Mecum Markets a Multitude of Mustangs in Monterey

Six choice selections from Mecum's Mustang stable

You’ve got your rare, restored, replica, Ram Air, racer and resto-mod to choose from as they hit the block at Mecum’s Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa sale—and that’s just the ones we had space for here. Lots here are listed in ascending running order, with “T” prefix cars on Thursday and “F” on Friday. 

All images courtesy Mecum Auctions.
All photo illustrations by the author.

1973 Ford Mustang Convertible [Estimate: N/A]

The “big” (109-inch wheelbase) Mustangs didn’t exactly go out with a bang in ’73, but if you wanted a new drop-top Mustang, this would be the last for almost a decade. Lot #T47, in all its Bright Green Gold over Light Ivy Green glory, would have been a good choice. With its biggest-engine-available 351-cu. in. “Cleveland” motor, A/C, power brakes and pristine top. We’d want the row-your-own gearbox to make the most of its 150-some-odd ponies, but if this one sells near the median market price of $18k, we could easily see overlooking its automatic. 

>>Join the conversation about these Mustangs set for Monterey here in The Mustang Source.

1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback [Est.: $50k-$75k]

If you want the same powertrain in a better wrapper, Lot #F61 is it. The 351 wasn’t the most powerful engine on offer in 1970 (it’s actually just one step up from the base 302) but it’s still more than enough to back up the go-fast-promising looks of a Mach 1 fastback. In addition to its Mach 1-specific trim and equipment, this rotisserie-restored Medium Blue Metallic Mustang features multiple options such as rear window slats and spoiler, Magnum 500 wheels, twist hood locks, and a center console.  

>>Join the conversation about these Mustangs set for Monterey here in The Mustang Source.

1968 Ford Mustang Fastback “Licensed Eleanor Tribute Edition” [Est.: $180k-$220k]

While not as immediately noticeable on something like a Christine replica—where one year up or down from the ’58 she is making a huge difference—Lot #F138 is nonetheless one year too young to be a true “Eleanor” recreation as the “original” (from the film remake) is a ’67. That car—despite having a 351-cu. in. crate motor bolted to a three-speed automatic, something they never showed on-screen—went for a staggering $385k at B-J’s 2019 Scottsdale sale. As far as “Licensed Tributes” go, they’re not rare and can come with just about any powertrain, with prices all over the map. One ’68 with a 390-cu. in./5-speed manual went for $165k while a 427-cu. in./5-speed went for $103,400. This one comes with a 428 Cobra Jet/4-speed Toploader combo making the estimate seem a bit optimistic, as every licensed replica came with the same package of swag seen here. But it’s claimed to be “used as a non-functional prop car for the movie, never intended to be sold.” Do you care? They hope so… 

>>Join the conversation about these Mustangs set for Monterey here in The Mustang Source.

1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback 429 SCJ [Est.: $80k-$90k]

If you wanted a fully-restored blue Mach 1 fastback just one year after Lot #F61—but with a hell of a powertrain upgrade—Lot #F144 is what you’d get. To call its styling “overly busy” is an understatement. However, if ever there was a setup that needed all those ducts and scoops it’s this car’s 429-cu. in. Super Cobra Jet Ram Air V8 with Drag Pack and four-speed. This car wasn’t just spec’d to be a straight-line terror as it also has just about every bit of option ticked one could get on this last-of-the-big-blocks model, including power steering and a loaded two-tone Sports Interior with an 8-track tape player. The Deluxe Marti Report says this is a one-of-one, so if you want it—with just 100 miles on the re-do, no less—this is your singular chance.

>>Join the conversation about these Mustangs set for Monterey here in The Mustang Source.

1968 Ford Mustang SCCA Trans Am racer coupe [Est.: $60k-$90k]

First off, yes, Lot #F160 is the real deal. In this age of replicas, clones and the rest, finding a genuine ‘60s Mustang racer that competed in a top series with ironclad birth-to-today document trail is as likely as getting gold doubloons as change in a drive-thru. As many Mustang tomes will tell you, this car was constructed in 1968 by “Ford engineer and race car builder and driver” Jim Harrell to compete in the 1969 SCCA Trans Am series. It admittedly didn’t have the most successful career, but it sure did have a long one as it was raced into the 1970s and restored in 1989 for vintage racing. In fact, it remains set up to do so—or at least close to legal for it—today. If you can find another car with this car’s history, documentation and certification for the price, buy it quickly! Deals like this one don't come around often given the events it’ll get invited to. 

>>Join the conversation about these Mustangs set for Monterey here in The Mustang Source.

1967 Ford Mustang Resto Mod LS1-powered coupe [Est.: $80k-$90k]

HERESY! Mecum must not realize that describing Lot #F180’s “rebuilt” Gen 3 LS is the best engine for a Mustang might be twisting the knife into the heart of Ford fans, but it does. It really is too bad since this car is packed with nearly every toy in the resto-modder kit, inside, outside and underneath. The screaming Torch Red PPG paint, slammed stance, and shiny set of 17” Torq Thrusts (yes, Mecum, that’s how it should be spelled) lets everyone knows you’ve got the goods. And all without being garish. If it runs half as good as its looks, and the parts list holds true, this is quite the ride. Too bad you can’t open the hood in public, though. Maybe there’s a Camaro builder out there about to install a Ford Performance crate V8 with whom you can work out a trade… 

>>Join the conversation about these Mustangs set for Monterey here in The Mustang Source.

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