1969 Mustang with Mario Andretti's Engine to Hit Auction Block
A 1969 Ford Mustang Fastback, featuring a powerful engine once built for racing legend Mario Andretti's McLaren M6B, is set to make waves at the Mecum Auctions in Glendale, California, on March 22. Dubbed "the Real Thing," this restomod integrates an astonishing 777 horsepower V8, promising to captivate collectors with its blend of classic style and formidable racing history.
The backstory of this Mustang is as fascinating as its performance capabilities. The engine, a massive 494 cubic-inch big-block V-8, was initially developed by Holman Moody for Andretti's use in the high-octane Can-Am series back in 1969. This Mustang not only embodies the spirit of that era but also carries a direct link to one of motorsport's most revered figures.
Tom Fry, the current owner, recounted how the engine became the centerpiece of this project. Originally acquired by his father in the mid-1990s from Holman Moody, the engine sat in storage until custom-car builder Bodie Stroud was tasked with creating something extraordinary around it. The result was this stunning Mustang, unveiled at the 2010 SEMA show and subsequently featured on multiple media platforms including "Jay Leno's Garage" and in the documentary "The Real Thing" by Julian King.
Stroud's modifications to the Mustang are extensive. The vehicle features a lowered roofline, widened body, and a completely redesigned I-beam-stiff ladder-frame chassis to accommodate the immense power of the V-8 engine. It also boasts modern enhancements such as a four-wheel air suspension, Brembo brakes, and Rushforth polished-aluminum rims, ensuring that it drives as impressively as it looks.
The interior of the Mustang mirrors the exterior's blend of vintage and modern, with features drawn from the 2011 Mustang, including black leather upholstery, updated gauges, an aftermarket steering wheel, and a cue-ball-style shifter knob for the six-speed manual transmission.
As it approaches the auction block, there is speculation that this unique Mustang could fetch as much as $1 million, given its rare engine and the meticulous craftsmanship. The car represents not just a significant piece of automotive history but also a tribute to the golden era of motorsports, embodied by Mario Andretti's storied career.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Over 21,000 Ford, Lincoln vehicles recalled for headlight issue. See impacted cars.
Ford has issued a recall for over 21,000 vehicles due to an issue that may cause headlights to malfunction, increasing the risk of a crash. Impacted vehicle models include the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Mustang Mach E and 2025 Mustang vehicles, Ford said in an announcement on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. According to Ford, which owns Lincoln, the LED Driver Modules may contain a device that can cause the low-beam and high-beam headlights, daytime running lights, front position lights and front turn signals to malfunction. For Nautilus vehicles, the device can also cause the rear tail light, rear turn signal and rear position light to fail, Ford said. Ford said there have not been reports of accidents or injuries related to the lighting issue. Mostly 2025 Ford Mustangs recalled Impacted vehicles were manufactured between March 4, 2025 and July 24, 2025, Ford said in the recall announcement. Most of the vehicles recalled are 2025 Ford Mustangs. The breakdown of impacted vehicles includes: 2025 Ford Mustang: 19,418 vehicles 2025 Lincoln Nautilus: 1,539 vehicles 2025 Ford Mustang Mach E: 808 vehicles The investigation dates back to March 15, when workers at the Changan Ford Hangzhou plant in China inspected a Nautilus vehicle and found a faulty right-hand headlamp assembly. Just over two weeks later, plant personnel found eight more vehicles with similar issues. Two months later, in May 2025, someone submitted a warranty claim for a Nautilus vehicle in China, Ford said, and by June 15, seven more warranty claims were filed in China. Ford's Critical Concern Review Group in China opened an investigation on June 18, then transferred the investigation to Ford's team in the U.S. Investigators analyzed the vehicle parts and found that the headlight malfunctions were linked to a burnt device in the headlamps. What is Ford doing to fix the issue? The fix is free for impacted owners, Ford said in the announcement. For Nautilus and Mach-E vehicle owners, Ford will mail owner notification letters instructing them to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the part replaced. For Mustang vehicles, owners will be notified by mail and told to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for inspection. If the serial number matches the ones that have been impacted, the part will be replaced. Ford began notifying dealers on Aug. 11. The company began notifying owners on Aug. 11 and should be done by Aug. 29. Owners should get letters about inspections and replacements between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31. Customers can search for their VIN numbers at The NHTSA recall number is 25V519000. Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ford recalls over 21,000 Mustang, Mach-E, Lincoln Navigator cars
USA Today
5 hours ago
- USA Today
Over 21,000 Ford, Lincoln vehicles recalled for headlight issue. See impacted cars.
Ford has issued a recall for over 21,000 vehicles due to an issue that may cause headlights to malfunction, increasing the risk of a crash. Impacted vehicle models include the 2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Mustang Mach E and 2025 Mustang vehicles, Ford said in an announcement on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. According to Ford, which owns Lincoln, the LED Driver Modules may contain a device that can cause the low-beam and high-beam headlights, daytime running lights, front position lights and front turn signals to malfunction. For Nautilus vehicles, the device can also cause the rear tail light, rear turn signal and rear position light to fail, Ford said. Ford said there have not been reports of accidents or injuries related to the lighting issue. Mostly 2025 Ford Mustangs recalled Impacted vehicles were manufactured between March 4, 2025 and July 24, 2025, Ford said in the recall announcement. Most of the vehicles recalled are 2025 Ford Mustangs. The breakdown of impacted vehicles includes: The investigation dates back to March 15, when workers at the Changan Ford Hangzhou plant in China inspected a Nautilus vehicle and found a faulty right-hand headlamp assembly. Just over two weeks later, plant personnel found eight more vehicles with similar issues. Two months later, in May 2025, someone submitted a warranty claim for a Nautilus vehicle in China, Ford said, and by June 15, seven more warranty claims were filed in China. Ford's Critical Concern Review Group in China opened an investigation on June 18, then transferred the investigation to Ford's team in the U.S. Investigators analyzed the vehicle parts and found that the headlight malfunctions were linked to a burnt device in the headlamps. What is Ford doing to fix the issue? The fix is free for impacted owners, Ford said in the announcement. For Nautilus and Mach-E vehicle owners, Ford will mail owner notification letters instructing them to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer to have the part replaced. For Mustang vehicles, owners will be notified by mail and told to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln dealer for inspection. If the serial number matches the ones that have been impacted, the part will be replaced. Ford began notifying dealers on Aug. 11. The company began notifying owners on Aug. 11 and should be done by Aug. 29. Owners should get letters about inspections and replacements between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31. Customers can search for their VIN numbers at The NHTSA recall number is 25V519000. Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
The Quail Reunites the First Three Shelby G.T. 500s — First California Appearance Since 1967
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering will host a historic reunion of the first three Shelby G.T. 500 cars ever built — their first appearance together in California since serving as company cars for Shelby American in 1967. Coordinated by The Shelby Research Group, the display will include the first fastback, coupe, and convertible that launched Shelby's big-block Mustang program. This showcase of the very first 7.0-liter Shelby G.T. 500s complements the event's dedicated Shelby Mustang G.T. 350 class, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the legendary small-block model. In 1966, fresh from Ford and Carroll Shelby's victory over Ferrari at Le Mans, Shelby American unveiled plans for the 1967 lineup — introducing the 428-8V 'Ford Cobra' big block alongside the proven 289 HiPo, adding distinctive fiberglass body components, aggressive styling, and, for the first time, convertible and coupe variants. 'Built in November 1966, these three cars were ordered identically — Candyapple Red with luxury black interiors, fully optioned with Select-Shift automatics, air-conditioning, Mag Star wheels, and AM radios — exactly what you'd expect for public-relations cars,' said Brian Styles, Shelby historian and organizer of the display. 'They became the first dual-quad big block Mustangs produced by Ford — and the first G.T. 500s serialized and completed by Shelby American.' The fastback (#0100) was completed first, followed by the coupe (#0131) and convertible (#0139). The fastback fulfilled its role as a magazine test car, but production bottlenecks and other problems prevented further coupes and convertibles, leaving both as one-of-one builds. The G.T. 500 Special Display Cars — as documented by The Shelby Research Group: Fastback, s/n 67411F--0100 — First multi-carbureted Mustang built by Ford, most expedited Shelby G.T. from the San Jose plant, and the first G.T. 500 serialized/completed by Shelby American. Served as the inaugural big-block PR test car. One of the most photographed and road-tested Shelbys. Presented by Eric Johnson. Coupe, s/n 67411H9A00131 — Only multi-carbureted Mustang coupe built by Ford and only G.T. 500 coupe completed by Shelby American. Second serialized/completed G.T. 500, only documented supercharged example, and precursor to the 1968 California Special. Driven regularly by Shelby Engineering Manager Fred Goodell, who nicknamed the car 'Little Red.' Presented by Craig Jackson. Convertible, s/n 67413C9A00139 — Only multi-carbureted Mustang convertible built by Ford and only G.T. 500 convertible completed by Shelby American. Third serialized/completed G.T. 500, used personally by Carroll Shelby and later disguised as a 1968 model for factory advertising photography. Presented by Brian Styles. After Shelby American's California facility closed in August 1967, company cars and assets moved to Dearborn under the new Shelby Automotive Company. The first three G.T. 500s continued to serve engineering and marketing roles through 1968 before being sold to Ford dealers in early 1969 and making their way into private hands — completing their intended purpose from regular production to retail ownership, albeit with several exceptional chapters inserted to their stories along the way. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
