The Story of a Dream: The 1969 Ford Mustang Fastback

Story by Peter Linney , Wikipedia and GTP

It all began one cold winter’s day in Norway, when I stumbled upon an old, rusted hulk of a car, parked outside and left to succumb to the elements. It was a Ford Mustang, a 1969 Fastback model, but it was hard to recognize at first—covered in rust, its once sleek lines obscured beneath layers of grime and decay. I had always dreamed of owning a classic Mustang, especially one from the iconic 1969 year. That year, Ford introduced the Mach 1, and the fastback body style had become a symbol of American muscle and style. But this one? It had seen better days.
I was drawn to it immediately. Despite the state of disrepair, I could see potential beneath the rust and dirt—a project, a chance to create something truly special. I decided to take the risk, hauling the Mustang home to my garage, knowing full well the work it would require.
Over the next few months, I dedicated myself to restoring the car. The work was grueling but rewarding. I spent countless hours welding, fixing the rust, and replacing parts. The first few weeks were spent just fixing the body, welding and cutting out the damaged sections. It was a challenging job, but I was determined. The winter of 2013-2014 was when the magic began. My oldest daughter even helped out, holding parts and learning the process, making it a special family project. We spent hours together in my garage, shaping the Mustang into something that could shine again.
Once the body was solid, the next phase was customizing it. The paint was my choice—I opted for Electric Pearl Orange because I loved how it glowed in the light. The work was a team effort between me, Ivar Aasland, and Barth Denth, who helped bring my vision to life. The result was breathtaking—a stunning, vibrant orange that made the Mustang stand out in any crowd.
The heart of the Mustang, the engine, was another story. I opted for a 1969 302 engine, which I rebuilt from the ground up. The car was originally equipped with a standard engine, but I wanted something with a little more punch. After sourcing parts and spending weeks assembling the components, the 302 engine roared back to life. Every modification was done with care, from the original chrome valve covers to the headers and exhaust system, all while maintaining the integrity of the classic Mustang feel.
The interior, too, was a labor of love. I kept the original leather seats, which had been carefully restored by Skinnprosjekter in Tvedestrand. I knew I wanted a balance between old-school muscle and modern comfort. The original C4 transmission from 1969 was installed, and I chose 17-inch Coys C5 wheels, giving the Mustang a more aggressive stance while still keeping the classic vibe intact.
Building this car was not easy. There were days I felt like giving up, but each step I completed brought me closer to the Mustang I had dreamed of for so long. The car’s transformation was slow but steady. From a rusted shell to a gleaming example of American muscle, the Mustang had been brought back to life.
Today, the Mustang stands as a testament to hard work, patience, and family. It’s not just a car—it’s a story, a journey. I’m proud of the work I’ve done, and I’m thankful to those who helped along the way, especially Ivar Aasland and Barth Denth for the paint, and my daughter for her support. And of course, I must thank my wife for putting up with the endless hours I spent in the garage.
This 1969 Ford Mustang Fastback is more than just a car—it’s a piece of history, a reflection of my passion, and a symbol of the American muscle car legacy. I can’t wait to take it out on the road again, relishing in the feeling of power beneath my feet and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Acknowledgments:
• Ivar Aasland for his help with the bodywork.
• Barth Denth for the stunning paint job.
• Skinnprosjekter in Tvedestrand for the leather interior restoration.
• My daughter for all the help during the rebuild.
• My wife for her patience and support.