This 1966 Hardtop demonstrates why Ford had a massive sales success on its hands with the First Generation Mustang. It possesses the inherent stunning styling that captured the public’s imagination, but with a fairly modest drivetrain combination, it cost buyers little more than a more pedestrian Falcon. This Mustang is a project build that stalled before it started, with the seller deciding that it needs to head to a new home to receive the TLC it deserves. Therefore, they have listed the Hardtop here on eBay in Lawndale, California. Bidding sits at a mere $1,525 in a No Reserve auction.
Ford was naturally fairly gun-shy when the Mustang concept was initially pitched to company management. The Edsel remained a recent raw memory, and many within the upper echelon feared that the pony car might result in a similar outcome. However, the Mustang received the green light, proving to be one of the most inspired decisions in American motoring history. The styling struck a chord with buyers, with 1966’s tally of 607,568 cars proving to be the badge’s high point. The seller purchased this ’66 Hardtop several years ago as a project, but work never commenced. It has sat under a cover for most of the time since, but that might not be bad news. I acknowledge that the Wimbledon White paint has seen better days and that the bumpers require a trip to the platers. However, the panels are straight, and there is no visible major corrosion. It seems that the vehicle has spent most of its life in California, which may have left it virtually rust-free. Therefore, this build may not require hours of grinding and welding to achieve a satisfactory result.
Ford catered to every mechanical taste with the Mustang, as demonstrated by this Hardtop. Its first owner teamed the entry-level 200ci T-Code six with a three-speed automatic transmission. The engine only produced 120hp and 190 ft/lbs of torque, but many buyers forgave the lack of outright performance when they stood back and admired a stunning vehicle that was surprisingly affordable. The seller indicates that this car doesn’t run and that the engine requires a rebuild or replacement. That leaves the buyer with the choice between the faithful approach or doing what many have done before by ditching the six in favor of a V8. Considering the high production total in 1966, it isn’t as if they will be destroying an exceptionally rare vehicle.
The seller describes this Mustang’s interior as being in “good condition.” However, some readers won’t be quite so kind. The Red vinyl isn’t beset with gaping rips or holes, but it looks pretty tired. It is serviceable, but with some upholstered surfaces discolored, evidence of material deterioration, wrinkled door trims, and a cracked dashpad, a complete retrim will probably be on the agenda if the new owner craves a high-end result. There is a hole in the dash where the radio once was, but the interior is otherwise complete.
Some projects leave buyers with decisions to make, and this 1966 Mustang is a perfect example. Its apparent lack of significant rust could allow the new owner to perform a mechanical revival to enjoy it as a genuine survivor. It is a prime candidate for a faithful restoration, although slipping a more powerful engine under the hood would be straightforward and relatively inexpensive. One thing is certain; If the auction action doesn’t intensify as the end draws near, it could be one of the most affordable complete Mustang project candidates that you will find in 2024.
Much more reasonable than most have been lately, seems solid, I don’t usually go for the full back to factory restorations on the straight six cars because they are not at all rare, or very desirable, so I would do a V8 swap on the is one. Some points to note. There is a power brake booster showing, not a common thing to see on an early mustang. The dash was cut for radio. The console is aftermarket, but the car apparently came with a console originally because they left the metal bracket sticking up through the carpet under the dash. Also with the air cleaner and oil fill cap being that color, and the lack of quarter panel ornaments this car is one of the special Sprint 200 cars to celebrate the millionth mustang, but that really doesn’t add much value. Someone added aftermarket brake pedal pad and rubber rear bumper guards.
an interesting drive train combo would be the six with a four speed. They did make a few of them, a friend once had a ’65 that he drove into the ground.
The 4 speed for the straight six wasn’t the same transmission they used for the V8’s. The straight six four speed was the dagenham and it wasn’t really very good. Lots of the straight six’s has 3 -speed manuals, not a lot of people chose the 4 speed option.
My first car was a 66 fastback 6 cylinder 4 speed. Transmission wouldn’t stay in 3rd gear so I bought a service manual and rebuilt it. I bought a 289 HiPo from a wrecked Mustang and changed it over. Fun times.
2 pedals and a six? Sounds like a nice driver as-is if it runs good. BTW I thought the ’66 Stang had c-shaped mouldings in the doors.
They had a chrome piece on the 1/4 panel,this one is missing.
The price might have been a good draw but the fact that it’s just a darn good looking piece didn’t hurt either.
17 almost18 hours drive one way, makes me wonder how much Mountain snow is between us. At least on this thing you don’t need all that computer junk to get it running.
Ford should have waited bringing out the Edsel until the “58 recession was over…who knows how many they’d of sold..
Fun fact, the Mercury Comet was intended to be the Edsel Comet, but when Edsel’s lights were turned off, it was just the Comet for its first year of production. It didn’t become a Mercury until ’62.
I remember trying to buy a new ’66 Mustang six with a four-speed. The dealer in Minneapolis told me that was not offered. With the six, I’d have to settle for either the three-speed or the automatic. So I bought a Corvair.
I don’t know how Edsel got into this conversation, but the problem with the Edsel was not so much the recession, it was a misplaced, ill-defined market niche. Prior to the introduction, Ford had clearly-defined market segments between Ford and Mercury, as well as between Mercury and Lincoln. Nobody knew where Edsel fit into the scheme. At least at first, the Edsel was upmarket from the Ford, but compared to the Mercury? And once the hoopla was over, the plain fact was that the Edsel offered nothing new.
OTOH, the Mustang was really new. It may have borrowed heavily from the Falcon parts bin, but the result was fresh and new. It didn’t need to fit in between any existing market segments because it did not rely on the badge. There was no segment above or below a Mustang. Nothing like the Edsel.
Adam brought it up in the second paragraph..
.The Edsel was/is a great car..but the recession forced people to downsize to a lower, more economical car. i.e” the aim was good, but the target moved.”- Richard Krafve-Special Products Division General Manager at Ford said. .and it was the worst year since WW2 to unveil a new car line. Ford had only Ford Mercury and Lincoln lines while GM had plenty of makes to move up to as did Plymouth -timing was everything…
This Mustang was featured on this site on October 24th of this year and was bid to approximately $6,400 but did not meet reserve. Right now it’s at $3,800, it’s likely to go higher, I’d be surprised it it surpasses the prior high bid.
Steve R