The Ford Mustang, introduced in 1964, quickly became a sensation, selling over half a million units in its first year. By 1966, sales had surpassed 600,000, but the pony car market was heating up.
Mercury launched the Cougar, Chevrolet introduced the Camaro, and Pontiac followed with the Firebird. Despite the competition, Ford aimed to lead the Indianapolis 500 in 1967, but Indy officials chose the Camaro.
In response to this disappointment, Ford created a limited-edition Mustang, the Pacesetter Special, available only in May 1967. While not particularly special in terms of performance or features, the Pacesetter stood out with its unique appearance package.
The car was exclusively painted in Wimbledon White and featured bucket seats, full-wheel covers, and whitewall tires, which were also available on the regular Mustang. Customers had the option to order the Pacesetter Special with virtually every available option at the time, allowing for a high degree of customization.
Despite its limited production and distinctive appearance, the Pacesetter Special has largely been forgotten over the years. However, the recent appearance of one of these rare Mustangs for sale in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania, has reignited interest in this unique piece of Ford history.
The 1967 Mustang Pacesetter Special, a limited-edition variant of the iconic pony car, stands out from its more common brethren with its unique styling and rarity. Unlike the standard Wimbledon White Mustangs, the Pacesetter Special featured a distinctive blue stripe that split and widened as it ran along the beltline and a matching stripe on the tail panel. The interior also departed from the usual black upholstery, offering a refreshing two-tone blue scheme.
While the Pacesetter Special may not be as coveted as other 1967 Mustang variants, its rarity makes it a highly sought-after collectible. Only 324 units of the Pacesetter Special were produced, representing a mere 0.07% of the total Mustang output for that year. Unfortunately, many of these cars were neglected and eventually ended up in junkyards, further diminishing their numbers.
This particular Pacesetter Special was restored in 2014 and is in pristine condition. Its rarity and impeccable restoration make it a potential museum piece. However, the seller’s asking price of $38,000 is likely on the high side, given the relatively modest performance of the two-barrel 289-cubic-inch V8. Despite its unique features, the Pacesetter Special package does not seem to command a significant premium in the current market.
While the Pacesetter Special offers a distinctive and rare Mustang experience, its value is primarily driven by its rarity and collectible status. Its performance, while adequate for its time, is not exceptional compared to other Mustang variants. Potential buyers should carefully consider the balance between the car’s unique features and its relatively high asking price.
The 1967 Mustang Pacesetter Special is a unique and collectible vehicle that stands out from the crowd. Its distinctive styling, limited production, and restoration make it a desirable option for Mustang enthusiasts. However, potential buyers should carefully evaluate its value and performance before making a decision.
