It is certainly nice to have full control. When you do something from scratch. Find parts and then gently build together to perfection. At least that is what Johan Sturesson from Öland, Sweden thinks.
- I have always dreamed of a complete restoration of a car from scratch.
You have probably already figured out by now what model is at the top of the list.
The galloping horse - it still adorns the Ford Mustangs today.
Ford Mustang, an American icon. The first car rolled out of the factory in March 1964. But for the speculator it is important to navigate correctly - since the car comes in a plentitude of different versions. Everything from 6-cylinder timid ponies, to muscular and beautiful wild thoroughbred.
Johan Sturesson chosed the later category when he searched for the perfect garage project.
– I was looking for a fastback from the years 1967 or 1968. Preferably it should be a GT with the big 390 engine and a 4-speed manual box.
But the perfect wild horse was difficult to catch, after searching in both Sweden and the US, the right project suddenly appeared in the Netherlands.
– It was a GT from 1968 that I actually had on the radar from Oregon but it was sold before I made my decision. Now the same Ford Mustang appeared here in Europe. No damages and far more easy with an inner-european import.
Instant moves
Without hesitation Johan bought the Mustang. This time no one should beat him in buying that wild horse!
The Mustang arrived to Sweden by truck and this is what it looked like when Johan picked it up.
Soon the object was stripped down to its constituent parts.
– This was my first car restoration and that I chose a Ford Mustang was because I like that particular model but mainly that there is great access to parts for these so-called pony cars.
VP Autoparts in Fristad was very helpful during the restoration.
– Some parts such as carburetors and things that are not new production have been ordered from the USA. All other parts are purchased in Sweden. The packages from VP Autoparts arrived the day after ordering which is great when you are in the middle of renovation and want to have the parts fast, Johan explains.
The bolt kit facilitated the renovation very much. All screws and nuts are included and also have the correct marking.
Another advantage of buying the parts from a Swedish company is if for some reason something is wrong.
– It is no fun to send the parts back all the way across the Atlantic.
Today lots of parts are being manufactured for the Ford Mustang. Charging controller with correct Autolite-Logo is just one of the all the items that are stocked at VP Autoparts.
The list of the parts that were changed in the restoration are long. From VP Autoparts Johan bought among other parts fuel tank, generator, door panels, starter motor and parts for the power steering.
– In fact, the car was close to burn up beacuse of the a broken ignition lock. VP helped me with a new. And I chose to buy a complete electric wiring harness to be on the safe side for the future, says Johan who has gone through the car thoroughly during the restoration.
Enging with a extra claw
The varnish was substantially shabby, so it was repainted. Original paint, Presidential Blue. 
After a complete restoration Johan Sturesson's Ford Mustang is now out on the roads again. The entire story about the Mustang can be found in Bilsport Classic 8-2019.
Johan's Fastback are originally equipped with a V8 of 390 cubic inches.
– This year the Mustang came with everything from 6 cylinder engine to big block on 428 cubic inches. My 390 is originally at 335 horsepower but I have put in a slightly updated camshaft.
In the well-refurbished engine compartment resides a correct 390 engine of 335 horsepowers - at least.
A total of 300.000 Ford Mustangs were made in 1968 and 42.000 of these were made as Fastbacks.
– Only 12.000 were GT-models. With some extra add-ons as standard.
It was uncounted hours in the garage but now Johan's wild horse is back out on green pastures.
(Source: Bilsport Classic magazine 8-2019)
