From Service Call to Iconic Build: The Journey of a 1967 Mustang Fastback

Jerry, who was 30 miles north of his home in Lucas, Texas, had driven out to fix a broken air conditioner in a mobile home. The property was vast, with little more than the house, a few buildings, and the mobile home on a dirt road. The car owner, wearing bib overalls and no shirt, was dealing with chickens and an old refrigerator in the front yard. Jerry helped feed the chickens and, while repairing the A/C with a simple capacitor fix, asked if the car was for sale. The owner, skeptical but intrigued, was offered $2,500 on the spot.

Despite the Mustang being mostly a shell with no fenders, hood, wheels, rear end, interior, or engine, Jerry's excitement was palpable. The fastback still had its original doors and quarter panels, and a Marti Report would later reveal it was originally a Springtime Yellow car with a 289 C-code engine, automatic transmission, deluxe interior, and air conditioning.

Jerry had previously bought a 2003 Cobra drivetrain for a 1966 Mustang Fastback project, but the car was too rusty. When he found the 1967 Fastback, it seemed like the perfect replacement for his Pro-Touring build. He immediately prepared his home shop for its arrival, spending the rest of the day getting ready.

The result is a 1967 Mustang Fastback that, though understated in its Wimbledon White paint and lack of stripes, packs a serious punch beneath the surface. Jerry and his wife Carla use the car for their favorite events: the Hot Rod Power Tour, Cruisin' the Coast, and the Emerald Coast Cruise. The goal was a car that looked mild but performed like a beast—a real "snake in the grass," as Jerry put it.

Underneath the classic exterior lies a supercharged 4.6L Terminator engine from a 2003 Mustang Cobra. Jerry undertook a substantial transformation, including a suspension overhaul with Total Cost Involved (TCI) parts. The project involved installing a torque arm rear suspension, an independent front suspension, and a host of other components, including Wilwood brakes, a Ford 9-inch rear end, and a custom stainless-steel exhaust system.

The build was not without its challenges. The Cobra engine's integration required a complete reworking of the engine bay, including modifications to the shock towers. Jerry also had to reconfigure the factory 2003 Cobra wiring harness for compatibility with the classic Mustang. Despite the complex modifications, Jerry was determined to maintain a stealthy appearance, opting for a Shelby short hood with a functional scoop and a custom steel front valance to cool the intercooler.

Inside, Jerry replaced the factory A/C controls with a Mercury Cougar register, reconfigured the vintage air controls, and used a one-piece headliner from Mustangs to Fear to enhance headroom. He also installed power windows, a motorcycle-style gas cap, and Detroit Speed mini tubs for added clearance. The interior features Pontiac Fiero bucket seats, a stock 1968 Shelby rollbar, and a custom console with AutoMeter gauges.

The Mustang was first seen by Graeme Saul from Johannesburg, South Africa, during the 2016 Hot Rod Power Tour. Saul, a longtime admirer of classic Mustangs, was determined to own this particular fastback. After some persistence, he successfully purchased the car in 2017. Saul's connection to the Mustang dates back to his first V8, a 1970 Mach 1, which he had to sell under difficult circumstances. When the chance to own another classic fastback arose, he couldn’t pass it up.

Graeme collected the Mustang from Dallas and completed the 2017 Hot Rod Power Tour with it, eventually shipping it back to Durban, South Africa. The Mustang's journey from a service call discovery to a cherished classic in South Africa is a testament to the passion and persistence of its previous and current owners.