If you’ve been hunting for a first-gen Mustang driver project with V8 power and a manual transmission, this 1966 Ford Mustang might check all the right boxes. It’s being offered without a title but includes a bill of sale and current registration in the seller’s name. The car runs, drives, and presents as a solid starting point for someone who wants to enjoy the car while gradually improving it. See it here on eBay, located in Brooklyn, New York.
Under the hood is a 289 V2 mated to a 3-speed manual transmission. The seller notes a long list of recent mechanical updates, including a new gas tank, fuel pump, water pump, Petronix ignition, voltage regulator, starter, and a full front disc brake conversion with a power booster and master cylinder from Leed Brakes. The cooling and fuel systems have been freshened, and new rear brake lines and pads have been installed.
Inside, the dash pad has been replaced and a new ignition switch fitted. New door and trunk locks are included with the sale. It sits on 15-inch wheels with good tires, and all lights, gauges, and wipers are reported to be in working order. The car starts, runs, and drives, but the seller mentions a clutch chatter when starting off in first gear, possibly an adjustment or clutch replacement needed.
Bodywise, it will need floor pans and a small patch on the right lower quarter. All the frame rails are said to be solid, and the green paint gives it an eye-catching presence. It’s a car that can be used as-is while gradually improved, which is a rare combination in the classic Mustang market today.
Would you drive it like it is or turn this green coupe into a full-on GT tribute?
I would guess that there are more first gen Mustangs “out there” in barn find/ needs restoration/ project car condition than any other car. Probably thousands and thousands of them. So as is often stated, start with the best one you can find. This example has had some work and as Elizabeth notes, might not be a bad project from here forward. Stock, modified, restomod, driver– whatever you want to do is fine with an early Mustang coupe.
I think you’re right Bob, it sure seems theres an endless supply of Mustangs that need some love like this one here. I’m almost wondering of theres more unrestored or needing restoration Mustangs than restored ones!!!
I’d actually be happy keeping this stock ( I know call me crazy) but a 289 2 barrel with a 3 speed stick would be a lot of fun to run around in. Not every Mustang came from the factory with a K code 289. I like the 6 cylinder and base model V8s too.
Very nice write up Elizabeth and a great find too. I hope this one gets fixed up. It looks like it has good bones.
Another Mustang that isn’t the worst, but it still needs plenty of work. The body alone will be at least 15K to get it in good paint (probably not including floor pans); what other rust may be hiding? It has been humid inside the car, because there’s rust all over the roof panels etc. The interior isn’t that great, either. It may end up needing a clutch replacement, and who knows what kind of condition the engine is really in?
Sure, it may be able to be purchased on the cheap, but then the fun begins. I see more being spent on restoration than the car is realistically worth.
Car located in Conyers Ga. Not Brooklyn NY?
Yep! Now you’re talkin’. Many of your listings truly do look like barn finds.
Do the mechanical safety items, fix the interior & presrve the patina as best as you can. It’s awesome!
Not bad if the reserve isn’t stupid high like other cars that have been here I do have one question having never purchased anything from evil bay the add says $500 due as soon as auction close what happens if I’m not home on my pc watching the auction and I win does it just charge my card or what
Clean up the interior, freshen up the drive train and some dog bowl hubcaps, that’s all I would do,
Clutch replacement +++ either new or refinish the fly wheel get rid of the 3 finger pressure plate with a diaphragm one and that’s how the chatter stays gone. Oh if it chatters in first gear it’s probably rattling your teeth in reverse, just saying. Never thought I would say that.