Fast forward to the early 90s when a Mustang Club of America official learned that a true gem of Mustang history had been stored roughly 120 miles from his house for almost 20 years. After talks with the owner of the track, he became the first, and only, private owner of the car. And, circa 1991, he began a fully documented, NOS restoration that would eventually earn the convertible a perfect score in MCAøÀÓs exclusive Thoroughbred Class. As far as labor was concerned, the restoration wasnøÀÓt too difficult, as the car was incredibly solid when purchased. In fact, 95% of its parts, some of them one-of-a-kind originals, were reconditioned and bolted right back up using original and NOS hardware. And the 5% that couldnøÀÓt be reused was carefully replaced with either NOS or completely custom components. In the final phase of the project, the carøÀÓs all-original body and frame were walnut-blasted to remove long-dead pigment. And correct, single-stage Ford Fleet White was laid under a metallic blue stripe, Indy tags and authentic pace car decals.

Developed for the GT40 campaign, labeled øÀÓexperimentaløÀÓ and, as far as anyone knows, the only factory-installed Mustang mill of its kind, this convertibleøÀÓs 450 horsepower V8 is a literal fairy-tale of Ford performance. Behind the hot small block, an øÀÓexperimentaløÀÓ Toploader 4-speed, which wears a familiar C3 bellhousing, turns a narrowed øÀÓ59 Galaxie limited-slip around 3.25 gears. At the ends of the car, a fully restored suspension employs a larger sway bar, shortened coils, de-arched leafs and original, mismatched Koni shocks. At the corners of the car, heavy duty, Holman Moody-tweaked drums provide firm, fade-free stops. And power meets the pavement thanks to painted steel wheels, which spin NOS 7.75-14 Firestone 500 goldlines around faux stainless knock-offs.

So, there you have it: one of FordøÀÓs most storied muscle cars ready to begin the next chapter in its all-important role of preserving irreplaceable history. This blue chip pony has all the hardware, documentation and prestige to ensure its status as øÀÓthe most significant historic Mustang in the worldøÀÓ. If youøÀÓre a serious collector whoøÀÓs shopping for a unique and impressive investment thatøÀÓs virtually guaranteed to gain, call, click or visit Collector & Classic Car Dealer - Buy Cars for Sale Online today!