Restoring a Legend: Jeff Coleman’s 1969 Mustang

Many dream about owning the latest car models with a fresh new set of wheels. Not Jeff Coleman though! This car enthusiast enjoys restoring classic cars to legendary status. His prized project is a 1969 Ford Mustang, which had a journey nearly two decades in the making.

Discovering a restoration challenge

The project began in 2002 when Coleman took a gamble with his first-ever purchase from eBay, a heavily modified Mach1 Cobra Jet Mustang. When he first saw it, the muscle car was sadly rusting under layers of snow in the middle of a field just outside New York.

Originally purchased by a Ford employee through a special program, the 1969 Mustang quickly found its way into the drag racing scene in the northeastern US. It was race-prepped and underwent multiple modifications, like being fitted with a roll cage. Other car modifications include a driveshaft hoop to boost torque, a 4.3:1 rear ratio, and sticky tyres for drag racing. An airbag rear suspension upgrade was also installed to improve stability while driving. It undoubtedly excelled as a muscle car back in its day.

However, time had not been kind since the 1969 Mustang’s racing days ended. It was passed down between owners who intended to complete the restoration but never quite got there. By the time Coleman found it in the field, collecting dust and snow. The glory days were far gone, but this was not a problem because Coleman just found his ultimate restoration project.

Funding passion with action

Although not exactly love at first sight, Coleman was determined to bring back the 1969 Mustang’s spark back to life. He began buying and reselling mobile phones on eBay to generate the funds needed for car parts. But it wasn’t until a chance encounter with a buyer seeking a fuel pump from his parts stash that a game-changing inspiration struck.

Realising there was a demand for reproduction parts specific to HiPo Ford vehicles from the 1960s, Coleman started making and selling fuel pumps. Over the past 15 years, he has sold around 250, each sale funding the restoration and allowing him to raise the quality of the build beyond his initial expectations.

Two decades in the making

Restoring the muscle car was no small feat, even with the funds to back it up. Coleman faced numerous challenges, from hunting down rare parts to painstakingly undoing the race-specific modifications that weighed the car down. It’s no surprise it took 19 years to complete. Coleman remarked when asked about his thoughts, “The process took longer than anticipated, but the result is very good”.

‘Good’ seems like an understatement! What began as a heavily modified drag racing car has been transformed back into its authentic classic Mustang roots. It features a striking new colour scheme, both inside and out, which Coleman proudly states is his favourite part. The journey may have taken longer than expected, but the satisfaction of restoring this classic car to its legendary status has made all the hard work worthwhile. This fully restored 1969 Ford Mustang now turns heads everywhere, making every drive an experience—a testament to Coleman’s patience, ingenuity, and passion.