DIY Mustang Pickup is an Ode to the Bizzare and Awesome 'Mustero'
If an original '60s Mustero from Beverly Hills Ford is out of your reach, this home-built tribute could be the perfect alternative!
The Birth of an Iconoclast
In the mid-1960s, Beverly Hills Ford embarked on a groundbreaking venture to fill a void in Ford's lineup by crafting a unique vehicle – the Mustang Mustero. Inspired by the Ford Ranchero and the sporty DNA of the Mustang, this innovative concept received full approval from Ford corporate, leading to the production of 50 units between 1966 and 1967.
Crafting the Mustero: A Labor of Love
The transformation from Mustang to Mustero was no small feat. With the rear section of the roof removed and the cabin reconfigured to accommodate a pickup bed, the Mustero underwent significant modifications. Despite the complexities and costs involved, Beverly Hills Ford succeeded in creating a vehicle that seamlessly blended performance and utility.
The Mustang Mustero's Legacy
While the Mustang Mustero garnered admiration for its ingenuity, its limited production and hefty price tag restricted its popularity. Priced at $6,500 in 1966 (equivalent to $62,659 in 2024), it surpassed the cost of a Shelby GT350 and came within $500 of a Lamborghini Miura. Today, debates persist about the exact number of surviving originals, adding to the mystique of this rare specimen.
A Tribute Resurrected: The 1968 Mustang Mustero Recreation
Fast forward to the present, where enthusiasts continue to pay homage to the Mustang Mustero through recreations. One such recreation, based on a 1968 Mustang, emerges as a testament to craftsmanship and passion. Offered for sale on eBay, this tribute vehicle serves as a reminder of the Mustang Mustero's enduring allure.
Father-Daughter Bonding
This particular recreation carries a heartwarming backstory, born from a father-daughter bonding project undertaken fifteen years ago. The Mustero tribute was crafted with professionalism and care, evident in its durable bed metalwork and coveted hood design.
Diving Deeper
The seller delves into the story of the build on the eBay listing: "Fifteen years ago, my daughter and I took this tribute Mustero on as a 'father-daughter' bonding project," he notes. "It had been used on and off over the years (including in her wedding), and has been in the garage 99% of the time, but now is the time for it to move this vehicle to have a lucky new owner.”
Quality of Craftsmanship
The description also aims to provide assurance for prospective buyers about the quality of the craftsmanship. “I’ve done many Mustang projects over the years, professionally, and as a hobbyist, including having a Mustang in Hot Rod Magazine (August 1979), so rest assured this is not a hack job. The bed metalwork is totally professional, and it is coated with the expensive rubberized bed liner. The hood is the highly desired turn signal type, The vehicle started out as a solid car throughout, and if there is any rust it will be very minor.”
