The one-off 1967 Ford Mustang Zagato, a unique blend of American muscle and Italian craftsmanship, fetched €155,000 at auction.
A Ford Like No Other
At first glance, it might appear to be a slightly off-kilter 1967 Mustang fastback. But peer closer and you'll realize this is something far rarer: a one-of-one Mustang reimagined by Italian coachbuilder Zagato. Known officially as the “Elaborazione Zagato,” this car was customized in period by the famed Milanese design house. The sale, which concluded July 17 on Bring a Trailer, saw the car reach a final price of €155,000 (roughly $170,000).
Italian Flair on an American Icon
This Mustang was originally built in spring 1967 and shipped directly from Ford to Italy, alongside a Shelby GT350. Zagato, best known for its collaborations with brands like Aston Martin and Alfa Romeo, took the standard fastback and modified the front end extensively. The stock round headlights were replaced with square Carello units, the hood was lengthened, and a low-profile central scoop was added. The result was a front fascia that bears resemblance to the Ford Capri or Peugeot 504, even though both cars came later. It’s not conventionally beautiful, but it’s unmistakably unique.
A Tale of Two Zagatos
Only two Mustangs were ever known to be given the Zagato treatment: this one, and a Shelby GT350. That rarity plays a huge part in the car’s appeal. While the bodywork may divide opinion, it’s backed by a level of exclusivity that few American muscle cars can match. The Zagato “Elaborazione” badging on the front fenders serves as a subtle but clear declaration of its provenance.
Powertrain and Interior: Stock but Solid
Despite the Italian bodywork, the drivetrain remains pure Detroit. Under the hood is the original 289-cubic-inch A-code V8, producing 225 hp and fed by a four-barrel carburetor. It’s mated to a factory four-speed manual transmission. The interior keeps things straightforward, too: front bucket seats trimmed in white vinyl with black inserts, and a mostly stock dashboard layout. It's a Mustang you can still service and enjoy like any other ’67.
A Long Journey Across Europe
After its Italian transformation, the Mustang remained with its original European owner until the early 1980s. It was then parked for over a decade before being acquired and restored by the father of its current seller. Initially repainted back to its factory white, it was ultimately returned to its now-familiar Holly Green finish in 2019. That same year, the car was officially certified by Zagato, confirming the authenticity of the modifications.
Mille Miglia Credentials
This Mustang’s story doesn’t end with static display. It has been invited to and run in the 2021 Mille Miglia, the prestigious Italian road rally limited to historic and special-interest vehicles. Its prior participation makes it eligible for future Mille Miglia entries, a major draw for collectors interested in driving rather than merely storing their cars. Despite its showpiece rarity, the car is described as being in solid mechanical condition and usable on the road.
Not a Trailer Queen
Though the design may be unconventional and the backstory cinematic, this is not a museum-only collectible. Beneath the bespoke front end lies a mechanically conventional Mustang fastback, with parts availability and driving characteristics that won’t surprise anyone familiar with classic American muscle. In this way, the Zagato Mustang straddles two worlds: exotic in appearance, accessible in function.
Sold on BaT
With only two in existence and styling that defies the norms of both American and Italian design, the 1967 Mustang Zagato was always destined to be a conversation starter. Now, following its €155,000 auction result, it joins the small circle of Mustangs whose value is driven not just by performance or provenance, but by sheer, irreproducible uniqueness.
