Restore or preserve? That is the question facing the new owner of this 1966 Ford Mustang Fastback. It is claimed to have a genuine 49,000 miles on its odometer, and the presentation of various aspects of this classic makes that sound plausible. The seller recovered this beauty from a barn around four years ago, addressing its rust issues and returning the Mustang to a roadworthy state. Recapturing its lost youth should be straightforward, although preservation is a viable option. The Fastback is listed here on eBay in Greenville, South Carolina. Bidding has passed the reserve to sit at $18,200.
Ford enjoyed a banner year in 1966, with the company finding 607,568 buyers for its iconic pony car. That figure remains a record, and while it is often considered impressive, the Mustang was, by no means, the most successful passenger car to roll off an American production line in that model year. Chevrolet sold 654,900 examples of its Impala, demonstrating that buyer confidence was high during the mid-1960s. The original owner ordered this Fastback in Candy Apple Red, and it appears it may retain its original paint. It looks pretty tired now, not exhibiting the shine often seen on pristine examples. The Mustang would benefit from a repaint, but there shouldn’t be many hurdles to clear before the winning bidder undertakes that process. The panels are straight, with only a few tiny bumps. However, the best news is the lack of rust. The Mustang received new floors within the last four years, making it as rust-free and rock-solid as the day it rolled off the line. The bumpers would benefit from a trip to the platers, but the remaining trim and glass are acceptable for a driver-grade classic.
The Mustang’s interior brings more good news for potential buyers. The carpet looks pretty ugly where the shifter pokes through, there is an aftermarket radio/cassette player, and items like the kick panels require replacement. Otherwise, it is highly presentable. The painted surfaces are nice, the Black vinyl is free from wear and distress, The carpet is in good order, and the plastic hasn’t succumbed to physical damage. I’m unsure what it would take to address the issue around the shifter, but the new owner may need to invest in a console. However, with reproductions retailing for nearly $1,000 and aftermarket ones that would conceal the issue selling for around $450, spending the cash on another carpet set would seem the most cost-effective solution.
The VIN confirms the original owner ordered this Fastback with the T-Code 200ci six under the hood that delivers 120hp and 190 ft/lbs of torque. They hooked this to a three-speed automatic, making this one of the least potent offerings within the 1966 Mustang range. A similarly equipped Convertible will be marginally slower due to its higher curb weight, but that is to miss the point of cars like this classic. The specifications of this car made it undeniably affordable and is what drew potential buyers into Ford showrooms. Justifying the added expense of a V8 was challenging for some, and a large percentage of the car’s success in 1966 can be attributed to vehicles like this Fastback. The seller doesn’t specify whether the Mustang is numbers-matching, although their claim that it has a genuine 49,000 miles on the clock suggests it is. They don’t mention verifying evidence for the claim but state the engine has been rebuilt. They unearthed this gem in a Tennessee barn and revived it after years of inactivity. This included replacing the fuel and brake systems to ensure the Fastback is roadworthy. It runs and drives well, making it a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
Okay, we must return to my original question regarding this 1966 Mustang Fastback. What would you do if it found its way into your garage? Would you preserve the car in its survivor form, or would a cosmetic restoration be irresistible? A third option would be to upgrade its mechanical components to unleash the performance many believe it deserves. I typically lean towards originality, but the enormous sales volumes during 1966 mean this is not a rare classic. Therefore, that concept is less of a concern for me. Do you have a vision for this Fastback? Are you tempted to act on it? I wish you luck if you do.
If the repaint was done with a quality paint I’d polish and clear coat it. Interior stuff is easy with material readily available. And yes, I’d be tempted to put a period correct V8 in it though an upgrade to dual carbs and split headers does make a great sounding engine with a bit more power.
A T-code absolutely could never be ‘numbers matching’.
Stop using that term when it’s not applicable. As an owner of a T code ’66, you sound like you don’t know what you’re talking about.
I’d like to understand what your comments mean.
Only the K code Hi-Po engines had the serial numbers stamped on them. All others cannot be number-matching. Claiming numbers matching is an ignorant lie.
Ford did not start to VIN stamp engines and transmissions until the 1968 model year. As stated by Chip though the early K code Mustangs were the exception as those were VIN stamped.
I’d rather have the gold Ranchero in the background of the last pic.
Looks like the real life car (hubcaps and all) in the HO scale “Model Motoring” track sets back in the day.
That 6 cyl. kills the resale value. The job of restoring to original will be left to the purest who cares little about sales value. Even with the wrong V8 engine it will be worth more than an orig. restoration, and perform like a fastback.
I spent a lot of time in a HS friends 67 Mustang, 6 with a 3 speed. That car was fun and gave many V8 cars a very hard time.
That car is no survivor. It’s rattle can resto. Paint is horrible and you can see evidence of rust just painted over under the hood. I bet the cowl leaks water.
John F is 100% right. This is a halfhearted attempt to put perfume on a pig. The orange peel paint on the door jambs, the satin sheen on the outside panels, the lumpy black paint on the underside, the exhaust exiting before the rear axle, and the weird photo of the trunk with an open air view of the gas tank all say insulting flip job. Were we so proud of the new tank that we cut a window in the trunk to show it off?
Wrong hubcaps. A little Armor All slathered on the interior vinyl would have created a much better vibe. Put a black shoebox over the shifter. Whoever is paying $18,000 for this must believe the body shell is sound and wants to build a GT350 clone. I’d love to have a ’66 fastback in (real) red but this one hurts my eyes and tarnishes my dream.
The gas tank IS the trunk floor.
It’s got new breaks…..give me a brake.
Of course it has low miles. Today some would enjoy it just because it’s a 66 fastback. In 66 it was just an embarrassingly slow mustang that the owner didn’t want to drive.
I had a 66 coupe with the six 3spd that would beat a 66 Fairlane with the c code v8.
Dad bought nothing but 6 cyl 3 speeds coupes . Swore they were quick enough and handled better than the v8. Sure not a drag racer , but I’ve heard enough stories from friends and family to be live she was quick enough to enjoy
I can verify that, a 66 Mustang with the 6 and a three speed was fun and fast.
Who Dumb Are You Mustang People. There Is No Hole In The Trunk It Is Missing The Lock And Doors Don’t Have A Lock Eather.
Well “it’s a true fasback” is the only line I believe….
the hubcaps look like they are from 1967 and the paint doesn’t look original to me. Very even haze throughout like lacquer that hadn’t been buffed out.
I have owned 4 ’66 Mustangs. All were 6 cylinders with auto transmissions. Two were fastbacks. I have a lot to say about this car.
It is missing many exterior and interior trim pieces. The original color is red. However, the new paint job looks to be of poor quality. The trunk lid is from a black fastback. It is missing both arm rests. I believe the headliner is worn out and torn. The two front fenders are repro. There should be a 2+2 emblem next to the horse. the hubcaps are from a 1967 year.
This looks to be a “quickie” resto if you could call it that.