1963 Ford Mustang III 2-Seater Concept Show Car Finds a New Home on Long Island
A unique and historically important 1963 Ford Mustang III concept show car affectionately known as the “Shorty” Mustang, was sold yesterday to a well-known Long Island car enthusiast at Auctions America in Fort Lauderdale. It is believed to be the only first generation Mustang prototype in private ownership and an important piece of Ford Motor Company history.
Here is the description from Auctions America:
Recognized by Ford Motor Company as an original factory prototype, the Mustang III was a one-of-a-kind design study built at Ford’s request by the famed Dearborn Steel Tubing Company. The car began with a prototype Mustang chassis, shortened by 16 inches and outfitted with a custom-built 302-cubic-inch V-8 with three dual-barrel carburetors. The special two-passenger fastback coupe body was penned by freelance designer, Vince Gardner, well-known for his custom creations during the 1950s and 60s.
When first unveiled, the “Shorty” Mustang was part of a travelling custom car show, displayed, among other events, at “Sports Cars in Review” at the Henry Ford Museum in 1965. Much to the disappointment of showgoers and its designer, Ford’s plans for limited production of the model did not pan out; and, upset at the prototype’s pending destruction; Gardner stashed it away in a nearby warehouse. It was subsequently reported stolen by Ford, who received a payout for the loss, only for the car to be discovered several months later. An important piece of Ford history, it eventually found its way into the possession of its current owner, a passionate sports car enthusiast, in 1968. He later commissioned a complete restoration to return the car to its original condition before debuting the vehicle at the esteemed Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in 2013. The appearance marked the first time that the car had been shown publicly in four decades. More recently, it has been displayed at numerous events across the U.S. as part of Mustang’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Enjoy,
Howard Kroplick
Meet "Shorty"
Officially, it was the Mustang III concept, built by Dearborn Steel Tubing Industries with the blessing of Ford Marketing. DST was Ford's go-to partner for many show cars of the era, and they wanted to explore what a legit two-seat Mustang might look like.
With the reduced wheelbase, the rear seat was completely jettisoned.
The reduced size required a new position for the gas tank lid.
Underhood, Shorty got a then-experimental version of Ford's later-ubiquitous 302-cid V8 with three dual-barrel carburetors.
The V8 was connected to an automatic transmission.
While the nose is standard 1965 Mustang, the fiberglass bodywork from the firewall to the rear was unique to Shorty.
On the Auction Stage
Meet "Shorty's" New Owner
Comments
Howard, congratulations! See on the lawns this summer.
A Great Car, Enjoy.
Yipes!!!!! We’ve been following the adventures of this amazing car for two years now! Totally psyched that it’s “in the family” so to speak! Can’t wait to see it.
We’re going to Belmont today! Take it out for a spin!
The Thunderbird Club of South Florida volunteers to stage and drive the cars at this aution. It was a privilege to participate in the presentation of this significant Ford Car. “Well bought”
Ed Raabe, President CTCSF
HOWARD!!
Congratulations indeed!
(hope to have it shown in B’hampton)
Mazel Tov, Hesh, on the new arrival. What a pretty baby girl.
In Friendship,
H
Congrats! I remember seeing that car at the Amelia Island Concours about six or seven years ago. Neat ride. Have fun.
Howard, congratulations! Now you have the ” long” (your 1937 Chrysler Imperial) and the “Short” (the Mustang prototype) of of it for a car collection! All my best.
Congrats Howard! What a beautiful car… always loved Mustangs! PS What a great presentation this past week at the Smithtown/Commack library - thanks for sharing so much wonderful info on the Island’s rich history!! Best Always - Tom & Gaetano
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From Howard Kroplick:
Tom, please thank Gaetano again for his wonderful gift.
Congrats Howard! Very ,Very Cool Car!...Enjoy it
George “Minuteman Press”
From Guy Frost:
Congratulations, Howard!
Delighted to know such an important car is on long Island and in such good hands. Best of luck with Shorty!
Howard!!, You did it again,another one of one.Just have to see it,can’t miss out on this. What a car,you really know how to pick them and keep the history going. Congrats
Congratulation Your Mustang is somewhat of a preview of the 1968 AMC, AMX a 2 dr. 2 seater pony car. You pick winners!
CONGRATULATIONS, HOWARD !
It should make a great showing featured with the Mustang Shelby Club of Long Island’s other cars !
What a great car, if only Ford had produced them.
Howard: Congrats on your acquisition of the beautiful AMERICAN Mustang, a rolling piece of AMERICAN automotive history. Enjoy it !
— Marty, member of GNYR
Howard congrats on your new arrival We can’t to see you on the circuit JeRita
Howard, nice addition to the growing collection…...Enjoy it !
Time for a bigger garage Howard? Glad to see such a beautiful part of our American automobile history preserved by someone as dedicated as yourself.
Congratulations, Howard! Another one-of-kind American classic to add to your collection. Can’t wait to go for a spin…
Howard,enjoyed taking a look at the car,hope to see it at a show,so I can spend more time looking at it. Thanks again for a short look at Shorty
Beautiful car! Congratulations to the new owner.
Howard, Happy for you, Shorty couldn’t be in a better place. Cant wait to see it.