Using the word “flawless” when describing a classic that you are trying to sell is a high-risk strategy. However, it is one chosen by the current owner of this 1966 Ford Mustang. There is certainly little to criticize, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this stunning vehicle listed here on Craigslist in Monroe, Georgia. The seller claims that their asking price of $39,500 represents approximately ⅓ of the restoration cost, suggesting they left no stone unturned in their search for perfection.
If I had a dollar for every word that has ever been written about the First Generation Mustang, my bank account would give Elon Musk’s a run for its money. That is understandable because Ford’s pony car was one of the defining vehicles of the 20th Century. This 1966 example is simply stunning, leaving the factory during the badge’s most successful year. The seller states that it underwent a rotisserie restoration, and the overall presentation suggests they were meticulous in recapturing the Ford’s youthful good looks. There were few shades more iconic than Candy Apple Red for buyers to choose in 1966, which is the color gracing this Mustang’s exterior. It holds a wonderful shine, and the photos reveal no evidence of paint or panel imperfections. The news is equally impressive below the surface, with the floors and rails clean enough to eat off. The trim and glass are immaculate, with the chrome wheels rounding out the exterior.
The versions of the Mustang that made Ford the most money and sold in the greatest numbers featured a six under the hood. However, many buyers felt there was nothing as great as a V8, which is what we find in this classic’s engine bay. The first owner teamed the A-Code version of the 289ci powerplant with a four-speed manual transmission. With 225hp and 305 ft/lbs of torque on tap, the only motor more powerful in 1966 was the legendary K-Code. A car of this caliber deserves a hard sell, but that hasn’t occurred in this case. We have no information regarding its mechanical health, or whether it is numbers-matching. That may also form part of the reason why this classic is yet to find a new home.
I have been waiting for some aspect of this Mustang to disappoint, and the interior doesn’t score that dubious honor. Trimmed in Black vinyl, the lack of wear on the carpet and upholstered surfaces suggests that this gem hasn’t seen much active service since its restoration. It may be unrelated, but the odometer shows 2,246 miles. It is possible that the seller zeroed it during the build, and that the figure represents the distance covered since they packed away their tools. Certainly, the overall presentation of every aspect makes that theory plausible.
It is easy to be dazzled by straight panels and sparkling paint when searching for a candidate to park in your garage, only to discover once it is in residence that there are issues that could cost a fortune to address. The comprehensive image gallery offered by the seller of this 1966 Mustang seems to allay those fears, suggesting that this classic is the real deal. This car has been on the market for almost three weeks, which could mean that the seller hasn’t been inundated with serious inquiries. Are you tempted by this classic, or do you believe that the reason it hasn’t sold is because the price is too high? So, it’s over to you for feedback.
I bought a 66 coupe out of college that was a twin to this car except for an auto trans and air conditioning. Not fast or exciting, but super reliable, comfortable, and easy to drive and see out of…and seriously the coldest a/c of any car I’ve ever owned.
Freon rocks Baby! Of course it killed the ozone and gave people skin cancer, but heck, it sure was cold! Fun fact, Dupont held the patent on it for years and blew off concerns until suddenly, around the time the patent went away and they magically had a patented replacement, they started shouting to the rooftops how bad Freon was. Such a coincidence!
I’ve just finished redoing my 65, and I agree with you, the A/C is the coldest of any car I’ve ever owned! You’ve heard the old saying “This is my Father’s hammer…I’ve replaced the head twice and the handle 3 times, but it’s still my Father’s hammer!” Well I replaced the compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower, hoses, temp sensor and all the hoses…but it’s still factory air!
What caught my eye: if the claims are correct, it took six figures to restore this car. A commentary on the state of things?
I like basic coupe Mustangs, this one sure looks nice.
I suppose you COULD spend $100,000 to redo a mustang, but I doubt it. The one I just finished looks as good (in the pictures at least!), has P/S, P/Disc brakes, Factor A/C, console, factory 8 track player, remote mirrors, cruise control (all new), rebuilt original 200hp 289 engine w/ Dual exhaust, automatic tranny and posi rear end, plus new basecoat/clearcoat paint in original color, all new chrome, new windshield and new wiring harness. I don’t think I’ve got $39K in it all together! But that color is OUTSTANDING!
Henry, I don’t think you added your time to the rebuild of your Mustang.
If you added the time, it took you to rebuild, the cost would probably be doubled.
AJ Bohl
Alan, I guess that’s the difference between a business and a hobby! If I weren’t messing with an old car I’d be watching netflix, drinking beet and eating nachos! But I DID pay $10k for somebody that knows what he’s doing to paint it.
“The first owner teamed the A-Code version of the 289ci powerplant with a four-speed manual transmission.”
Did they? I see nothing in the ad that indicates it’s an A-code car. If it is, you’d think they would state that.
I was thinking the same thing. A lot of money (more than it’s worth actually) to not have a photo of the data plate information to verify even if its finished in the right color combination let alone the correct drivetrain
I might be wrong here. But I owned a very early K code fast back pre GT years. And the engine was black, that and the BRAIN FOG ALERT, Crank area was different at a glance. This little monster is a beauty and clear they are trying to recoup some of that silly money spent on the restoration. And if it was a fast back clearly would warrant this price if not more. The tough part of the sellers ad is its so vague it invites “trust issues” Just lay it out there. We all get the cost of a good restoration, the mistake here is the car you restored. Paint is paint, nuts and bolts are nuts and bolts. Gotta start with a good canvas though
In my fully restored 66′ Coupe the engine is black and paid 13k less,oh mine is auto with factory air and a 4 – barrel carb.
They switched to blue on the engine blocks during the 1966 model year. Early 66 you can get away with either color, late 66 better be blue to be correct.
By the way, a pre-GT K code would have been a 1965 anyway, and as such would have a black engine block.
Great looking car, however, does the right front spring tower look like it took a big hit in the front?
If you are referring to what looks like a large dent towards the bottom, then no. That’s a factory contour on the shock tower.
Kind of wonder when this owner drove it after the restoration. That part of Georgia, sure does get some ice and snow. It also gets hot enough to warrant A/C in the summer. Maybe the reason for the low miles ?
That restoration figure sounds awfully high, it must have been a very expensive shop that did the work. I’m not sure if it’s my eye, or the way the picture was taken, but the back bumper looks like it has a slight upward bow in the middle. Overall, a very nice car..