Sometimes the first challenge facing an enthusiast intent on a project build is to unearth their chosen classic from a spot it has occupied for many years. Hiding below the accumulated bric-a-brac in this garage is just such a vehicle. Eagle-eyed readers will have picked it as a First Generation Mustang, a 1966 2+2 Fastback. The seller has retrieved it from its hiding spot, ready for it to find a new home and an owner willing and able to recapture its glory days. They have listed the car here on eBay in Elk Mound, Wisconsin. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $18,900.

The history of this Mustang is unclear, although it recently emerged after more than two decades in hiding. First impressions are positive, but there are issues for the winning bidder to tackle. The Ivy Green paint shows its age, and a repaint will undoubtedly form part of this build. The passenger side front fender looks like a replacement, and the seller confirms both rear quarter panels feature prior repairs. However, rust issues seem to be quite limited. There are spots in the floor requiring patches or replacement, but the seller suggests that the trunk pan and other structural areas are rock-solid. Some trim pieces are destined for a trip to the platers, but the glass looks okay. We’ve seen many First Generation Mustang projects at Barn Finds, but this looks one of the more promising.

Opening the Mustang’s doors reveals a Black Pony interior generally presentable for a driver-grade classic. The seats show no signs of severe wear or physical damage, and the carpet might respond well to a deep clean. The wheel is cracked, as is the dash pad. Both require replacement, but parts are readily available. The factory console may need repairs, and an aftermarket stereo occupies the original radio’s rightful place in the dash. Some potential buyers may consider a complete retrim as part of a high-end restoration, but leaving the interior largely untouched would be viable for those on a limited budget.

The VIN confirms the original owner ordered this Fastback equipped with the C-Code 289ci V8. It sent 200hp and 282 ft/lbs of torque to a 3.25 Traction-Lok rear end via a four-speed manual transmission. That isn’t the most potent version of the ’66 Mustang, but somebody worked to extract some additional ponies from the, er, pony. They ditched the original carburetor and intake, substituting a Weiand intake and a Holley 4-barrel. This would probably have pushed the power and torque closer to that of the A-Code engine, and who doesn’t like extra power? The Mustang has hibernated for over two decades, making it unsurprising that its V8 doesn’t run. However, it turns freely, making revival possible. The brakes are inoperative, and other work will almost certainly be required before this classic returns to its rightful place on our roads.

I’m sure every Barn Finds reader has a list of cars they would park in their dream garage if money were not an object. I am no different, and one of those would be a 1966 Mustang 2+2 Fastback finished in Ivy Green. However, mine would need to be the GT version with Ford’s might K-Code under the hood. I usually prefer originality, but I would be tempted to transform this car into a fitting tribute if I had the time, space, and, most importantly, the money to make it mine. Ford sold 607,568 Mustangs during the record 1966 model year, but the Fastback scored the lowest sales figure, with a mere 35,698 buyers handing over their cash to drive one home. That total doesn’t make it particularly rare, but it is a lower percentage than many people realize. No classic deserves to sit for decades, and I hope the winning bidder can rectify the situation. Could you be that person?