FANTASTIC FASTBACKS: These custom Mustangs will be turning some heads at the Northeast Auction
June 8, 2017
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent Roger C. Johnson
The docket at the upcoming Northeast Auction includes these Ford Mustang Custom Fastbacks – one (top) from 1968 (Lot #718) and the other from 1967 (Lot #667).
One of Ford’s marketing ploys for the new Mustang was that it could be ordered with any roofline configuration desired. So coupes, convertibles and fastback models were made available right from the beginning. That fastback was called a “Sportsroof.” It was a fitting name for a car designed to shamelessly attack the entire classic sports car market right out of the proverbial gate.
History has already proven the Mustang concept is downright compatible with almost any kind of high-performance upgrade. We’ve had Boss 429, Cobra Jet and Shelby Mustangs, as well as versions patterned after well-known Mustangs featured in several hit films. They were almost all fastbacks for a reason. They just plain looked faster. See for yourself.
1968 Ford Mustang Custom Fastback (Lot #718)
The first of two notable Mustangs destined for the spotlight at the Northeast Auction at No Reserve (Lot #718) began its career in 1968 as an original S-Code 390 GT fastback. A complete restoration ‒ and subsequent build, including an Eleanor body kit from Stang-Aholics ‒ has given this car a commanding stage presence even though it has traveled zero miles since debuting to the public. Rest assured, it can certainly hit the road running at the drop of a hat.
The professionally rebuilt 390 big block still retains the correct GT heads, exhaust manifolds and intake. Just the mere sight of this massive engine lying impatiently between the shock towers of a lightweight Mustang is precisely how legends begin.
A dual stainless steel side-exit exhaust system takes care of the acoustics. Shifting this machine is the work of a factory Toploader 4-speed manual transmission. Consider those four gears as cue cards for the engine. Watch out for the nitrous oxide button on that shifter. Power disc brakes can stop the action any time you choose. Shelby-styled 17-inch wheels make up the supporting cast.
This Mustang provides Pro-Car custom Rally seats surrounded by a roll bar with a 5-point restraint system ‒ no stunt driver needed here. Velocity gauges are morphed into the original dash pod and look like they belong. A Shelby-style steering wheel frames the scene in front of you perfectly while you’re surrounded by stainless-steel and billet trim pieces throughout the interior.
1967 Ford Mustang Custom Fastback (Lot #667)
The 1967 Mustang Fastback (Lot #667) on offer with No Reserve at the Northeast Auction takes on a different personality with highly lauded 427 FE big-block side-oiler and a factory medium riser dual-quad induction system. This is the power plant that helped put Ford on top of the international racing game with impressive wins at LeMans in the ’60s. You could say Ford won three Oscars in a row thanks to its performance. This one is kept cool with a Dewitt aluminum radiator and dual electric fans. A Ford 3-speed C6 automatic has been rebuilt to extreme performance levels and backs up the engine like a brother. A Hurst automatic shifter operates the system in the manner you’d expect. Out back, a limited-slip rear end hosts 3.73 gears for quick revving response.
This Mustang’s suspension has been upgraded dramatically with a Heidts coilover front assembly and a 4-link system on the rear which also sports coilovers. Front and rear sway bars keep the playing field level. Big power numbers also dictate big brakes and this car delivers in that arena as well. Four-wheel discs featuring Wilwood 8-piston calipers can draw the curtain on forward motion safely and without hesitation.
Handling response has been assured with a Total Control power rack & pinion steering package. Power disc brakes on all wheels generate the “whoa” factor with ease and confidence. Vintage Air and power windows along with soundproofing by Dynamat make the plush interior even more livable, while beautiful, premium wool carpet makes this interior even more plush.
The car’s exterior carries all the styling cues you’d expect in such a Mustang. A large functional hood scoop punctuates the effort. This model rides on 18-inch American racing Shelby Cobra wheels with Nitto tires.
The Mustang’s influence on our culture is indisputable, and we have as much fun modifying our own as Iacocca and boys must have had inventing the car in the first place.
For up-to-date information on these and other vehicles on the docket for the Northeast Auction, click HERE.