Little Known (and Stolen) Mustang III Concept Heading to Auction
In 1965, Ford commissioned Dearborn Steel Tubing Industries to build the Mustang III concept. DST was the official go-to company for building show cars at the time, and according to Ford, the Mustang III was supposed to be a serious look into what a true two-seat Mustang would look like.
Ford desperately wanted to build the original two-seater concept, but the company conceded to the fact that the populace would most likely better accept a two-plus-two arrangement. However, before conceding to that fact, the Mustang III was produced by DST. It was then shown off around the country, even doing a stint at the Henry Ford Museum.
But by that time, the company had already decided it would not produce the car. As with most concepts, the Mustang III was being prepared to meet its fate at the hands of a car crusher. However, the man principally behind the project, Vincent Gardner, had another idea.
Gardner stole the concept and hid it behind a wall in a property he rented. However, Gardner neglected to pay for the space and the owner of the property ripped down the wall and found the car. He called the cops, who later turned the car over to the insurance company.
At this point, Ford already was paid the insurance money on the concept, so the company sold the car to one of its employees. They then sold the car to its current owner, who undertook a full restoration and debuted it at Amelia Island’s Concours.
On March 28, 2015, the Mustang III concept will come under the hammer at the Ft. Lauderdale Auctions America event. Right now, the auction estimate is anything between $400,000 to $600,000, but that number could be quite a lot more when it comes down to sale day.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime type of car, one that has a completely unique and storied past. It also looks gorgeous, and it should go for big money. But what do you think? Should Ford have put this into production?
Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>
via [Auctions America]