Hidden away in this garage amongst an enormous collection of classic car parts is a 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible that shows promise for its next owner. It presents nicely and drives just as impressively. The buyer could enjoy this beauty untouched, although the owner does suggest that it would make an ideal foundation for a GT clone or something similar. It would be a tempting proposition to follow that path, but leaving it as-is would also be understandable. Located in Jupiter, Florida, you will find the Mustang listed for sale here on eBay. The bidding on this classic has hit $19,800 in a No Reserve auction. With time left on the listing, it allows an opportunity for you to throw your hat in the ring if you want to join the bidding war.
It appears that there is a bit for potential buyers to consider with this Mustang. The seller indicates that it is an older restoration, but it still presents well in Torch Red. That is the first area that raises a question mark because Ford didn’t offer that shade in the 1966 model year. It would be interesting to read the Trim Tag to determine whether this car was a special order or whether somebody has performed a color change. Even though the paint is older, it still holds a deep shine. There are no significant flaws or defects, while the panels look impressively straight. The owner indicates that the vehicle is rust-free, with only one small repair visible in the floor. The remaining underside areas, including the torque box region, and frame rails are in good condition, while the panels show no evidence of problems. The white soft-top is relatively new and is free from stains and damage. The owner says that it requires adjustment because it has stretched over the past couple of years. The chrome and trim are excellent, as is the glass. There’s no doubt that this Mustang would still garner its share of attention when it emerges from this garage and hits the road during fine weather.
It isn’t clear whether this Mustang’s interior is original or has been updated at some point. The supplied photos are limited but indicate that it is upholstered in White Pony trim. What can be seen looks excellent, with no physical damage, stains, or yellowing. The white upholstery is complemented by red carpet and a matching dash. The seller doesn’t mention any aftermarket additions to this car, but it does feature a factory console. Although an in-person inspection would confirm its general condition, the overall impression seems positive.
Lifting this Mustang’s hood reveals an area where potential buyers may wish to make some changes, but it also brings a slice of confusion in the listing. The owner states that the motor we’re looking at is a 170ci six-cylinder unit backed by a three-speed manual transmission. The VIN indicates that the car rolled off the production line with a T-Code engine under the hood. That would have been a 200ci unit, so it isn’t clear whether this vehicle has received an engine change at some point or if it is a simple error on the seller’s part. If it is original, that motor should be producing around 120hp. That isn’t a lot and is probably one of the seller’s motivations in suggesting that this car would make a sound basis for a GT clone. Slotting something more potent under the hood would not be complicated or expensive and would transform the driving experience. However, we will have buyers that wish to retain the car untouched, and this approach is understandable. It is probably more so since the owner indicates that it has only accumulated 300 miles since he treated that six to a rebuild. The Convertible has spent some time in this garage and only emerges in finer weather. It last saw active service in Spring, so it will probably require an inspection to ensure it is roadworthy. If it is, even its general lack of power shouldn’t prevent it from being an enjoyable driver.
I earlier referred to the auction action on this 1966 Mustang Convertible as a bidding war, and that description seems accurate. The car has already attracted an incredible fifty-four bids, suggesting that people like it a lot. Whether they would retain it untouched or use it as the base for a project build is an interesting question to ponder, but it looks like they would be starting the process with a solid foundation. Its drivetrain combination isn’t the most desirable offered in that model year, but it would still make this classic an enjoyable driver. If you were to purchase this Mustang, would you keep it as the maker intended, or would you turn it into something special? I will be interested in reading your feedback and seeing whether any of you attempted to make a play for this beauty.
Classic color combo on a classic body. I don’t mind the drivetrain, it is a cruiser anyhow. The upgraded interior is just icing on the cake!
I know Corvettes get beat up on for luggage racks. Hard to tell how this one looks with the photos. I can’t recall the last time I saw a Mustang with a rack. Top down, cruising with the 6 is fine with me. I hope you are staying warm over there Stevieg, 17 below here this morning. I guess just a fantsy thinking about a ragtop today!
Sorry boys, mid 70s and sunny here in Palm Desert, California………..be back in April…….lots of nice cars out here. This Mustang would fit right in. Luggage rack doesn’t make it for me……..
Nice one Gregg, never kick a man unless he is down! Work on your golf game and say hi to Sweetie Pie!
-11 in Milwaukee this morning on my way to work. You are in California, pouring salt on our wounds lol. Thanks pal! Lol
Why do my pictures always come out sideways lol?
I could never understand why people would add a luggage rack to a car with a perfectly good trunk.
I believe the standard base engine for ’66 was the 200 CI…so if it is a 170 CI, it was swapped out…and I don’t recall ever seeing a base Mustang with a pony interior…regardless, it is a very pretty car…great find!
Yes, 170 and 260 were only the early first year Mustangs.
In ’66 you could get either the 170 ci, or 200 ci in, the straight 6. I have heard that the 200 ci was the better of the two.
I have owned three that were all a ’66 200 cubic inch. One three speed, and two automatics. The one we own now is an automatic and also a factory power steering.
Nope, the 170 was dropped in the summer of 64. The 200 was the only 6 cylinder option for 66 Mustangs.
We own a ’66 Mustang Convertible that has the 200 cid straight 6 and love it. It is a very good cruiser and can keep up with traffic. They are also typically more affordable.
Lots of bids but the scammers must have cabin fever. 25 zero feedback bids. Be careful. Lots of goodies available to warm up that six banger. 200 cube six was the best of the sixes. good luck and happy motoring!
Cheers
GPC
curious as to why it sports a 65 gas cap instead of the standard 66 cap?
There’s more going on with this one than meets the eye. Why is the top shiny?
The car was originally dark green but I like the red this is one to watch
I’m not a Mustang expert, Still, I was surprised to see (a) a luggage rack on the trunk, because I didn’t know Ford offered that option, and (b) a pony interior in a car with a 6-banger under the hood.
But no matter: It is a pretty thing.
Adam, you indicate a swap to a V8 engine is fairly easy. My shop had a 1965 Mustang fastback with a 6 cylinder come in for a restoration, and the owner wanted it changed to a V8.
Correctly done, it requires a complete drive line swap out, including the rear axle/springs, as the V8 cars are equipped with 5 bolt hubs/axle shafts [the 6 cylinder cars had 4 bolt hubs], and this means the front suspension and brakes will need updating to 5 bolt as well.
The general idea that motivates an early Mustang owner to go the V8 conversion route is often because the 6 cylinder car was looked down upon, and the V8 made it easier to sell. But over the last dozen years that has begun to change, and now more and more buyers are satisfied with the 6.
The only advantage I see in going with the full V8 conversion is you end up with bigger and better brakes, and bigger wheels/tire size.
That said, many of the 6 cylinder Mustangs we restored had been sold new without power steering or power brakes, and on most of them we did install both options, because the owners were older and wanted the extra power for steering and brakes.
This would be a good reason for a seller to obtain a Marti Report, it would settle questions like the interior style and color when new. If it’s a Pony interior from new, that’s unusual, but I’ve seen several, even a 1968 non-GT fastback 6 cylinder with a Pony bench seat, still in the hands of the original owner who showed me the original window sticker. He bought the bench seat because his girlfriend/later wife liked to cuddle with him as he drove. Also said he didn’t buy the GT version because the bench seat was not an option on the GT fastback!
You nailed on the 5 bolt hubs/axle shafts [the 6 cylinder cars had 4 bolt hubs],
I would get that baby out for some better photos, looks nice.
Marti Reports only cover 1967 and up. I asked Kevin Marti if he will ever have the data for ’66 and back and he said “No. He met the man who pushed the button to destroy all the pre ’67 records”.
1967 and up, a Marti Report is a huge help.
It’s been a lot of years ago, but I’ve owned a couple of six-banger 66 Mustangs. They have adequate power and make nice cruisers. I retrofit’d one of them to the rather rare bench-seat option when the stock bucket wore out. It was nicer to have on a date. :-) This one has been “prettied up” a bit. But it appears the work was “labor of love” good quality. (Note the glint of what appears to be an after-market aluminum radiator on the edge of the mill shot.)
It would surprise me if someone actually re-built a 170ci 6 instead of the stock 200ci engine. With luck, that’s a seller typo. But… honestly… I don’t think it is. That valve cover looks just a little bit different from the 200ci lid I remember on mine. Could be wrong. More shots with better light could tell the difference rather easily.
For those who care, here’s a little “cut and paste” on the difference between the classic six-cylinder engines of the 1960’s from an article on: fordsix.com
“Early in 64, the bore and stroke were again increased, to 3.68 and 3.126 respectively, which resulted in 200ci of displacement. Only available in the Fairlane, the 200ci six maintained four main bearings, like the earlier 144ci and 170ci blocks. However in mid production 1964, the blocks were recast to incorporate seven mains. This change was made to minimize the harmonics of the long crankshaft, thus increasing the durability. This resulted in one of the strongest bottom ends ever produced, and is often described as ”indestructible”. At this time Ford also incorporated hydraulic lifters, rather than solid lifters as used in the earlier sixes. In August 1964 the 200ci was offered as standard equipment in the Mustang with 120HP at 4,400 rpm, and 190 lb-ft. of torque. The seven main blocks can be easily identified with five freeze plugs along the passenger side of the block, whereas the earlier four main blocks only have three freeze plugs.”
If it were mine, I’d keep it as it is and eventually source AC and disc brake upgrades.
$22,400 now with a day to go! I used to shrug off Mustangs when I was a teenager in the ’80’s because my dad rebuilt GTO’s but started liking them as time went on. Simple, practical and fun. I wouldn’t change a thing on this, start it up, throw $10 in the gas tank, drop the top and drive!