When most people think of a 1967 Ford Mustang, they picture the iconic American muscle car that helped define a generation. But what happens when you take that legendary pony car and hand it over to one of Italy’s most prestigious coachbuilders? You get something truly extraordinary – and expensive.
What Makes This Mustang So Special?
This isn’t just any 1967 Ford Mustang GT fastback. This particular car is one of only two examples ever modified by Carrozzeria Zagato in Milan, Italy. For classic car enthusiasts, that’s like finding a unicorn in your garage. The auction recently concluded on Bring a Trailer, where this automotive rarity sold for an impressive $82,500, proving that exclusivity and provenance still command serious money in today’s collector car market.
The story begins in 1967 when this Mustang left Ford’s Metuchen, New Jersey assembly plant. Originally finished in Wimbledon White and equipped with a 289-cubic-inch V8 engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission, it seemed destined for a typical American muscle car life. Instead, it was shipped to Italy along with a Shelby GT350, where it would undergo a transformation that would make it one of the most unique Mustangs ever created.
The Italian Touch: Zagato’s Artistic Vision
Zagato’s work involved fitting bespoke front bodywork with a hood scoop, a narrowed grille, and rectangular Carello headlights as well as repainting the car from white to Holly Green. The Italian coachbuilder didn’t just modify the car; they reimagined it entirely.
The most striking changes were up front. Zagato added a hood scoop and swapped the round headlights for rectangular ones. The bumper was also lowered a few inches and had turning signal lights installed on top of it. The result was a car that looked distinctly European while maintaining its American DNA – think of it as a “Spaghetti Western” in automotive form.
The attention to detail extended beyond just the exterior. The interior is mostly stock, but features seats reupholstered in two-tone black and white leather, giving the cabin a more sophisticated feel that matched the Italian aesthetic.
A Journey Through Time and Ownership
The car’s history reads like a classic car collector’s dream. The car was taken off the road by its original owner in 1984 and remained in storage until 1995, when it was sold to the family of the current owner, Fabio Di Pasquale. This period of careful storage helped preserve the car’s unique character and rarity.
Di Pasquale understood what he had and treated the car accordingly. He made the decision to repaint it back to its original Wimbledon White, honoring Ford’s factory specifications. However, the story doesn’t end there. Since then, it has participated in the 2021 Mille Miglia and graced the pages of Autoitaliana and Octane magazines.
Racing Heritage and Recognition
What truly sets this Mustang apart isn’t just its rarity, but its active participation in prestigious automotive events. The Mille Miglia isn’t just any classic car rally – it’s one of the most famous and exclusive vintage car events in the world. The fact that this Zagato-modified Mustang was accepted and participated speaks volumes about its historical significance and authenticity.
The car’s participation in the 2021 Mille Miglia wasn’t just a one-off event. As a former participant, it maintains eligibility for future Mille Miglia events, adding considerable value for any collector who dreams of experiencing Italy’s legendary open-road race.
The Restoration Journey
Understanding the car’s value and significance, the current owners invested in a comprehensive refurbishment around 2019. This wasn’t a quick cosmetic refresh – it was a thoughtful restoration that respected the car’s unique heritage. In order to obtain certification from L’Automotoclub Storico Italiano, the car was refinished in Holly Green in 2019 in accordance with a confirmation letter from Zagato.
This attention to historical accuracy and proper documentation is crucial in the classic car world. Having official confirmation from Zagato about the original color and modifications provides authenticity that collectors demand and judges at concours events appreciate.
Why This Auction Matters for Mustang Enthusiasts
The $82,500 final bid represents more than just a successful auction – it demonstrates the growing appreciation for unique automotive history. While standard 1967 Mustang fastbacks can be found for significantly less money, this Zagato example commanded a premium that reflects its singular status in automotive history.
For Mustang collectors, this auction sets a new benchmark for extremely rare variants. It proves that when you combine American muscle car heritage with European design sophistication and impeccable documentation, the result can be truly valuable.
The Broader Appeal of Coachbuilt Classics
This Zagato Mustang represents something larger than just a single car sale. It highlights the enduring appeal of coachbuilt vehicles – cars that received special treatment from renowned design houses. In an era where automotive manufacturing has become increasingly standardized, these one-off creations remind us of a time when individual expression and artistic vision could transform a production car into something extraordinary.
Zagato’s reputation extends far beyond this single Mustang project. The Italian firm has created special versions of cars for manufacturers ranging from Aston Martin to Alfa Romeo, and each carries the distinctive Zagato DNA that makes them instantly recognizable to enthusiasts.
What This Means for Collectors
The successful sale of this Zagato Mustang sends a clear message to the collector car market: rarity, provenance, and unique heritage continue to command premium prices. For potential collectors, it emphasizes the importance of documentation, historical significance, and the value of cars that tell a compelling story.
This auction also highlights the global nature of classic car collecting. Here’s an American muscle car, modified by an Italian coachbuilder, participating in historic European rallies, and finally selling to a new owner who will undoubtedly appreciate its remarkable journey.
The legacy of this unique 1967 Ford Mustang GT Zagato Elaborazione extends far beyond its final auction price. It represents the beautiful collision of American automotive ambition and Italian design artistry – a combination that, as this auction proves, continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts more than 55 years after it first rolled off the production line.