We sometimes must delve below the surface to discover the true worth of a project candidate. Take this 1966 Ford Mustang as a prime example. It is a dusty barn find that has sat for years. However, it is a solid project candidate with only one small area of rust. Adding to its appeal is the 289ci V8 under the hood. The seller has listed the Mustang here on eBay in Tehachapi, California. Bidding sits at $1,575 in a No Reserve auction.

The history of this Mustang is unclear, but the heavy layer of dust suggests that it has occupied this spot for many years. It is common to find these classics with major rust issues that require many hours of cutting and welding to address. However, this isn’t the case, because the listing text and supplied images confirm that the only steel penetration is below the battery. Prone areas like the floors and rails are rock-solid, although the mat stuck to the floors gives the illusion of problems that don’t actually exist. That isn’t to say that the vehicle is perfect, with the body sporting a few bumps and bruises that might require replacement of the driver’s side front fender and the rear bumper. Most of the remaining trim could be salvageable if a driver-grade build is the goal, and the glass appears to be okay.

Assessing this Mustang’s interior is a short-and-sweet process, because it requires a complete retrim. The Black vinyl is scrap, the carpet has gone, and the pad appears to be cracked on the passenger side. However, the dash structure looks okay, the wheel is crack-free, and the gauge fascia is in good order. The dash houses a radio/8-track player, but I can’t spot any other additions.

Decoding the VIN confirms that the first owner ordered this Mustang with the A-Code version of Ford’s 289ci V8. They teamed that motor with a three-speed automatic transmission, a 3.00 standard rear end, and power steering. The A-Code was the mid-range V8 offering in 1966, generating 225hp and 305 ft/lbs of torque to provide very respectable performance. The images reveal that this V8 is partially dismantled, but it appears that the removed items are present. The seller believes that the cylinder heads have been machined, but everything requires cleaning before reassembly. I would probably take the extra time to pull the motor and treat it to a rebuild, because that would ensure that the car is in excellent mechanical health when it returns to active service.

The 1966 model year marked the high point for the Ford Mustang, with an incredible 607,568 buyers clamoring to hand over their cash for what would quickly become an iconic pony car. This one has spent years in a barn, but has survived remarkably well. Returning it to a mechanically roadworthy state and addressing the minor rust should be relatively straightforward, with its complete restoration representing a rewarding build for a DIY enthusiast. The lack of a reserve adds to its appeal, but is that enough to tempt you to pursue this Mustang further?