Restoring a classic car is like an archeological expedition—and every journey is easier with a map in hand. When it comes to understanding the history of a classic automobile, the closest thing to a map is the factory build-sheet and window sticker. These documents provide lots of details, but they’re often not available. Thankfully, two essential items are affixed to nearly every classic Mustang that leaves the factory: a vehicle identification number (VIN) plate and a build plate.
Regarding the eBay Motors 1967 Mustang Fastback currently being rebuilt by celebrity builder Rutledge Wood, the magic number is: 7T02C164054.
Rut, his collaborator Randy Allgood of Kenwood Rod Shop, and their crackerjack team of automotive artisans can use that VIN to reveal this breakdown of the Mustang’s origins:
7 = 1967
T = Metuchen, New Jersey
02 = Fastback
C = Optional 200 horsepower 289 cubic-inch two-barrel V-8
164054 = The unit number
Cracking the Code
The 1967 Fastback’s original VIN plate might currently be covered in layers of paint, but it’s intact with a legible set of numbers.
To find the VIN plate on a 1964-67 Mustang, you’ll need to open the hood. It’s located next to the driver side fender. (From 1968 going forward, the VIN was relocated on the driver’s side dash at the base of the windshield.) Decoding the VIN provides basic information about the car, such as the model year, production facility, model, engine, and unit number.
The VIN on the eBay Motors ’67 fastback tells us that it was built in Ford’s Metuchen, New Jersey plant, also known as “Edison Assembly.” The photo at the top of this page reportedly shows Mustangs rolling off the line, circa 1965.
The VIN also reveals that the car was equipped with an optional 289 cubic-inch V-8, producing a relatively modest 200 horsepower at 4,400 RPM, and 282 pound-feet of torque at 2,400 RPM.
We found this pocket-size “1964-½ – 1973 Mustang & Shelby Vehicle I.D. Decoder” on eBay Motors. It’s a handy reference.
There were approximately 472,121 Mustangs built in the 1967 model year, of which 71,042 were fastbacks. They were built in three assembly plants located in Dearborn, Mich., San Jose, Calif., and the Metuchen plant that produced the eBay Motors Mustang.
The Metuchen plant was opened in 1948 to manufacture Lincoln vehicles. It eventually produced the Edsel, Escort, Falcon, Pinto, and Ranger, in addition to the Mercury Bobcat, Cougar, and Lynx. After more than a half-century of service, Edison Assembly closed in 2004—and Mustang production moved to Flat Rock, Mich. the following year.
What about the build plate that’s usually located inside the driver’s door? It gets into nitty-gritty details such as the original exterior color, interior color, date of production, sales district, axle ratio, and transmission. This is essential information if you’re planning on a precise restoration. Alas, the eBay Motors ’67 Fastback did not have its build plate. At some point, for some unknown reason, the build plate was removed and not returned.
A small obstacle like that won’t get in our way. We plan to order a “Marti Report” from Marti Auto Works, an official Ford licensee in El Mirage, Ariz. The basic Marti Report should provide us—and any other Mustang sleuth—with missing facts: exterior color, interior color and specs, engine, transmission, sales district, and options list.
The full-ticket Elite Marti Report includes a framed and matted reproduction window sticker and build sheet, along with an analysis of a vehicle’s unique qualities. You can even order a reproduction door tag (with rivets). It takes seven to 10 days for Marti to generate a report for most 1967 to 1979 Fords. We’ll share what we learn as soon as we get our hands on it.
See eBay Motors for sale on eBay.
