Lot 335: 1967 Ford Mustang GT 390 Fastback

The original pony car, Ford's Mustang established itself as one of the cult cars of the Sixties following its launch in 1964. Available in convertible, notchback and fastback guise, with 2.8 or 3.3 litre straight six and 4.2 or 4.7 litre V8 engines, it was to prove one of Ford's greatest sellers. It was with the largest engine, however, that the Mustang got the kick it really deserved, as the Shelby 350GT; Ford was keen to take on the Corvettes of rival Chevrolet in SCCA events and Carroll Shelby was commissioned to adapt his experiences with the AC Cobra and Ford GT40 to the somewhat soft Mustang. Nonetheless, the lesser specification 4,727cc Mustangs - available with an output of either 200, 225 or 271bhp - were no slouches, while roadholding was taken care of by independent coil spring front suspension and a live, leaf-sprung rear axle; brakes were drums all round with the option of front discs. For 1966 there were detail cosmetic changes to the Mustang range, but for the following year the body was widened to accommodate a two inch increase in track, the bonnet given a longer nose and the louvres deleted either side of the grille, while on fastback models the roof ran right to the rear of the body rather than stopping just before it. By 1968 Ford had substituted the 4,929cc V8 throughout the range for the 4,727cc motor. Manufactured in December 1967, it is believed this Mustang GT390 Fastback was exported to the Philippines by a US Air Force serviceman based at Clark Field, the largest American base overseas, some 50 miles north of Manila. Following the complete evacuation of Clark Field in June 1991 after Mount Pinatubo erupted, the Philippine government took control of the base and organised local contractors to clear it and the cars left abandoned there were eventually sold. Purchased in 1994, this particular car has subsequently been rebuilt by Classicautocraft, after a total of 2,000 hours of labour, and with every part either rebuilt or replaced using only components sourced from America, to a standard better than that achieved by Ford in the 1960s. The original 6.4 litre big block V8 engine has been re-bored and the cylinders honed and reassembled with new pistons, bearings, timing chain and oil and water pumps, together with reconditioned 'ported' and polished cylinder heads; carburation is via a new double pump Holley 750CFM four barrel carburettor and a new Procomp Electronics billet distributor and electronic ignition box, and a 140 ampere alternator, have also been fitted. In addition, the correct Ford Toploader four speed manual gearbox and heavy duty rear axle have also been fully overhauled, as has the braking system with new a new tandem master cylinder and servo and up-rated front and rear discs, the latter housed behind American Racing Torque Thrust D wheels, 15in x 7in at the front and 15in x 8.5in at the rear, shod with original style BF Goodrich tyres. Notable other features include a conversion to right hand drive using original Ford Australia parts, an aluminium radiator, power assisted steering, Koni shock absorbers, heavy duty front and rear anti-roll bars, a Monte Carlo front strut towers brace, an Export brace linking the towers to the bulkhead, and an overhead interior console with map lights and faux wood grain insert. Replicating the Mustang driven by Steve McQueen in the film Bullitt, the car is finished in the correct Highland Green paintwork, without insignias and blacked out radiator grille and tail lamp area, and with Black Deluxe interior trim, including faux wood grain inserts in the door panels and dashboard. This original GT 390 Fastback - an exact replica of Steve McQueen's famous Mustang - has been completed in time for the 40th anniversary this year of Bullitt, and in celebration of this even Ford Racing in America has reproduced a brand new 2008 Bullitt Mustang. Presented in absolutely excellent condition, what is on offer here is the original, but better, including the look, sound and feel of what Steve McQueen drove in one of the most famous cinematic car chases of all time. An opportunity unlikely ever to be repeated.