Take a look at this Awesome 1968 Mustang GT Fastback Barn Find!
In the automotive world, hidden gems often await those who are willing to embark on a quest fueled by passion and a thirst for uncovering history. Such was the case on November 11th, 2023, when a trailer, tightly strapped, set its course toward the Detroit area. The mission? To explore a lead received weeks earlier about a classic beauty tucked away in a detached garage, hidden behind the veil of time.
A friend, a seasoned explorer of automotive lore, shared a tantalizing message that would set the wheels of curiosity in motion. Pictures of a weathered Mustang, captured in less than ideal conditions, hinted at a story waiting to be unveiled. What caught the eye and quickened the pulse was a transmission shifter adorned with a wooden handle and the iconic Shelby logo. The anticipation soared, even though the subsequent revelation confirmed it wasn’t a Shelby but a 1968 Mustang GT Fastback, adorned with Shelby parts.
The journey wasn’t without its challenges, as the team navigated through a garage that barely resembled its former glory. Nature had claimed its territory with trees standing as silent witnesses to the passage of time. Amidst the rust and decay, a VIN number was extracted, leading to a positive Marty report. The car, a 1968 GT Fastback with a 390 big block, C6 automatic transmission, and rare features like air conditioning, emerged as a testament to the golden era of American muscle cars.
The extraction itself became an adventure, reminiscent of a rescue mission. The dilapidated structure clung desperately to the past, resisting the inevitable. The garage, though not a traditional barn, crumbled as the team worked tirelessly to liberate the vintage machine. The air was thick with the scent of history, and the Shelby hood, though misleading, concealed a GT 390 car with a story waiting to be told.
As the car saw the light of day, its true narrative unfolded. The original owner, a member of the esteemed Tuskegee Airmen, passed away in 1974. The title, dated that same year, revealed the car’s journey into the hands of his son, marking it as a one-family ownership relic. The subsequent neglect by a second owner, who left it languishing in the garage, became a poignant chapter in the Mustang’s story.
The following days were dedicated to reviving the neglected beauty. The interior, though filled with debris and Critter remnants, whispered tales of a bygone era. The odometer, frozen at 53,000 miles, hinted at the adventures this Mustang had once undertaken. The decision to part with the car came with a mix of emotions, as the realization set in that its restoration was a project too extensive.
Yet, every cloud has a silver lining. Recognizing the value in original parts and honoring the Mustang’s legacy, a decision was made to pass it into capable hands down south. The Mustang, now sold, will contribute to the restoration dreams of others, preserving its unique history and ensuring that its legacy lives on.
In the end, this 1968 Mustang GT Fastback, once lost in the annals of time, has become a symbol of resilience, passion, and the unwavering pursuit of automotive history. As it embarks on a new journey to Georgia, its story continues, echoing the spirit of those who seek, discover, and honor the treasures of the past.
