Memory is a funny thing. As a 10-year-old car-geek kid in 1965, I can vividly remember seeing my first Mustang Fastback 2+2 up close and personal. It was Poppy Red, parked next to the school cafeteria, and I just kept circling it and admiring that graceful fastback from every angle. Here’s a great looking driver-quality ’66 Fastback 2+2 that will also be great with today’s rising gas prices, because it has Ford’s economical, reliable 200-cubic-inch inline 6-cylinder engine under the saddle. Currently located in Dallas, Texas, this clean Mustang is for sale here on eBay. As of this writing, 19 bids had pushed the price to $25,600, but it hadn’t met the seller’s reserve.
As many of you know, 1966 was a blockbuster year for the Mustang with a staggering 607,578 sold. And although about 35,000 fastbacks left the factory, it was about half of the number of 2+2’s sold in 1965. I was curious how many Mustangs left the factory with the standard 6-cylinder and it appears to be about 253,000 or 41%. Here’s one of those in a very pleasing Ivy Green exterior with a tasteful Parchment interior. The seller describes the fastback as “super original and has lots of original 1966 documentation to go with it,” but doesn’t give us any details. Based on the photos, it’s an attractive driver with a straight body and presentable paint, glass, chrome, and trim. I still love the overall proportions of this car.
Inside the cabin, the clean and tidy theme continues with a nice-looking interior in Parchment that is said to be factory correct. I remember seeing more black interiors with the Ivy Green exteriors, but I really like how this color coordinates with the black carpet, instrument panel, and console. I can’t see any major flaws with the cabin that was well-designed by the Mustang team and a perfect compliment to the exterior styling. No wonder over 600,000 Mustangs found new homes in 1966.
Here’s a photo of the 200-cubic-inch inline six that generated 120 horsepower when new that will spark some debate in the comments section. On one hand, this engine choice supported Ford’s goal of offering the masses an affordable and sporty kind of new car. On the other hand, performance was starting to get more attention in 1966, so I can understand why some folks would only want a Mustang with a V8 under the hood. Nonetheless, this is a very clean and detailed engine bay like the rest of the car. No information is shared about any rebuilds and 78,638 miles are listed on the odometer. The seller says, “The inline 6-cylinder engine runs and drives wonderfully. This pony has a manual transmission that shifts good thru all gears.” and a few upgrades are listed including a new exhaust system, starter, gas tank, carburetor, and a set of new tires. Despite how many horses are under the hood, this appears to be a very clean, well-cared-for driver quality 2+2 that will give its next owner miles of smiles (especially when they pass a gas station).
That’s a really nice looking car!
Good write-up Ron. I don’t necessarily remember the first Mustang 2+2 I saw, but I distinctly remember a used one being front-and-center at my small-town dealer, perhaps a year after they were introduced. White, red interior, $1795.
Along those lines, I do remember many specific cars of significance at the dealer– that particular 1969 Mach 1 is still fresh in my mind and still tops the mental list.
I also found your data on six-cylinders to be interesting. Yes they were common. If one can get over the mental hurdle of not having a V-8, nothing wrong with the venerable straight six. It suits this clean and classy Mustang just fine.
Much obliged for the kind words. Yeah, I remember seeing my very first ’69 Mach I as well and the excitement they stirred up when they hit the street. It was green with that gold side stripe. I thought the flat-black hood was cool and overall it had this aggressive, powerful look to it that was much different than the first-gen Mustangs.
Minor nit – exterior color is green metallic – Ford called it “dark” and “moss” and “poli” but the green on my 62 thunderbird and my 66 Fairlane were exactly the same as this.
Thanks for your comment. I just double checked and found a half dozen Mustang sites online that listed Code R for 1965 and 1966 Mustangs several ways: Ivy Green, Ivy Green Metallic, Ivy Green Poly. It looks like it was changed to Dark Moss Green in ’67.
Don’t quite understand the problem with just saying the paint looks great on this amazing looking 2+2. The manufacturer would just change the name from one year to something else with a very minor tint change. It’s green and looks quite nice on this sweet six cylinder Mustang.
Just a gorgeous car. It wouldn’t bother me in the least to own this with the 6 – the manual transmission would be plenty of fun to row thru as well. Great colours in and out.
cheers,
BT
I may have missed it in the verbals, but this must be a 3 speed as shown on the shifter. Nothing wrong with that.
This was my first car, excepting color. Well balanced, wonderful machine to learn car dynamics. Beautiful car, hope it goes to a good home.
That shade of green looks like my father’s 1965 289 Mustang convertible that he bought new for $2,500.
Love the car but not crazy about the six banger engine.
I don’t have a problem with the 6 with three speed manual shift, those engines can be upgraded to have a nice increase in horse power. The color is perfect, and the overall eye appeal is tremendous. I could cruise around town in this car all day just taking in all the smiles and waves.
God Bless America
Wow, you see so many scabby looking Mustangs on this site , and then this beauty pops up ! I couldn’t even imagine what this baby will sell for !
Many years ago I bought a 1966 convertible with a 6 and a 4 speed, all original. My plan was to restore it but after finding I couldn’t get parts for the transmission (it wouldn’t stay in gear), I sold it to a friend who dropped in an automatic.
yea Steve W that 4 speed was a Dagenham, made in england and had glass gears. There’s a Cyl head out now, originally from Australia, that has a nice detachable Intake. Speed goodies available and plentiful. V8 conversion possible but you need to change everything over to v8 and 5 lug. Leaver alone, Tyrone and drive! Good luck and happy bidding.
Cheers
GPC
Mighty skinny radials with only 3 tread channels – less is more – today.
Wonder what the cutoff date was for the swithover from 13 to 14 inch wheels – for the 6 cyls. Can’t remember last time i saw a ’65 with 13″ wheels, let alone a ’66.
This seller has been selling vintage Mustangs for years. Not sure where they get them all. Nice to see the 6 still in place. “Six is good……you gotta problem with six?”
Upgrade the tires, drive as is and enjoy.
No need to butcher a nice original.
Love this. Please, please leave it as is!
I guarantee you’ll be the only one at cars and coffee…
This is an awesome car! What’s not to like? In high school I had a ‘65 turquoise metallic (whatever) coupe and a classmate had a 2+2 Poppy Red. I was always wishing mine was a 2+2. Sold my pony for $640. I know, I know.