A new Mustang lists for $30K. Would you rather have a vintage one?
A base 2022 Mustang with the 2.3-liter Ecoboost four-cylinder engine, a manual transmission, and one option—premium floor mats—priced on Ford’s configurator lists for $29,710, including $1395 in shipping and a $645 “acquisition fee.”
Are you sure you wouldn’t like a vintage Mustang for under $30,000?
We’ve listed a half-dozen here available on Hagerty Marketplace. See if one of these tickles your fancy.
1973 Ford Mustang
The 1971–1973 Mustangs have gotten an unfair rap for being, well, a little bulbous compared to the slicker 1969 and 1970 models. If you’re just looking for a stock cruiser, this ultra-clean, yellow 1973 Mustang convertible is awfully appealing: second owner, 46,000 miles, the proper Magnum 500 wheels, and a 5.0-liter V-8, which produces an EPA-strangled 136 horsepower but will still make the right noises. A nice Sunday afternoon ride for $16,000.
1999 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra
One owner, 61,000 miles, some performance modifications such as a Superchip, Kenny Brown suspension components, 18-inch Ford Racing FR500 wheels, Eibach springs, and an Optima battery. It all adds up to a very nice, well cared-for, manual-transmission 1999 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra convertible for $18,000, if you don’t mind what is likely a stiffish ride on rough pavement. The sticker shows an original price of $32,000, by the way.
1966 Ford Mustang
Yes, this 1966 Mustang needs a little work—the owner says it has basically been sitting since 2019, but it supposedly runs well, though it likely needs a tune-up and a new rear seal in the transmission. Mileage is unknown, but that really doesn’t matter much with a car this age.
Yellow with a black vinyl top, Magnum 500 wheels, a very clean interior—we’d guesstimate this one in #3, or “Good,” condition, and since Hagerty values such a base Mustang V-8 coupe at $23,800, this price of $25,000 is pretty close to the target.
1968 Ford Mustang convertible
“Not a show car or trailer queen but a very reliable, nice weather cruiser,” says the 28-year owner of this 1968 Mustang convertible, with a V-8 and an automatic transmission.
The car was repainted 15 years ago, and some of the interior has been redone, including upholstery. Red with a black top—an appealing color combination. A solid car with good bones, and like the owner says, “Enjoy it as it is, or invest small amount to have a great car.” The price is $30,000, a bit under the Hagerty #3 condition value.
2000 Mustang GT (Saleen S281 Speedster)
If you’re looking for a little extra performance and a lot of extra flash, this 2000 Mustang GT convertible with the Saleen S281 Speedster package in a rare, one-of-one “Sunburst Gold” exterior and black leather interior (it’s confirmed by Saleen) might be up your alley.
This 281 Speedster (281 is the displacement, in cubic inches, of the 4.6-liter V-8) is a lifetime California car with only 28,000 miles. It has Saleen bodywork, Saleen chrome wheels, a hard-shell tonneau cover and a roll bar. It has minor blemishes inside and out, but otherwise is exceptionally well turned out. It comes with a clean CarFax for $26,000.
1993 Mustang GT
The like-it-or-leave-it bodyside cladding was a mark of the 1990s on multiple vehicles, including this 1993 Mustang GT convertible, the last year of the Fox-body style.
This car, nicknamed “Sheba” by the owner, has 59,000 miles and everything on it works, including the fabric top. There are no photos of the cloth interior, but it is said to be “in very good condition.” The 5.0-liter engine and five-speed manual transmission have a reputation for durability. Priced under the Hagerty “Good” condition value of $14,800.
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Except maybe for the ’99 SVT: 1000% yes. Gimme that independent rear suspension and fuel injection any day.
It comes down to what you are doing with the vehicle and how much money you actually have in the moment doesn’t it?
If you live in a no snow/salt place then maybe it is viable to use a vintage car all the time.
If you have $____ on hand to buy something outright then it is just a matter of taste. Nobody reasonably finances vintage car purchases where I live.
If you want to go fast in comfort lots of modern muscle is available on payments you might even be able to afford. If you can only have 1 vehicle…
My son’s Ford ecoboost engine is on its THIRD cam phaser replacement at 105,000 miles. Do NOT buy a modern Ford with ecoboost! Ford will not cover repairs after 100K miles, and it cost $4,000 to fix the problems, which won’t go away. This is a NHTSA recall, Ford has admitted the defect, but owners are still screwed. Quite a contrast with the old 5.0 Ford motors, which ran forever with no major repairs.
My choice would actually be a second generation (1974-1978) Mustang with a modern drivetrain swapped in. I like less common cars and I like to go quick/fast.
A friend of mine has a Coyote swapped 78 King Cobra, bloody thing is an absolute beast. Check out Duggan Racecraft on YouTube.
Or you can have my two owner one of one paint and trim 89 ASC McLaren with under 60K miles for $17,000 or other ASC McLarens.
Or my Two owner 84K Loaded original paint 73 Cobra Jet Convertible for $25,000
Have one myself! 351CJ C6 and almost every option!
Good grief! None of them……
If I’m a Mustang fan ( and that’s a big “If” ), I would start asking myself; “why Mustang?”. Why would I pay any kind of premium over any other non-Mustang collector car?
I understand what you’re saying, but you can say the same if this was about Camaros, or Chargers, or …
This article is about Mustangs. Maybe others are in the works as well. I suppose, if they were ambitious enough, they could have written this topic to be “Vintage vs New” in general. I think the point was that there are vintage options for those thinking about a purchase.
For collector status, I would go for rarity—the Saleen. I had a ‘65 back in the day, so that era doesn’t appeal. Actually, Mustangs in general don’t appeal, but then I prefer European cars.
Always buy AMERICAN, Deborah, ALWAYS. Mustangs are true American cars with V-8 engines and have a certain style. I own three, a 1988 GT, a 2006 convertible and a 2016 GT-350. Love ’em all.
I don’t jhave to choose one since I have my 1967 Candy Apple Red, 4 Speed, Convetible with 273k miles on it for the last 55 years. Still driving it. All original except for reupholstery on 2 front seats.
its a mustang, besides anything Shelby, they are all common and attainable
The new $30,000 Mustang is a huge improvement over any of these.
The red 68 looks nice enough to me, I have a feeling it would not run and drive to my liking without dropping more cash into it than I would be comfortable with.
We own my late dad’s 65 coupe. It is now a restorod that was a 25 year project. It’s beautiful.
Auto replaced with 5 speed, 289 goosed, fuel cell, cofferdam in trunk, 4 wheel discs, etc.
My son’s early career was with AAR, where they let you work on your own after day’s work was complete.
My choice would be a resto fastback 65 or 66. Crate engine, 5 speed, etc.
The article should say Which Mustang CONVERTIBLE do you want, Quite a coincidence all 6 are convertibles. Only 3 for me, the SVT, Saleen, and Fox body as they are sticks! I have a Fox body 5-speed.
What about my 1990 mustang lx convertible almost all original and all in hood working order? Oxford White 5.0
Under 90000 miles!
Any offers?
I picked up my dead-in-driveway, mismatched flat tires, primered ’65 Mustang coupe for less than two grand last year. A little rust, corners of doors, some lumpy bodywork and cut dash. One of the hood hinges collapsed when we tried to raise it. Been painted at least 3 times… white, blue & maroon, along with the primer. Bad upholstery. All the missing trim was in the trunk. Originally a 6, but at some point had a V8, 5 lug conversion.
Flatbedded home, 302 started right up, after I blew out the jets on the Edelbrock AFB and primed with gas. It has a bad C4… no forward or reverse. Manual discs in front, someone spent some time and money in the past.
Picked up word-of-mouth garage collections of early Mustang parts from two parties- $900 for one, $500 for the other (and sold two ’69 pieces for $100). Many good body parts, new repro parts, and 5 later GT wheels, caps & trim rings were included… and they fit the disc brakes. Found a rebuilt C4 for $700. Slowly putting it back together, I’ve got all the pieces. Still up on jackstands in the garage. Insured as a project with Hagerty (who else does this?!)
So far, I’m not “in the bucket” money wise, and it will end up a “good from far, far from good” solid driver. In the meantime, I’ll have fun putting it in order.
This is how it used to be! have fun with your Mustang
I would certainly take any fox 5.0 GT over a new Ecoboost. Just not a convertible…and preferably a 4 eye. I’d also gladly take a 5.0 S197. Not sure about a new edge though.