Burnt Amber Brown 1967 Mustang Branded Hardtop out to Pasture
(C) 2007-2024 MustangAttitude.com - all rights reserved.
This is a "Branded" 1967 Mustang hardtop. This one is owned by Fran Cosentino. Branded edition Mustangs were created by dealerships on mostly used 65-68 Mustangs to spiff them up for resale. The Branding kit was available from Ford. The kit included choice of colored vinyl tops (in 15 colors), side stripes (in 5 colors), quarter panel chrome, and special Branded emblems. This one has three of those items. It has the typical round "Branded" emblem on the vinyl top behind the side rear quarter window. It has a special shield shaped "Branded ID" emblem on the front fender - up near the triangle vent window. Fran, the owner, knows a whole bunch more. Here's what he had to say,
"Being a Branded Mustang owner, here is what I know(or think I know)....
The Branded Mustang Kit was introduced in late 67-early 68(model year). The kit was used by dealers on new and used Mustang coupes. It could also be ordered for 65-66 coupes. The kit was was distributed by DSI Corp., Plymouth, Mich. directly to Ford Dealers. It consisted of:
1. Pre-cut, hand-sewn vinyl top - 15 different colors or patterns
2. Two black and brass or silver and black C-pillar emblems - marked left and right
3. Left and right Screw-On quarter moldings - with Ford part numbers
4. Pre-cut "Thoroughbred" stripes in five colors (Red, white, black, blue, gold)
5. Two cans of Mastic glue
6. Ford instruction guide
This all came in a 3 foot long shipping tube from DSI.
I have six complete kits with five still in their original shipping tubes. Two are 65-66 and the rest are 67-68. the tops are all different and range from 'pretty cool' to 'butt ugly'. Keep in mind - It was the 60s. I also have stripes in red, white and gold.
I have instructions, Thoroughbred stripe identification charts, order form, invoices from DSI, a copy of an introduction ad in a dealer publication, and a copy of an ad in the Washington Post, July 17, 1968 introducing Shelton Ford's exclusive "California Mod Mustang". It's a Branded kit without the emblems. I also have a pair of promotional Branded cuff links."