Everyone's familiar with the '67 Mustang, but not this one.
This is an authentic Zagato design.
As a former Mille Miglia entrant, it's eligible to run the Mille again in the future.

Presumably, you've heard of the term Spaghetti Western. Well, here's what that genre might look like in car form: a traditional American hero, but done up by an Italian auteur. This 1967 Mustang GT fastback is a one-of-one Elaborazione Zagato, with styling tweaks from one of Italy's best-known coachbuilders, and it's up for sale on Bring a Trailer (which, like Car and Driver, is part of Hearst Autos). The design may not be to everyone's taste, but the provenance means it should fetch a fistful of dollars.

1967 Ford Mustang GT Zagato Elaborazione 289 rear

This car left the Ford assembly line in the spring of 1967 and was shipped to Italy along with a Shelby GT350. Originally white, and fitted with a 289-cubic-inch V-8 and a four-speed manual, it was repainted green and fitted with custom bodywork that gave it a very Peugeot-like front end.

1967 Ford Mustang GT Zagato Elaborazione 289 engine

From the rear three-quarter, this car is still very much a Mustang. From the front, only the galloping horse badge gives a clue to those thrown off by the square headlights and hood scoop. It's certainly not going to appeal to everyone, but the fact that this is the only one ever made gives it impeccable rarity.

1967 Ford Mustang GT Zagato Elaborazione 289 rear

Originally driven into the early 1980s by its first owner, this Mustang Zagato was put into storage for a little over a decade before being restored. During the restoration, the decision was made to repaint the car to its original white; however, this was reversed with a 2019 repaint. At this point, the car was certified by Zagato, giving it further authenticity.

So verified, the car was invited to participate in the 2021 Mille Miglia. This adds quite a level of appeal, as having once been invited to participate, it's eligible for future events. Getting into the Mille is a bit tricky, and this Mustang Zagato might be just the ticket.

1967 Ford Mustang GT Zagato Elaborazione 289 interior

Best of all, while the unusual bodywork is a one-off, this is still a V-8 Mustang underneath. You get a four-barrel-fed 289 V-8 with plenty of torque, plenty of mechanical spare parts out there to keep it running, and a comfortable 2+2 cabin. The overall condition of the car is tidy, but it's not a museum piece you can't drive.

Part of the fun here is the "I never heard of it" effect you'd get when rolling up to a show in this car. Everyone's seen a 1967 Mustang GT fastback before, but this car's sure to draw comments.

The auction ends on July 17.