Rutledge Wood and eBay Prep Their ’67 Mustang for the Goodguys PPG Nationals

Builders  /   /  By Daniel Gray

eBay’s project to build a head-turning classic Mustang—during and in between live car events throughout the summer—is on schedule. Rutledge Wood, the celebrity car builder with a taste for the outrageous, is leading the effort. After he successfully unveiled the 1967 Mustang Fastback project car at the Carlisle Ford Nationals in early June, the vehicle was brought back to the Kenwood Rod Shop for extensive metal work. (Learn more about the tour.)

As with any restoration, Rut and his team are encountering challenges. They are working around the clock to get ready for the next stop on the tour: the Goodguys 20th PPG Nationals in Columbus, Ohio on July 7 to 9.

The mismatched fenders that came with the car were tossed. Fresh 1967 sheet metal was put in place.

The rear quarter panels and taillight panel were replaced and mismatched fenders that came with the car were tossed.

The Mustang’s front fenders were not correct for the year, so the team—which is building the fastback exclusively using parts sourced via eBay Motors—found a set of proper 1967 fenders and swapped them in. The rear quarter panels and taillight panel were also replaced.

The next big step is to install the engine and transmission before heading to Columbus in two weeks. The clock is ticking. The good news is that the engine has arrived at the shop. While the team is not yet revealing details about the powertrain, we know one thing for sure: it features a blue oval.

What engine will soon find its place beneath the hood?

What engine will soon find its place beneath the hood?

“The worst possible modification that you can make to a Mustang is to install a non-Ford motor into it,” said Mike Finnegan, who is helping Rut with the build. “If you have a Mustang, you just have to keep a Ford engine between the fenders.” You might know Mike from Roadkill and Finnegan’s Garage on YouTube.

The Engine Unveiling on July 7

A trio of 289 cubic-inch V8 engines was originally offered in the 1967 Mustang, along with a 390 cubic-inch V8 that delivered a factory-rated 320 horsepower.

At Carlisle, Rut said, “We want this car to be capable of leaving the Earth’s atmosphere.” So it’s not hard to guess that a major power upgrade is in the works.

Mike Finnegan will discuss the selection of the Mustang’s motor in Columbus on July 7 – 9.

Mike Finnegan will discuss the selection of the Mustang’s motor in Columbus on July 7 – 9.

But we won’t know what’s under the hood for sure until Mike and the ’67 Mustang Fastback make their appearance at the Goodguys20th PPG Nationals. The event runs from July 7 to 9 at the Ohio Expo Center and is expected to convene more than 6,500 hot rods, customs, classics, muscle cars, and trucks. If you love vintage pre-1972 iron, this is the show for you.

Highlights include the legendary Goodguys Autocross, as well as the Friday Night Vintage Drags at nearby National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio—with an exhibition featuring Nitro Burning Fuel Altereds and the Ohio Outlaw Gassers. Once you’ve experienced the ground-pounding tire-smoking action at a Goodguys show, your local Friday night cruise will never be the same.

We hope to see you there. And in the meantime, we’ll continue to track the Mustang’s progress on the eBay Motors Blog.

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About the Author

Daniel Gray is a best-selling tech author, trail-blazing blogger, recovering road-test editor, OG automotive YouTuber, and semi-retired delivery driver. His latest project, “The Last Mile Is the Front Line,” explores the over-hyped promises and unseen challenges of grocery delivery, where sustainability is paramount.