When YouTuber Matty Willo first saw the 2016 V8 Ford Mustang GT at a salvage auction in Australia, it left him uneasy. The car was battered, with a front bumper barely hanging on and several panels misaligned. It seemed more like a gamble than a deal.
But within just a week, this rough muscle car transformed into one of Matty’s best automotive investments.
He snagged the Mustang for $17,250 AUD (around $12,100 USD). After adding auction fees and delivery, the total came to about $20,000 AUD ($14,030 USD). For a project car with accident damage, that’s a big risk. But the Mustang had some great features. It boasted a 5.0-liter Coyote V8, paired with a six-speed manual transmission—just what car enthusiasts love. Plus, it had a mere 34,092 miles (54,866 km) on the odometer, which is impressive for a 2016 model. The interior still felt nearly new.
What made the purchase feel fated? The previous owner’s registration plate read ‘Matt Stang’, matching Matty’s name. Even stranger, the Ford Mustang shares its birthday with him—April 17.
Of course, the car still needed a lot of work. Most of the damage was at the front. The radiator support was bent, the bumper cracked, the grille broken, and several parts like the bonnet latch were missing.
Fortunately, the structural damage was minimal. Matty checked the chassis and confirmed it was still straight. This meant repairs were mostly about replacing parts.
He sourced genuine parts, including a new radiator support and crash bar, for around $2,500 AUD ($1,750 USD). That was surprisingly low for original components. Once the new parts were installed, the Mustang started looking like itself again. Matty even repaired a broken headlight tab with plastic welding and reused many original clips.
After inspections and registration, his total investment reached about $26,000 AUD ($18,235 USD). That’s a steal, considering similar V8 Mustangs in Australia can sell for much higher.
According to a recent report by the Australian automotive market research firm, unique project cars like Matty’s can often appreciate in value by 15% to 20% annually if maintained well. It seems Matty made the right bet!
If you’re curious to see how Matty restored the Mustang, check out his full video online.
Historically, the Ford Mustang has had an interesting journey. It was first introduced in 1964 and created the ‘pony car’ segment. Initially, it sold over 400,000 units in its first year. Fast forward to 2005, and a retro-styled version revitalized interest in the model.
The Mustang’s legacy continues with the latest seventh generation, which blends modern technology with traditional V8 power.
This story highlights not just the thrill of automotive restoration but also how strategic buying can yield great rewards.
