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The Hagerty YouTube channel features tons of automotive content that can keep any gearhead happy for days on end. One of the most popular series on the channel is the Barn Find Hunter series, where the presenter Tom will find some incredible collections. Some of these are large collections, others include one or two cherished vehicles, and some offer something completely unique. Like this episode of a 1963 Ford Mustang in Detroit.
You might be wondering what someone in Detroit was doing with a pre-1964 Ford Mustang, a year before it was first introduced. Well, as this special episode of the series reveals, it’s a prototype 1963 Ford Mustang owned by none other than Henry Ford II. This means that what we have here is a truly unique Mustang and a very special one too, and it is tucked away in a corner of Detroit, as perhaps one of the most incredible barn finds ever seen by Hagerty. And it’s a wonder it still exists.
Near the Henry Ford Mustang
This Mustang is one of the oldest and rarest Mustangs in existence. And we say “barn find” but this car has been lovingly cared for in a garage, and is currently owned by Art. Art was asked what made this car so special, and of course it was a prototype Mustang build. In fact, no badging has been placed on the fenders, and the wheels are also stylish steel. The original tires even Henry Ford didn’t like, hence the new tires. Those tires were put in storage but were later stolen.
Since this car is a prototype, all the latches are chrome and there is also no spot welding. It’s smooth, like a custom car, which is in effect what it is. This car is handmade, with a padded roof and leather seats. The last of those was never made available on a Mustang. And the car is currently presented in as original condition as possible. Art has owned this car since 1975, and that’s when it caught his eye. Henry Ford’s chauffeur owned the car until 1970 before selling it to its previous owner, although Art said it was a rust bucket when he got hold of it.
The Mustang Has Been Restored to Its Former Glory
Art shows the owner’s manual that came with the car when he bought it, registering the car to Edsel B. Ford II and labeling the car as a 2+2 Fastback. It wasn’t this car, and after contacting a guy named Jim Smart who does articles for “In search of Mustangs”, he went back to Art to tell him that it wasn’t Edsel’s Mustang, but Henry’s car itself. That’s when he realized how special this car was, and it was in 1979.
After a broker offered him $17,000 for it, Art realized it was something more special, and he learned more about it. Edsel did see the car and met Art about the car, and how his dad took him etc and Edsel even signed the glove box on the car. As Tom explains, the Mustang was a novelty in the 1960s, offering a personal sports car to as many people as possible, and the hype was through the roof. The rest is pretty much history as well.
Looking Under the Hood of the Mustang
This Mustang is a K-code Mustang, it features a special water pump and a retrofitted alternator as well. Power steering and power brakes are another feature of the car, and the insulation under the hood also helps make this car stand out. Art has a very special car on his hands as we will see, and he only replaced what was really necessary on the car when it was fully restored. It did include the fenders, door skins and quarters, but it was also replaced with new old stock.
A Very Special Mustang And A Unique Survivor
Back in the day, Art only paid $500 for this incredible car, and it’s remarkable to hear its story and that it even survived. It would have been so easy for the Mustang to be scrapped or left to rot somewhere but thankfully, Art has preserved a unique piece of Mustang history. There’s even a special, die-cast radio button inside the car and wooden knobs for it. It even has a studiosonic sound. The fact that we still have this Mustang is incredible, and we thank Art for saving it and restoring it to its former glory.
Source: Hagerty YouTube Channel
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