• Seller: Steve U nderwood
• Location: Pawnee IL
• Mileage: 55140 Shown
• Chassis #: 6R07T107291
• Title Status: Clean

First Generation Mustangs make excellent project candidates because an owner has a world of choices available to personalize their classic to help it stand out from the crowd. The battle tends to be finding a solid candidate that doesn’t require extensive rust repairs. That is where this 1966 Coupe comes into its own. It is a rock-solid vehicle that could easily be enjoyed in its current form while the new owner devises their plans to transform it into a genuine head-turner. The current owner admits they will never have the chance to treat it to the attention it richly deserves, listing it exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

Ford must have felt like it had struck gold with the Mustang in 1966. An incredible 607,568 buyers gave one of these classics a home, representing a record that the badge has never surpassed. The original owner ordered this gem in iconic Candy Apple Red, and it still wears most of its original paint. It shines well for its age but would undoubtedly benefit from a cosmetic refresh. The paint shows typical deterioration on the horizontal surfaces like the hood and trunk lid, but stripping these areas would be straightforward. The panels are straight, and any imperfections should be easily addressed. There is no evidence of prior accident damage or associated repairs. The best news for potential buyers is this car’s lack of rust. There is a minor repair in the driver’s side lower rear quarter panel. It looks okay, although the new owner will undoubtedly choose to smooth the welds inside the trunk to achieve a high-end result. That is the only task facing the grinder because the remaining exterior surfaces are clean. The underside exhibits some dry surface corrosion but no signs of steel penetration. The glass looks suitable for reuse, reducing the project costs. Most trim pieces should respond positively to polish, with only a few components requiring restoration or replacement. For someone seeking a hands-on approach, whipping this classic’s panels and paint into shape should prove straightforward and inexpensive.

This Mustang’s interior is a genuine surprise packet because it needs little to look extremely presentable. The buyer won’t face the expense of a complete retrim because the seats and other upholstered surfaces are free from wear and other issues. The dash and pad are in good order, and the most significant cost would be $220 for a new carpet set. Some painted areas would benefit from attention, but the new owner could tackle these when they refresh the exterior. The factory AM radio isn’t currently installed, but it is sitting in the trunk.

The VIN confirms the original owner ordered this Mustang with the T-Code 200ci six producing 120hp and 190 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed automatic transmission, guaranteeing a relaxed driving experience. The owner is unsure whether this engine is numbers-matching, although they confirm it runs well and that the car drives nicely. The winning bidder could elect to detail the engine bay and leave this classic mechanically untouched. This is a viable approach because the once-ignored six-cylinder Mustangs are gaining traction in the classic market. However, there is a world of options available to the new owner. Slotting a more powerful engine under the hood, whether period-correct or more modern, would be straightforward courtesy of the ready availability of parts off the shelf. Creating a GT tribute or following the restomod path may prove irresistible, and this is one area where the buyer can tailor this Mustang to their taste and budget. The seller includes an additional 3.00 rear end that the new owner could add to their parts inventory.

This 1966 Mustang Coupe is one of the most promising projects I have seen for a while. The term “blank canvas” can be overused, but it applies perfectly to this classic. Its lack of rust might be its strongest attribute, although the fact the winning bidder can enjoy the car in its current form is another positive. There are two main expenses facing anyone tackling a project. The first is the initial purchase price, while the second is the build budget. Some people become disheartened when they purchase the candidate of their dreams and are forced to watch it occupy a corner of their workshop for months or years while accumulating the funds to transform it into something genuinely special. They long for the day when they can slip behind the wheel to indulge in the classic motoring experience. That opportunity is immediately available to this car’s new owner. That is why submitting a bid on this gem makes perfect sense.

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