Restoring a classic Mustang from the first generation (1965 - 1973) is both a rewarding journey and a technical challenge. These cars - ranging from early 1965 models to the muscular 1973 fastbacks - are classics of American automotive history. However, many restorers fall into common traps that undermine both the integrity and value of the final build.

Whether you're tackling a numbers-matching 1966 GT coupe or a 1970 Boss 302, here's a thorough guide to the 10 most common and costly restoration mistakes, complete with historical context and technical insight.

The 1967 Mercury Cougar roared onto the scene as a stylish and powerful alternative in the pony car segment. Sharing its underpinnings with the Ford Mustang, the Cougar brought a touch of European flair and a lineup of potent V8 engines to the table. Ford intentionally slotted the Cougar between the Mustang and the Thunderbird. The following narrative is a detailed breakdown of the powertrain choices, transmission options, performance packages, and notable extras that made the Cougar a standout in its debut year.

Above: 1967 Mercury Cougar XR-7 photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions

If you're an automotive enthusiast, the name James May should sound familiar. As one of the three hosts of the legendary BBC TV series "Top Gear" and later "The Grand Tour" on Amazon Prime, he has driven and reviewed a greater variety of vehicles than almost anyone. He's also well known as someone who has a deep appreciation for the classics, with a collection that has included vintage vehicles from Rolls Royce, Bentley, Jaguar, Triumph, Porsche, and Ferrari. In a recent episode on his YouTube channel, he drives and reminisces about a uniquely American classic: the 1969 Ford Torino convertible.

The years 1966 to 1972 are widely regarded as the golden age of Trans American (Trans Am) racing, a thrilling period that saw factory-backed muscle cars, legendary drivers, and fierce rivalries come together to create one of the most exciting chapters in American motorsport history. The Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) launched the series in 1966 to promote showroom stock sedans, but what followed was a war between automakers on the racetrack that would shape the identity of American performance cars for decades.

In the muscle car era, where speed ruled and style was king, no name echoed louder than Mustang. And of all the years in its glorious run, 1969 marked a turning point. It was the year Ford went all-in - expanding the lineup, ramping up performance, and putting rubber to the racetrack. The result was a legendary machine that cemented Mustang’s place in history not just as a pony car, but a true performance legend.

When it comes to restoring a classic car, there are two schools of thought. Some owners prefer to take the car to a restoration shop and let the pros do most of the work. There's nothing wrong with that plan, but for owners who have a tighter budget and more spare time, it often makes sense to take a "do it yourself" approach. That's exactly what Omar Guevara, the owner of this '71 Mustang Fastback, did after buying this car from his father. The result is a cool streetable classic Mustang that didn't break the bank.

The Indianapolis 500 has used an official pace car since its very first race in 1911, setting the pace for what would become one of the most celebrated traditions in motorsport. Here's a detailed look at the evolution—from pioneering makes of the early 20th century to today’s high-performance supercars.

In 2010, a classic car enthusiast stumbled across a forgotten gem that the previous owner had discovered in a ramshackle barn: a 1965 Ford Fairlane 500. The Fairlane 500's current owner, Robert Weber, named her Lainey—a moniker that reflects both her graceful lines and the affection she has earned over the years. Covered in a thick layer of green mold and grime, Lainey at first glance looked like she had seen better days. But what lay beneath was nothing short of remarkable.

When John F. Kennedy was inaugurated as the 35th President of the United States on January 20, 1961, the ceremony and surrounding festivities were marked by a powerful blend of tradition and modernity. One of the most visually striking and historically notable elements of the 1961 Inaugural Parade was the use of a fleet of specially modified 1961 Ford Thunderbird convertibles, known as the Presidential Thunderbirds. These unique vehicles embodied the glamour, innovation, and forward-looking spirit of the new Kennedy administration.

The 1961 Ford Thunderbird was a styling triumph for the Ford Motor Company during the space race American car styling epoch of the late 1950's and early 1960's. No one person is credited with coining the nickname Bullet Bird, just as no one designer for the Ford Motor Company is acknowledged with creating this superlative automotive shape that so aptly characterizes space race automotive styling during this era.