BF Auction: 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible

Seller: Adam W aychoff (Contact)
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Mileage: 75,122 Shown
Chassis #: 6F08T118049
Title Status: Clean
Engine: 200 cui Inline-6
Transmission: Automatic

This 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible has an interesting backstory. It appears that this classic saw only about eighteen years of active service before a previous owner placed it in storage. Therefore, it has spent considerably more time hibernating than it has spent gracing our streets. It requires a total restoration, but it is a complete vehicle that is a promising project candidate. The current owner feels it has sat long enough and is listing the Convertible exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

The 1966 model year marked a high-water mark in First Generation Mustang production, with 607,568 cars rolling off the line as Ford struggled to meet buyer demand. The Convertible proved popular, with 72,119 buyers handing over their cash for a wind-in-the-hair motoring experience. The current owner believes that this ’66 drop-top saw regular service until a previous owner parked it in a barn in 1984. It has spent over four decades hiding, but has returned to the light of day as the owner prepares for it to find a new home. Ordered in Wimbledon White with a Black soft-top, it requires a total restoration. The winning bidder will have no choice but to adopt a nut-and-bolt approach because the Mustang has typical rust issues in the floors and shock towers. There are also some visible spots in the exterior lower extremities, but these aren’t severe. One attraction of these classics as project candidates is the ready availability of parts. In fact, the First Generation Mustang is one of those rare beasts where someone could theoretically build an entire car purely from reproduction items. Therefore, everything required to return the body to a rust-free state is readily available. The soft-top was new when the previous owner parked the car, but the back window has failed. Some trim pieces require restoration or replacement, but the glass is acceptable for a driver-grade build.

The secret to the Mustang’s success was Ford’s enormous list of factory options, which let buyers personalize their ride. Those on a budget could opt for a six-cylinder motor and drive away in a car with stunning styling without breaking the bank. This Convertible reflects that practice, with its engine bay housing the T-Code 200ci six. It delivers 120 hp and 190 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal, while the first owner selected the optional three-speed automatic transmission for a relaxed motoring experience. The owner believes the car last fired a shot in anger in 1984, and confirms that the vehicle doesn’t run or drive. He hasn’t tried to coax the motor back to life, but pulled the spark plugs and added oil to the cylinders. The brakes were also seized, so he removed them entirely to allow the Mustang to roll and steer for easy loading. The winning bidder could continue the revival process as part of a faithful restoration, but bolting a V8 under the hood would be pretty easy if they craved a performance boost.

Apart from an aftermarket radio/cassette player, this Mustang’s interior appears complete and unmodified. Trimmed in Black vinyl, the images have made my fingers itch. There is a seam separation developing on the driver’s seat upper backrest, but the upholstered surfaces look remarkably good beneath the heavy layer of dust. This isn’t as surprising as it might first appear, because in its eighteen years of active service, the Convertible clocked a mere 75,122 miles. The carpet is beyond salvation, and the wheel is cracked. However, if the buyer performs a deep clean, they may be surprised to discover how many components are fit for reuse in this restoration. It also suggests that returning the interior to a presentable state could be the most affordable part of this build.

It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words, which may be true for this 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible. It will take dedication to return it to its rightful place on our roads, which is where the pictures come in. The owner has provided some excellent images in the gallery below, and it is worth scrolling through them to discover what this classic offers and what is required to return the car to its former glory. Doing so will take only a few minutes, and once you have, you might decide it is your dream project candidate, and that bidding on this gem makes perfect sense.