During my visit to the Mooneyes New Year's Party in 2024, Irwindale Speedway was bustling with a wide array of classic cars, hot rods, lead sleds, restored muscle cars, and everything in between. As I explored the speedway grounds, my attention was drawn to a particularly unique vinyl top on a 1967 Ford Mustang. It bore a striking resemblance to Mopar's Mod Top and Ford's houndstooth vinyl tops, piquing my curiosity and leading me to believe that I had stumbled upon a rare gem within the Mustang community.

The front of the 1967 Branded Mustang

In the late 1960s, Ford devised a novel strategy to boost the sales of used Ford Mustangs. They introduced the "Branded" vinyl top package as an exclusive dealer add-on, complete with distinctive badging to distinguish these pony cars with the special addition. What made this option even more interesting was that it could be requested for some brand new Mustangs upon special request. In such cases, the package was shipped inside the trunk, along with instructions for dealerships to install the vinyl top.

The rear of the 1967 Branded Mustang

In 2024, only three Branded Mustangs are known to exist. The most renowned among them is the Burnt Amber model, which has garnered widespread attention and been featured in publications like Hemmings and other news outlets. Another variant, featuring a brownish hue with a white top, has some photographs circulating but remains relatively elusive. The lime gold one I encountered here is the third of these rare specimens. While Ford would continue to experiment with unique vinyl top options for other Mustang models in the following years, the Branded option stands out as possibly the rarest of them all.

The original paisley Branded vinyl top

This lime gold metallic 1967 Ford Mustang was originally ordered as a daily driver in 1967. However, when the owner visited the dealership to place the order, she happened to notice a Mustang in the used car lot featuring the unique printed top. Upon seeing it in person, she decided to make her brand new car even more special by requesting a paisley Branded top. Interestingly, despite the special touches and memorabilia that came with these tops, she specifically requested that none of the "Branded" badging be added to her Mustang.

The original paisley Branded vinyl top

Unlike the other known Branded Mustangs, this particular one has undergone an extensive restomod process since it was acquired. It now boasts a powerful small block Ford engine that propels the Mustang down the road with impressive speed, complemented by a 5-speed manual transmission seamlessly mated to the engine.

The carbon fibre rear bumper and blacked out chrome details helped to add to the restomod aesthetic

The interior of this unique Mustang underwent significant changes as well. The factory seats were swapped out for a pair of Corbeau bucket seats, which are now equipped with harnesses attached to a half cage, providing both enhanced safety and comfort. The traditional gauges have been upgraded to a more modern analog set, while the driver enjoys the grip of a Shelby-inspired steering wheel while traversing the roads of California.

Inside the Branded Mustang

In harmony with the exterior enhancements, most of the chrome trim received a sleek matte black paint treatment, and the original bumpers were swapped out for aftermarket carbon fibre replacements. The exterior transformations extend further with the addition of an aftermarket carbon fibre hood and the installation of "Monster Stage 1" LED headlights or a similar variant, contributing to improved illumination during nighttime drives.

At the Mooneyes New Year's Party in 2024, I had the privilege of witnessing a remarkable collection of unique classic cars. Among them, one of the rarest gems was a 1967 Ford Mustang featuring the optional "Branded" vinyl top. What set this car apart was its exceptional transformation, combining a restomod approach for enhanced performance and aesthetics, all while preserving its exceptionally rare paisley vinyl top. The current owner has invested significant time and effort to refine the driveability of this Mustang, turning it into his ultimate street performer.

Under the hood featuring the small block Ford V8

Some of the information of the Branded Mustangs came from the following article:
https://www.hemmings.com/stories/branded-package-1967-ford-mustang/

Until the next time I see you guys, get wrenching, get driving, and keep these classics alive!

- Kyle Hanger of Searching for Classics