- Seller: Josh S
- Location: Davenport, Iowa
- Mileage: 45,010 Shown
- Chassis #: 6R07C143832
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 289 V8
- Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic
When the Mustang was introduced, Ford advertised that it was “designed to be designed by you,” and that is as true today as it was sixty years ago. Why is the Mustang such a popular canvas for personalization and modification? Obviously, it has sheer numbers on its side; Ford sold over a million of them between Mustang’s introduction in April 1964 and the end of the 1966 model year. This popularity when new has led to an abundance of aftermarket parts today, making it easy to make that old Mustang “yours.” This 1966 coupe represents so many of those coupes roaming America’s roads: a solid driver with some suspension and engine modifications to make your time behind the wheel more fun. Located in Davenport, Iowa, it is now being offered as a Barn Finds Auction.
If you’ve spent any time under an early Mustang, you are already aware that they can rust in creative ways, but our auction car is quite solid. It’s clearly had some work done, but the subframes and floors look like they’re ready for another fifty-nine years. The front suspension has been rebuilt, and you can see the neat adjustable strut rods mounted to the lower control arms, which might allow a little extra caster adjustment. The Mustang also has power front disc brakes with a dual circuit master cylinder for a little extra peace of mind when stopping. Additionally, the seller has performed the “Shelby Drop.” In 1965, Shelby American redrilled the shock towers and lowered the mounting points for the upper control arms on their GT350s, which provided a more advantageous camber curve; in essence, the front wheels stayed closer to zero camber under hard cornering than they would with the stock mounting arrangement. There’s also a pair of under-rider traction bars in the rear, similar to what Shelby used on the ’66 GT350, in addition to a new gas tank, fuel lines, and rear brakes.
As a C-Code car, the factory engine is a 289 two barrel with 200 horsepower, but this one’s seen a few modifications, such as a Demon carburetor and an aftermarket HEI ignition system. It’s also been treated to a new timing chain, aluminum radiator, and electric cooling fan. The curved Monte Carlo bar to brace the shock towers is also an aftermarket addition, so named because they were first used on the Monte Carlo Rally Falcons of 1963. The curve in the center of the engine compartment is handy for distributor access.
The interior has been upgraded with new seat covers and a headliner. The “Cruise-O-Matic” gear selector tells us that this is an automatic transmission car, which isn’t a bad thing, as the C4 automatic is an excellent transmission behind a 289. The seller says that a new heater has been installed and it keeps you warm on the coldest days, a fact I can attest to; my classic Fords have some of the toastiest heaters in the business.
The seller points out that this Mustang is not perfect, and the paint is “not the best.” But not everyone needs a car to be perfect to enjoy it, and Mustangs are so easy to work on and find parts for that you can make improvements as you see fit. If this Mustang is a good fit for you, bid now!
Bid On This Auction
- KRL bid $8,100.00 2025-03-11 12:11:54
- TWS bid $8,000.00 2025-03-11 12:09:58
- KRL bid $7,800.00 2025-03-11 12:07:57
- TWS bid $7,700.00 2025-03-11 12:05:58
- KRL bid $7,600.00 2025-03-11 12:03:54
- TWS bid $7,450.00 2025-03-11 12:01:59
- KRL bid $7,350.00 2025-03-11 11:59:53
- TWS bid $7,000.00 2025-03-11 11:14:02
- Driftwood10 bid $6,900.00 2025-03-11 08:36:18
- TWS bid $6,700.00 2025-03-11 07:47:39
- KRL bid $6,600.00 2025-03-11 02:47:45
- Driftwood10 bid $6,500.00 2025-03-10 14:24:46
- Lyn Triffet bid $5,500.00 2025-03-07 20:44:41
- onrey 32 bid $5,000.00 2025-03-07 10:32:08
- Lyn Triffet bid $3,500.00 2025-03-07 08:47:50
- Ikindadontcare bid $3,000.00 2025-03-05 09:54:51
- David Hickman bid $100.00 2025-03-05 09:04:47
The car has a 3 speed C4 per the writeup but the specs box says 4 speed automatic. Might want to correct that.
The floors on a ‘64.5 to ’66 Mustang typically rust out because of a design flaw under the cowl grill. The sheet metal beneath that grill has two low spots that hold water. Once that area rusts through the water lands on the floor under the dash, the carpet holds the water and the floor pan rusts through. Ford fixed that with the ’67 IIRC.
The solution for the problem involves removing the fenders and windshield so that you can remove the cowl grill (spot welds) and then that sheet metal panel (30+ spot welds). Reverse the process with a readily available aftermarket panel . NOT a weekend job unless you get Friday afternoon off, too.
The test for diagnosing that issue is simple: Run water from a hose through that grill and check under the dash for water dripping down. If it’s gone on long enough the carpet and padding will also show the problem.
If it sounds like I’ve dealt with this that’s a “yes,” on a ’66 “Secretary’s version,” the 3-speed auto behind the 200 ci six.
Not a bad car to just drive and enjoy. I wouldn’t do a stock restoration on it. I would probably change the wheels and the stance a little, and get rid of the blue painted interior pieces. But this is a car you could have fun with.
For a collector who wants to have the Mustang factory correct, this is not the classic car to buy. Looking at the modifications on this car, they do not hurt the exterior aesthetics of the Ford. The changes were practical for better braking, better handling and to address rust issues that crop up on a 59 year old car. The intent of the original advertising did not mean go ahead and make a custom out of a brand new car. Rather, the Mustang base car was priced low so that the buyer could order options like a V8 instead of a base L6, automatic transmission instead of a manual, power steering, power brakes, a nice radio and air conditioning depending on one’s budget and personal preferences. Blue looks good on the car for sale.
I agree that the blue on the exterior is a nice color for this car (other than the hood is off by a couple shades). I was only referring to eliminating the blue from the interior panels.
I believe this car was built as a 6 cylinder and someone swapped out the engine and maybe the transmission. But it has 4 lug rear end and front end.
No it doesn’t. It’s a 5 lug rear and 5 lug front aftermarket disc brakes. And the vin is a C-code 289 2v.
Looks like an erroneous bid – it was supposed to be $5500
I have always loved those, but because of the inventive ways Ford had devised to create hidden rust, I have steered clear of them. I think the modifications were well thought out and the price is not outlandish. Should be a good ride for someone.
Wow, actually sold for a realistic price!