automatic gains a great appeal. I'd rather have an automatic in socal. Get stuck in a sig alert or two, and you begin to change your mind on the manual thing.
Arthritis, and artifical knees prefer automatic.
@@danbolton3180you would have to have one in so cal then for sure
man, you and son, should have triple the amount of subs you have now.
Thank you for saying so .... not sure why we cannot get traction. I guess we are not sensational enough.
I had a straight 6 in 1968 as a teen -- always wished we would have changed to a 289. Do you ever do that?
For me yes it hurts the value. Would I buy a color change vehicle yeah if I wasn’t collecting!
If I was a serious big money collector I would be concerned about numbers matching 100 point originality and the dollar value of my collection. That's not me. I just love driving and occasionally showing my good running, nice appearing '67 Mustang coupe. I guess it's what you would call a mild resto-mod. 302 crate motor, aftermarket fuel injection, AOD trans, 4 wheel disc brakes, aftermarket A/C Etc. and it drives like a dream. I wouldn't enjoy a million dollar supercar as much as driving my Mustang and it cost me about 1/20th as much to build.
Value of a 67 I had lost a lot! Born light lime Frost Green, in dash air! Had a repaint in 73 to red!
I would pay more for it if it had a 4 speed and silver frost but that is just my preference not because of the originality. My 66 A code is the original dark green because I like the color. It was red with an automatic when I bought it, a 3 speed when new and a 4 speed now. and now it's a GT too
I'm glad that I own a silver-blue '65 coupe that was originally a six-cylinder with a 3-speed automatic. I can make it what I want, and nobody makes a fuss.
Very interesting topic. I certainly see your point. Still, that is a nice looking and apparently nice driving Mustang.