26k Original Miles: 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible

By 1966, Ford’s First Generation Mustang was at the peak of its power. Initial sales results were beyond the company’s wildest dreams, but 1966 saw 607,568 buyers storm dealerships to hand over their cash to get their slice of the Mustang lifestyle. As is typical for many models from this era, rust would eventually consume a percentage of those cars, while others were modified with bigger engines, wider wheels, and numerous other changes as owners tailored their Mustang to their taste. That makes this 1966 Convertible worthy of a closer look. It is an original and unmolested survivor, and although it isn’t the most potent kid on the block, it has a genuine 26,000 miles on the clock. That makes it worthy of preservation, and a new owner has that opportunity. The Mustang is listed here on eBay in Miami, Florida. Bidding sits at $12,100, although that figure is short of the reserve. For those wishing to bypass the auction process, there is also a BIN option of $26,000.

The seller indicates they purchased the Mustang approximately a year ago and that they use it primarily for events like car shows. They use the term “paint never repaired” when describing the exterior, suggesting its Sahara Beige paint is original. If that is the case, its condition is acceptable if the new owner elects to preserve the car as a survivor. There are imperfections and marks, but that is expected in most vehicles of this vintage. The seller doesn’t mention rust, which must be considered in any original First Generation Mustang. The exterior generally looks promising, although there appear to be bubbles forming around the rear wheel arch on the driver’s side. If that proves the extent of the trouble, addressing it without compromising the Convertible’s survivor status is possible. The soft-top looks excellent, with no rips or other problems. The glass and chrome are fine for a survivor, and the narrow whitewall tires and wire hubcaps add a classy finishing touch. As usual, I would suggest an in-person inspection to confirm the seller’s claims, but the overall first impression is positive.

The key factor contributing to the stunning sales success of the First Generation Mustang was Ford’s decision to offer something for everyone. Those unable to justify a high-performance purchase could order their new car with a more conservative drivetrain combination that reduced running costs and the initial purchase price. Buyers still received a stunning-looking vehicle, but one that wouldn’t break the bank. That must have been the approach of this Convertible’s original owner because it features the T-Code 200ci six-cylinder motor that sends its 120hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. Performance figures are all you might expect from such a modest combination, with this classic taking 19.4 seconds to cover the ¼ mile. The seller doesn’t specifically say this Convertible is numbers-matching, but their emphasis on originality suggests it is. It runs and drives well, with everything working as it should. However, its trump card could be the seller’s claim it has a genuine 26,650 miles showing on its odometer. This is a claim I treat with caution because the figure is extraordinarily low. They also don’t mention verifying evidence, making that a question worth pursuing further.

The emphasis on originality continues when we turn our attention to the Mustang’s interior. The seller’s claim is undermined slightly by the radio/cassette player occupying the spot reserved for the factory radio. The under-dash unit for the air conditioning looks like a later addition, but those and the warped dash pad are the only significant criticisms. The upholstered surfaces are free from rips and physical damage. The carpet looks fine, and the painted surfaces are acceptable in a vehicle of this type.

If an in-person inspection confirms all the seller claims, this 1966 Mustang Convertible is a special car. It isn’t perfect, nor is its mechanical configuration likely to pin its occupants back in the seats. However, if it proves to be a genuine survivor, that leaves the new owner with choices to make. Its lack of severe visible rust would make it a perfect restoration candidate. The buyer could select a custom or restomod build with an upgraded drivetrain and other modifications. Some will look at it and feel that preservation is what it deserves. That would entail addressing any rust but retaining as much of the existing paint and steel as possible. The preservation route is growing in popularity, but is it one you would choose?