Ready to tackle a project that might yield you a cool cruiser? This 1966 Mustang convertible might be for you. But read and look carefully at what you’re bidding on before you get too enthusiastic. Should you decide this resident of Ramsay, NJ is up your alley, be prepared to bid higher than $6599, which is where it sits now with the reserve not met. See it here on ebay.
This rusty, repainted 1966 Mustang convertible may be a lot of things. What it is not is a GT, as it’s decorated up to be and being sold as. The obvious clue is the C code in the VIN, which decodes to a 2-bbl V8. A GT would have an A or a K (very rare) in that fifth spot of the VIN. This one also is listed as having the two-barrel carb, so there’s no attempt to upgrade this to (faux) GT status. The equipment of a GT would also involve mandatory front disk brakes. No word as to what this one has as its stopping power. One thing to note is that the VIN tag is screwed to the body with a sheetmetal screw. Did it fall off? Is this the right one for the car? You might have to go backwards to figure this out, verifying the authenticity of what makes it a GT (little known factor: is the switch surround for the fog lights stamped or drilled) and then figuring out if the VIN information is accurate. Oh wait—where are the fog lights? Any why is there a chrome rocker molding attached (albeit one that doesn’t look correct even for a ’66 C-code)?
I’m always worried about rust in a Mustang, being a unibody car, and this one does nothing to calm my fears. In fact, “rust bucket” is an appropriate description, with rot in the rear quarters and other body panels. The view inside the trunk obscures the left-side frame rail. The right looks OK and is one of the few places where this car’s original yellow paint can still be seen. The seller notes various other problems including rust near the torque boxes and possible prior repair to the floor, which is confirmed in the images. Remember that “rust never sleeps,” so the longer you take to get this car media blasted and in primer, the worse it’s going to be. I’m not sure there’d be much left of it at the end of this process.
On the positive side, GT equipment including exhaust trumpets (or at least their correct outlets) and other details are present. There’s also a console and some awesome and little-seen spinner hubcaps. The interior is in decent shape except for the driver’s seat skin, which suggests that in fact the observed 40,000 odometer miles might well be 140,000. And the convertible top was apparently replaced right before storage and retains a clear rear window. So you’ve got a bit of a mishmash of new and old, correct and incorrect, verifiable and questionable here. If you can weld, maybe go for it. If you have to consign the restoration, you will find the bills mounting fairly quickly.
No title and it is an automatic too. Hard pass.
That car couldn’t be registered in Arizona considering the way the ID plate is attached
Mr Rand is right , hard pass if this thing has no title and the mix up of wether it’s an actual GT . Too much to bother with.My 69 has a lot of work but it has a title
LOL, “Mr Rand” is actually a Mrs, at least since I was born. But hey, these days, who knows.
And another note: in Oregon, DMV frowns on a VIN plate attached with screws. Likely will not be allowed to register.
I’d want to loosen up the left fender for the stamped VIN, and then see the Marti report….it sure is crusty…
I don’t think Marti report goes back to 1966. Ford got rid of the records for that year and prior, if I recall.
Besides all the other flaws, the engine is the wrong color, wrong air cleaner, and is just an all-around parts car. I suspect that this car was found in a field somewhere, and the seller had a ’67 or newer V8 to stick in it and didn’t have the knowledge to know to paint it the right colors. Just my 2$ (adjusted for inflation).
The engine is actually the correct color, not that it makes it any better of a buy.
No Marti reports on 1966 Mustangs.
Im thinking two words,,,parts car.save the motor,trans,rear end and other parts that are still viable that maybe could used to put together other mustangs.screwed on vin plate?lots of rust and a mix of different parts.sounds like the makings of a money pit.
Plus, and I didn’t say this in my story, that thingy that vents the valve cover (too late at night to remember the name) doesn’t look like it’s from a 66. I’m guessing with some of you that this engine came from elsewhere.
Thanks for being honest about this car.
In 1966, you could order a package that included front disc brakes and heavy duty suspension for a non-GT Mustang for $15.
Of course, you didn’t get the interior console, the upgraded seats, the trumpet exhaust, nor the front GT fog/driving lights. I realize that collectors want the GT now, but in 1966 you could buy that upgrade for NO increase of your insurance cost (a GT had higher premiums). That was a great bargain!