The sporty Ford Mustang was easily the most successful new car introduced in the 1960s. Launched at the World’s Fair in New York in April 1964, Ford would go on to sell nearly 1.3 million Mustangs before the close of the 1966 model year. Therefore, it’s no wonder there’s still a sufficient number of them left to drive or restore. Located in Demorest, Georgia, this nice-looking “pony car” has an updated engine and a good interior and paint. It’s available here on craigslist for $16,000.
When you visited your busy Ford dealership in 1965, you could choose from a coupe, convertible, or fastback. The coupe was the most popular and came with a 200 cubic inch inline-6 as standard equipment. A 289 CI V8 was optional (though a 260 was available during the 1964 calendar year). We’re told this Mustang now has a 302 engine which means it’s no older than 1968, the year it replaced the 289.
If this Ford had a 289 at the factory, it should have an insignia on the front fenders. This one doesn’t have any, suggesting it may have been a 200 when new. Or the car was repainted and the 289 labels taken off. Another tell-tale sign would be whether the car has 4-lug wheels or five, but it’s hard to tell with the aftermarket wheels on this nice Mustang which it is.
We don’t know the mileage on this automobile as the odometer quit working at just under 30,000 miles. A fair estimate is the clicker was on the second time around when the pinion wheel gave out. However, this shouldn’t detract from what is a good-looking, good-running Mustang with a 3-speed manual transmission (floor-shifted, of course) and new tires. Also, one that’s offered at a fair price. The seller says you should be able to slide behind the steering wheel and drive it anywhere.
Thanks Dixon. Looks like fun this featherweight 🪶 Mustang. 🐎
Swap out the 3-Speed for a World-Class T5 or a Tremec TKO-600, build up the 302 a bit and cruise and do burnouts
Russ, $16,000 is not a bad price. The biggest downfall being the 3 speed transmission. Other using Georgia. Probably not a Rustang. It sure looks straight. The 302 is a perfect motir for this car. If I win the lottery I will have one.
4 bolt wheels. Born as a straight six car.
Yep, four lug wheels!
It was a straight six originally (clearly 4 lugs) that was incorrectly converted to a V-8. The TFI module and coil are from an 80s + era engine, definitely not 1968.
The odometer is broken, and there is no mention of the title. If there is no title, this vehicle could be a challenge. If it is listed as Reconstructed, it could be a challenge, depending on the state to be registered and titled.
The engine obviously has been changed, so a state such as California will require that all the emissions equipment for the year of the engine be installed and operating, and the vehicle would be subject to an emission test.
A vehicle like this could be a risky gamble for somebody. There are some red flags and cautions that apply, so a buyer should beware and do their homework. Not worth the $16,000.00 risk to me.
In 1976 I owned a 1966 Mustang. Very clean inside and outside. 60k miles. Mine was pale yellow. One small dent by the gas cap. Elderly owned before me. Straight 6 a 200 I think? Automatic. P/S and power brakes. Even had under dash A/C with a Ford emblem or crown, can’t remember which and it blew cold. Was it a nice car? Oh yes! But to a 16 year old boy who had his heart set on a 67 fastback with a 302 and a 3 or 4spd it was dull as dish water. I paid for it but my opinion didn’t count to my step dad even though I fully paid for the car. THIS Mustang I’d own and drive with a smile on my face. No this one isn’t show quality or over the top. Nice daily driver though. 16 years old me would GLADLY taken it even if it wasn’t my dream 67 fastback. Hell, I’d probably appreciate this one even more now than I would have back then. Sorry folks, I know the Straight 6 ones had a market, a big market. But a 6 in an early Mustang wasn’t and isn’t my cup of tea. Even a bone stock 200 hp V8 would be fine. No offense whatsoever to you that own or owned one with the 6 and really liked it. Even a Falcon those years with a 6 would have been okay to me. That kid (me) didn’t want no dang 6 banger Mustang. Especially with an automatic. Lol
The picture of the back wheel is definitely a 5 lug.
Late to the game,but i blew up the picture of the rims,i see 4 bolts.