Five Reasons You Should Buy A Classic Mustang

“Should I buy a classic Mustang?” You might find yourself asking as you scroll down forums and feeds full of good-looking cars and their grinning owners. There’s a good reason for that question: they’re fantastic cars, of course you’re tempted.

There’s a good answer too: Yes, you should buy a Mustang. How else will you get to be John Wick? Of all classic cars, Mustangs were quite literally built to be reliable, and today’s technology has made it possible and accessible to extend their lives almost indefinitely. In milestone and monetary terms, they make a good investment. Here’s why:

1) Mustangs make a better investment.

Buy the best you can afford. In the classic Mustang market, prices can range from £10k to over £150k. The lower end of the market may appeal to many, but the lower cost is an illusion, because a cheaper car entails high restoration costs. Mustang parts are in classic car terms very economical to purchase, but most people do not feel confident working on their car themselves. Labour cost could run to thousands very quickly.

A good investment is where someone spent enough time and money on their car. Ideally, it should need no further investment other than yearly maintenance. The price range tends to be in the £30k-£40k for the V8 “notchback” and the V8 convertible, and £40 K+ for a Fastback depending on specification. Initially the outlay on your investment may be more in the short term, but long-term the costs would be much lower than continually restoring an originally cheap car.

Fun fact: The value of quality Mustangs over the last ten years has at times increased by over 100%. And in the collectible market of the past ten years, cars outperformed art, stamps, watches, and wine.

 Available for sale here.

2) Classic Mustangs are easier to maintain and fix.

Ford Mustangs from the 1960’s benefit from a massive aftermarket. It can supply you with every single necessity should you need to replace or upgrade a part of your car. By comparison, 1960’s British and European cars increased so much that it has put the price range out of their budget, and the Austin Healeys are circa £70k +, Jaguar 3.8 four doors manual £70k +, and E-types well over £100k. The more affordable classic Alfa Romeos, Lancia’s and Mercedes from the 1960’s can cost even a considerable amount more to keep on the road. Mustangs, by contrast, are easy and cheap to maintain.

3) Mustangs are reliable.

The 1960’s Ford Mustang was built for the American mass market to be used on large highways, covering huge distances. These cars needed to be extremely reliable. Accordingly, we find that many of our classic Mustangs go to ‘first-time’ classic car buyers. Their popularity increased at a considerable rate since the release of Ford’s 2016 new Mustang in the UK. Many of our clients say they bought a new Mustang, fell in love with the steadfast marque, and since purchased a classic to make a pair.

4) Mustangs are inter-generational.

Some people think only those who remember the iconic 1968 film “Bullit” with Steve McQueen are interested. But we’ve even had the younger generations hankering for classic Mustangs with global blockbuster films like John Wick, Fast and Furious, and Gone in Sixty Seconds, all of which promoted the legendary look of the 60’s Mustang. The continued cult following of classic Mustangs help your investment go in the right direction. Given the retro and vintage crazes going around, there’s a very good chance your children will take up your mantle and cherish your classic even when you get tired of it!

Available for sale here. 

5) They’re not as costly as you might think.

At the top end of the classic car market in the £100K to £1M range, consortiums or high wealth individuals tend to purchase cars mainly for investment. The £30k-£60k market history tells us that, at worst, just 10% price adjustment could happen. Yet, many of us lose 30% in the first year on our new modern car without blinking! Also, Business Insider magazine featured the classic Mustang as 6^th  in “Vintage Cars That Make a Particularly Good Investment” article in 2019.

In troubled times you have to make a leap of faith. If you buy a quality early Mustang, you don’t have much to lose.

6) Why not? (Bonus reason, shh)

Let’s be honest, the usual reaction to seeing a Mustang on the road isn’t “I wonder if those things are inter-generational”, but rather “I wouldn’t mind one of those!” With the kids safely up at uni and your mortgage paid, it’s time to treat yourself. There’s fun to be had in a classic Mustang. The notchbacks and convertibles are very popular, with four comfortable seats where children and grand children can be seated comfortably. The ride quality is superb for a car built in the sixties.

So, to conclude: yes, you should buy a Mustang. There aren’t many iconic or legendary classic cars we can still get for a sensible price. And Mustangs can be enjoyed by everyone. As much by your friends and family as by people on the roads as they give you the thumbs up. Can you put a price on that?

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