In searching for a car, I've come across a lot of classifieds which list the cars as having "new" engines. The most recent, for example, reads:

"1968 FORD MUSTANG FASTBACK GT, GREEN, GREAT SHAPE, 2 4 BARREL HOLLEY CARBS, NEW 302 ENGINE WITH ONLY 500 MILES"

Are these "new" engines they talk about usually actually new engines that were just bought, or are they older engines that have been rebuilt and restored? If the car has a new engine that was just bought and popped in, what effect does this have on the value and the authenticity of the car? Should I stay away from these cars because they are not original?

 

"New Engine" and "Rust Free" are similar terms... everyone has their own interpretation. It's your job to ask the questions and evaluate to determine what they actually mean.

Do you want "numbers matching"? It's all up to you.

 

With a very few exceptions (such as a Ford Motorsport crate engine), most "new" engines in a classic are rebuilt. They could be from a variety of years and configurations, many of which are quite compatible with classic Mustangs. Whether it effects the value is determined by what the purpose of the car is. If the intention is to have an exact to original show car, you surely don't want a rebuilt engine from a mid 80's Ford. If you just want a fun cruiser or boulevard bruiser (such as a fastback with dual 4bbl carbs), I wouldn't think that it is important at all. Basically, the value of a car that isn't already a show car would only be effected negatively if it's candidacy for restoration to concourse show car status were damaged by installing a new engine. These days modified cars are fetching quite a premium themselves, so it's not like it used to be in the early 80's where the common belief was that if it was modified, it was a basketcase and not worth much.

 

"numbers matching" isnt the same in a Ford as say, a Ch*vy because with certain exceptions (K-code, etc) the engine and other drivetrain components dont carry the VIN of the car. Therefore, generally, Ford enthusiasts dont give that as much weight. Numbers-matching for an old Mustang can be any engine with a date code *close* to the build date of the car.

Most folks who claim "numbers matching" are Ch*vy guys who dont know the meaning in the Ford world....
________
Glass bubblers

 

That's just common knowledge! :dance:

 

If you see a Ford ad with "numbers matching" or "frame-off restoration", run away.

 

I wouldn't stay away from a car because of the drive train. It is a minor point for owning a classic Mustang. If the body is in tact, has little or no bondo and good paint, it is worth the price. A rebuilt date coded factory specification engine would run you about $2K or less. A rusted out Mustang with an original engine could cost you $10K to repair and repaint (a good paint job can run from $3K to $6K).

Basically, what I'm trying to say is that if the body is in great shape and has good paint, the engine, brakes, etc. is much less expensive to fix. Make sense?

 

LMAO