Importing a 1976 Mustang II: Baptiste’s Journey from Belgium to France
Every Mustang has a story, but some are a little more complicated than others. For Baptiste, it wasn’t just about finding a 1976 Mustang II — it was about navigating borders, paperwork, and patience to finally bring his dream car home from Belgium to France.
A Dream Born Young
Baptiste fell in love with cars early on, and Mustangs quickly became his favorite. As a child, he spent hours watching car chases on TV and dreaming of one day owning his own Mustang.
When he approached his thirties, he made a decision: he would save for one year to get the Mustang of his dreams, kicking off his third decade with a milestone he had waited for.
Choosing the Right Mustang
Baptiste knew he wanted an older Mustang but was unsure which generation to pick. He wasn’t interested in third or fourth-generation models, preferring something more classic.
His search quickly narrowed to the first and second generations, and due to his budget, the Mustang II became the obvious choice.
Six months of scouring ads across France, Belgium, Germany, and Spain brought him little success—until he joined the Mustang Forum, connecting with enthusiasts who could guide him through the options, transmission types, and body styles.
The Red 1976 Mustang II Coupé
By late April 2017, Baptiste found it: a 1976 Mustang II Coupé, Bright Red with a white-and-red vinyl interior, V6 2.8L engine, manual transmission, and even a sunroof.
The car looked almost new. A quick check of the VIN and odometer confirmed it was an export model, increasingly sought after by collectors, located in Belgium.
First Steps Toward Ownership
Communicating with the Dutch seller wasn’t easy—the language barrier made negotiation challenging.
Determined, Baptiste organized a trip to Belgium with a friend to inspect the car personally.
The first viewing was delayed due to administrative issues and lack of temporary plates, but Baptiste’s persistence paid off.
Love at First Sight
Finally, he arrived at the seller’s house near Antwerp. The car was there, just as advertised. The paint was nearly flawless, the bodywork clean, with minor blemishes already noted by the seller.
Under the hood, some cables and hoses were messy, but nothing major mechanically. The radiator had a small leak, but otherwise, the car was sound. Baptiste knew immediately: this was the one.
A Transparent History
The Mustang II was built in Dearborn, Michigan in March 1976, equipped with the V6 2.8L and a 4-speed manual.
Originally exported to Belgium, it had been lovingly cared for by its first owner and barely driven by the current seller. The Bright Red exterior and Red Mateao vinyl interior remained intact, preserving its original character.
Taking the Wheel
The test drive confirmed what Baptiste suspected: smooth shifting, responsive steering, and a satisfying engine growl. There were no major issues—just pure driving pleasure.
With the paperwork completed on time, he finally drove his Mustang to Brussels, ready to tackle the next challenge: importing it into France.
Importing to France
Even between EU countries, importing a classic car requires patience. Baptiste filed the necessary FFVE documents, obtained the Quitus Fiscal, passed the technical inspection, and waited in line at the Préfecture du Rhône to pay the €350 registration fee. Meanwhile, the Mustang stayed in a secured garage in Brussels for a week until the transport company could bring it to France. Those nights were long and sleepless—but the anticipation only made the moment of arrival sweeter.
First Maintenance and Upgrades
Once home, Baptiste entrusted the car to Boris, who replaced the steering ball joints, repaired the leaking radiator, and planned additional work including a new windshield and custom exhaust.
Baptiste also envisioned adding white stripes to his Coupé—an aesthetic touch for the future.
Conclusion
Baptiste’s journey wasn’t just about buying a car—it was about patience, research, persistence, and the thrill of finally achieving a dream.
From Belgium to France, from a forum thread to real-life paperwork and late-night planning, his 1976 Mustang II is more than a car—it’s the story of a passion realized.
