1967 Ford Mustang Fastback

The '67 Mustang is where the pony car grew up. The original 1964½ was a secretary's car — a compact Falcon in a pretty dress. For '67, Ford stretched the body to fit big-block V8s. The fastback roofline became the defining silhouette of American muscle. Steve McQueen's '68 Bullitt Mustang (nearly identical to the '67) cemented the fastback as the coolest car shape of the era. This is the Mustang that launched a thousand posters.

The '67 fastback ages beautifully in the right patina. Original Acapulco Blue or Lime Gold paint with honest wear tells a story. The chrome bumpers pit over time but can be rechromed. Watch for rust in the torque boxes, shock towers, and floor pans — these are structural, not cosmetic. A car with surface rust on the body but solid underneath is preferable to a repainted car hiding secrets. Factory A-code (289 4V) cars with original drivetrain are worth preserving as-is; clone big-blocks are common enough that originality matters less.

The best-supported classic car in existence. Dynacorn makes complete reproduction bodies. Every mechanical part is available. Forums like Vintage Mustang Forum have decades of collective knowledge. Finding a good mechanic is easy — every old-timer worked on these. Downsides: They're everywhere, so standing out requires something special. Insurance is reasonable through Hagerty or Grundy. Daily drivable with modern upgrades (disc brakes, better cooling), but the 3-speed auto and drum brakes are miserable in stock form.