It is common to find First Generation Mustangs that started life with a six under the hood that have received a V8 transplant. However, this 1966 2+2 Fastback might be an exception that has headed in the opposite direction. It is a project candidate that probably requires a nut-and-bolt approach to its restoration, but this classic appears to have strong bones. The seller fell victim to a potential buyer who backed out of the deal, relisting the Mustang here on eBay in Lewisville, Texas. Bidding sits below the reserve at $5,101 as a result of some pretty strong auction action.
The story behind this Mustang is confused, with the car raising as many questions as it answers. The listing indicates a paint shade of Blue, but scrutinizing the photos seems to suggest that the first owner may have ordered the car in Antique Bronze. That shade is visible under the front seats, which seems a pretty compelling sign. The exterior now sports plenty of Gray primer and surface corrosion, meaning that this build will involve stripping the exterior to bare metal. With rust present in the floors and further corrosion across the underside, a rotisserie approach would seem the only solution to achieve a decent result with this build. The photos reveal a few replacement pieces for the floors, but the trunk pan also requires attention. The lower extremities are quite clean, and the rails and shock towers look sound. Some trim pieces are missing or damaged, but the glass looks okay.
This is where the mystery deepens with this Fastback, with the engine bay housing a 200ci six, teamed with a three-speed automatic transmission. That represented the least potent version of the Mustang available in 1966, with the entry-level six generating 120hp and 190 ft/lbs of torque. However, there is evidence that not only isn’t this Fastback numbers-matching, but that it didn’t start life with this type of engine under the hood. Mustangs from this era featuring a six left the factory with four-lug wheels. The photos confirm that this car is fitted with five-lugs, although that was a pretty common upgrade. However, if the VIN information supplied in the listing is correct, the first owner ordered this Mustang powered by a C-Code 289ci V8. It is unclear when or why any potential changes occurred, but those are questions well worth asking to clarify what this car really is. The seller confirms that the engine doesn’t run, but thinks that it wouldn’t take much to coax it back to life. The radiator is new, as are many suspension and brake components.
The floor rust is clearly visible in the interior shots supplied by the seller, but there are further mysteries to unpack. It appears that the driver’s seat might be missing, and the passenger seat might have the wrong type of cover. The wheel also isn’t original, but the car retains its correct Sport Deck rear seat, and, like the headliner, it appears to be in good condition. Sourcing a replacement for the missing seat should be difficult, and it would only take a partial retrim and a new dashpad for this interior to present nicely.
It will be fascinating to gauge your response and whether you believe that this 1966 Mustang 2+2 Fastback started life with a V8 under the hood, as the VIN seems to suggest. Only an in-person inspection or a shot of the stamp and Tag will uncover the truth, and it might be worth contacting the seller to see if either of these could be negotiated. The fact that this Mustang has attracted twenty-four bids seems to suggest that potential buyers are willing to roll the dice, and with over eight hundred views in that last day, I suspect that the action may intensify towards the end. What would you be willing to pay for this Mustang that is a genuine mystery machine?
I’m confused already…
I wouldn’t go 5,000 for this car.
It might be worth a gamble at $3,000.
But with a 6cyl automatic and rust issues.
No.
Remember, in the 70’s and 80’s, these were considered old used cars, with little high value. I think the previous owner(s)just grabbed the cheapest engine available, when the original V-8 crapped out. It’s not that big of a deal to obtain another small block Ford.
I think someone bought a title, too many things are wrong.
“Buying a title” doesn’t change the VIN on the car, or the number of lug bolts.
Somebody swapped in a 6, which makes it a ragged 2+2 with no engine or transmission. Still worth saving.
Once upon a a time, I bought a ’65 Mustang convertible, dark blue metallic ( Washington blue) with a white top and blue interior. Drove to VA to see it and brought it home. Looked like the floors had been done, not professionally, but decent job. Pretty common 25 years ago. Started taking the pads off the inner fender area in the top well and found factory poppy red…both sides. Tag said the car was blue…kept digging until I found the cut seams for the front half and back half.
Wouldn’t be surprised to find this car has a similar story!
WTH? That makes no sense that a 66 Mustang Fastback would have a six cylinder sitting where a 289 would have been. Its in rough shape and too many questions.
If this Mustang had a 250 six (and that engine family from the 144 to the 250 all look very much alike, so it might,) it would be reasonably peppy, economical to run, and probably would handle better with the slightly reduced weight on the front end. With the automatic, you wouldn’t notice, but if it was a standard it would be evident that an in-line 6 is about as smooth running as an engine can be, and can be lugged down to low rpms and smoothly accelerated under load without “thrashing.” Even with the 200, this wouldn’t be a bad little weekend cruiser. Not everyone needs to drag race.