Follow Richard and the Gas Monkeys as they find a 1966 Pontiac GTO and 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 to start their new build year.
The start of a new year is a great time to put a new project or two into motion. YouTubers Gas Monkey Garage & Richard Rawlings do just that by hunting for potential build projects in the Lone Star State. Out of the dozens of tempting classic cars there, only two will go back to the garage.
In the video, we learn which two muscle cars make the grade for Richard and his crew.
A Winning Muscle Car Hiding In Plain Sight
The search begins in a Texas-sized junkyard, with a staggering variety of special cars on offer. There’s a 1970s Dodge shorty van with a blower in the back, a Ford F-250 highboy, and a 1982 Z28 Indy Pace Car Camaro, among others.
Richard immediately finds a late 1970s Ford Bronco XLT Free Wheeling that he wants. Then a clean, all-original, numbers-matching 1964 Chevy Chevelle SS convertible distracts him. But a diamond in the rough awaits him behind an old shipping container: a 1966 Pontiac GTO.
A previous owner has inexplicably swapped its original four-speed manual for an automatic, and its 454 engine no longer runs. But the potential proves to be irresistible with its iconic profile, cool taillights, deep-dish Cragar wheels, and the complete interior with optional headrests and cushions. Richard understandably loves this Pontiac GTO and decides to buy it.
Just One Mustang Stands Out Among Many
As for other muscle cars, the junkyard owner has a number of classic Mustangs that are works in progress, including a fastback and a Shelby. The best of them all for Richard, however, is a 1969 Ford S-Code Mustang Mach 1 with a 390 cu. in. V8 engine.
This variant is sometimes overlooked among classic ponies. However, its original engine has a torching 325 hp and 427 lb-ft of torque, which compares favorably to the 428 Cobra Jet’s 335 hp and 440 lb-ft.
Originally, this car had factory green paint, automatic transmission, and air conditioning. More recent drag-racing mods such as a fiberglass hood, rack and pinion steering, and disc brakes don’t deter Richard from rescuing this car. The junkyard owner planned to return it to stock.
Of course, Richard is more closed-mouthed about his plans for both the Mustang and the Pontiac. But it will be exciting to see how the Gas Monkeys will transform these two quintessential muscle cars in upcoming episodes.
