By Dean Larson

Photos: Seller, Craigslist

Everyone prefers the fastback. The sensational elongated roofline debuted on the Mustang in August of 1964, five months after its initial release, and its been a hit ever since. Collectors definitely favor the fastback, and on our subject here, a 1967 model, the fastback configuration can add almost $11,000 to a base 289 four-barrel car in #2 (excellent) condition on Hagerty’s price guide.

What this means in the real world, is that there are some fantastic deals out there on Mustang coupes, like this 1967 model for just $7,000. The car is affordable, black and sports alloy wheels, but the real treat is the transplanted driveline — a 351 Cleveland with a five-speed manual.

But are we really looking at a Cleveland here? Fair question, considering Ford also built the 351 Windsor and the 351 M, and people often mistake them. The seller has only provided one, burry photo of the engine bay, but lets see what we can see.

One of the first areas to inspect is where the top radiator hose connects to the engine. In Ford’s Windsor engines, the coolant is routed through the intake manifold with a horizontal inlet. In Ford 335-series engines, the water neck extends vertically from the block itself. The integral timing chain casting can also be seen on the front of the block in the seller’s photo, again pointing to a 335-series engine (351C, 351M and 400). Unfortunately it’s tough to tell more from the photo, but in person, an extra motor mount and 335-series bolt pattern would identify the 351M. In this case, I’d say there isn’t sufficient evidence to disprove a Cleveland in this Mustang. (Check out our feature Straightening Out Ford's 351 ci Engines for the whole scoop)

But the Cleveland was still two years away in 1967, so put to rest any expectations of bagging a super collectable sleeper car. That being said, you’re looking at one hell of a driver here, and solid value for money. The way I see it, you’re getting a decent deal on a running, driving Mustang coupe, and getting a free 351 Cleveland upgrade. Because really, what else do you buy for $7,000?

It’s of course the Cleveland’s free-breathing cylinder heads that make it so desirable, thanks to its larger ports with big, canted valves, which mirrored the Boss 302 design. The engine was produced in 2V and 4V versions, with both open and closed chamber heads, with the 4V closed chamber heads being the top spec for horsepower.

Getting to the rest of the car (because yes, there is a whole car here), the Mustang is definitely a project car, but it’s of the rare sort that you could actually drive as you work on it. The seller notes some recent replacement parts, including suspension, fuel tank, battery, tires and a disc brake conversion kit. There’s allegedly minimal rust on the car, and the floor pan is in good shape.

With front discs, a five-speed TREMEC, skinny tires and a Cleveland under the hood, this Mustang is definitely a burnout machine to rival any other in its price bracket. And at $7,000, the Mustang surely won’t last very long. If it wasn’t three states away, I know I’d be thinking about it.

See the ad here on Bowling Green Craigslist.

And just a PSA here, when you take photos of your car, it helps to get the whole car in the shot...