UPDATE 03/04/22: We saw this 1966 Mustang Coupe cross our desks here at Barn Finds a few weeks ago, but it has appeared once again. The previous listing indicated that it sold for $15,100, but the owner has fallen victim to a non-paying buyer. Despite the frustration this entails, he’s decided to give it another shot by listing it for sale here on eBay. Nothing appears to have changed because he again offers it with No Reserve. The bidding has hit $7,100, and with plenty of time left on the auction, you still have a chance to stake your claim on this classic.
FROM 2/18/22: Okay, it’s confession time. When I first laid eyes on this 1966 Mustang Coupe, I harbored some doubts. The No Reserve listing and the relatively modest bidding to this point made me wonder whether it was loaded with rust or that it may have had the less desirable six-cylinder engine under the hood. Happily, I was wrong on both counts. Not only does it appear to be rock solid, but the V8 occupying the engine bay offers the promise of an entertaining motoring experience. Its overall condition is so sound that it would make the perfect candidate for a DIY restoration. If you find yourself sorely tempted, you will find the Mustang located in Simi Valley, California, and listed for sale here on eBay.
The 1966 model year was a banner one for the First Generation Mustang. Many people sat back on their heels when Ford revealed that they had shifted more than 600,000 Mustangs in that year. It also represented the most successful for the badge, with figures tapering significantly in subsequent years. Our feature car is one of those 600,000, and I admit I was dubious when I first saw it. However, this is a classic with plenty of positive points. Its Tahoe Turquoise paint isn’t perfect, but if a buyer wanted to retain the car as an original survivor, it could serve in that role quite well. The panels look straight, with no evidence of dings, dents, or prior accident damage. There is rust to consider, but it’s minor. It appears limited to a spot in one lower corner of each door. It isn’t bad enough to justify panel replacement because patches would serve quite nicely. However, when we climb under this classic, it reveals its trump card. There is a dusting of light surface corrosion on the underside. However, the floors, frame rails, and torque box region appear structurally sound. I suspect the buyer will want to treat the corrosion to prevent deterioration, but they can push aside any thoughts of cutting and welding with this classic. The exterior trim and glass look pretty good, as do the factory styled steel wheels.
The good news keeps on coming with this Mustang. Thanks to the owner’s decision to treat the seats to fresh upholstery, the interior looks nice. This accentuates how bad the carpet is, but a new set comes with the car. It looks like the armrests are missing from the doors, and some items need a deep clean, but the impression is that with the included new parts, returning this interior to its former glory will involve more time than money. There are no aftermarket additions, but the factory AM radio and console are both welcome inclusions.
We’ve reached the point where the water becomes slightly muddy with this Mustang. We know for sure that the engine bay houses a 289ci V8 hooked to a three-speed automatic transmission. After that, I need to give you a blank stare. Not only isn’t it clear whether the vehicle is numbers-matching, but it isn’t clear which version of that sweet little V8 we’re looking at. That means that the power output could be 200hp or 225hp because I don’t think it’s the firebreathing 271hp K-Code. Even if this is the 200hp C-Code, extracting significant performance increases can be easy and affordable if the buyer isn’t concerned about complete originality. A better intake and carburetor would improve engine breathing, as would a dual exhaust. Those changes alone would be worth the expense for the performance gains they would offer. The owner indicates that this Mustang has been sitting for a while and will need some mechanical TLC before being considered roadworthy. This seems to entail the usual revival tasks like a fluid change, a service, a battery, and a new gas tank and fuel system flush. Once again, these tasks could occur in a home workshop, so if the new owner seeks some immediate satisfaction, getting this classic on the road could fulfill that desire.
It seems that I’m not the only person who finds themselves drawn to this 1966 Mustang Coupe. There’s no denying that these are desirable cars, especially with a V8 under the hood. When you look at the eBay listing, the bidding has been nothing short of frantic. There are already forty-nine bids on the table, and since there is plenty of time left and the action normally goes ballistic towards the end of these auctions, there’s scope that the figures could go considerably higher. The seller quotes a potential value of $35,000 to $40,000 fully restored, but that would depend on which version of the 289 calls this car home and the standard of the restoration. It is possible to find some clean C-Code vehicles for under $30,000, and even genuine A-Code cars occasionally hit the market for less than $35,000. Naturally, perfection will push those prices significantly higher. This car’s saving grace is that it appears rock solid, making the restoration process pretty affordable. That’s why the bidding has been spirited and why I believe that it hasn’t scratched the surface yet. Are you tempted to brace yourself and join the action?
Maybe it’s just me, but I get a little skeptical with people who sell cars from one state, with plates from another state. Not sure why, but it still causes me concern. It seems as though (at least on this site) that we see a couple of cars per week in this situation. Buy wisely and good luck.
And aside from being illegal,it’s totally dishonest.
It’s missing the “289” emblem on the R front fender.
I have sold several cars with out of state plates. Being a military guy you can get shuffled around a lot. If you don’t change the plates to the new state it’s not really a big deal, as long as you have the title/registration to match.
Doubtful it runs….
No 289 emblem on the right front fender and no holes. Also the trunk lock as pointed out is missing. I don’t think a new key can be made as the code is on the door lock not the trunk. The ignition is different of course. Doesn’t help to show the trailer in the photo as this says to me flipper. I would want to match the title and numbers in person or a detailed photo. Something not quite right here
Not loaded up with rust? The engine bay looks like it was stored underwater.
Carpet appears to be a shade of Prestone antifreeze green.
Out of state plates do not inspire confidence and there’s no VIN listed so you can’t tell which engine was there originally. The “Powered by Ford” valve covers weren’t used until ’68, and the oil fill cap is not ’66 OEM so I’m thinking possible engine swap. A ’68 289 had a 2 barrel carb and 195 gross horsepower. It’s not a ’66 K code 289, because K codes did not have vacuum advance distributors, for one thing.
A restored price of $35-40k seems wildly optimistic.
Underside pics not bad but being a rustang, would need a good inspection. Like you guys said, sounds fishy. Bidding is packed with suspect bids…sitting at 13,900.. Looks good in the pics, but dont let that fool ya. Suspect it may have taken a bath,
Good luck and happy bidding.
Cheers\
GPC
You just never can tell what some people will do. One of my brothers, who is retired 26 years from the army and 20 years U.S.P.S. Bought a field find 66 Mustang Coupe about 15-20 years ago and had it professionally restored as a graduation gift for his daughters high school graduation. He spent over $30,000.00 on the car. It is a 289 K code car with automatic. Except for the paint, which is a very costly paint, I think it’s called emron, the rest of the car was built back to factory specs. Now his daughter has kept the car garage kept and drives it to work and back about once or twice a month. At the time the car wasn’t worth what my brother had into it but it was what his daughter wanted. Now the value of the car has increased, if the trend continues she may someday decide to sell it and recoup the money. They live in Dalton, Georgia. Someone reading this might spot her driving it someday.
God bless America
I was thinking old, nasty faded blue carpet until I saw the floor drain hole plugs are missing. Front Texas so could it have been along the coast and got flooded? It looks very solid but is it a true V8 or a engine/hub/axle swap?
Ever get tired of looking at old mustangs and blue cars?
Adam, while that does not appear to be an original engine, there is no “numbers matching” for early Mustangs unless it’s a K code.
Back in the 70’s, a kid in my high school had one that looked just like this one. Saw him driving a little too fast in icy weather. Traffic light at exit to shopping center, slightly downhill driveway, he couldn’t stop and drove right into traffic. Destroyed it.
I don’t Know about this I see a wheel block makes me wonder if something is bad with the transmission and the engine does have a 9 on the breather cover and it does look worn out so I believe that should be rebuilt along with the rest of the power train and what with the body plugs missing was it in a flood? and they did state in the description it needs a trunk lock which makes me wonder with the Plates from a different state is this a stolen car? to many red flags for me but if it is Legit it would be a sweet ride once all the proper things are repaired on it and it is brought back to its glory day’s
Here’s a little backstory for you. We bought this same car for $8500 about a month ago in Texas. We made the seller take it back after we became suspicious that he was selling it without the owners knowledge or that it was outright stolen. When we found the seller’s driver’s license under the front seat with his photo but a DIFFERENT name and address on it, he didn’t give us any resistance on returning our money and taking back the car. So it’s a hot potato. Whoever has it in their possession when the car is reported stolen is the one that’s going to get burned.
As far as the car itself, it is in fairly good condition. The VIN on the left inner fender doesn’t match the door tag (6F07C202438) but the door tag seems correct for the car and reads: 65A U 27 18M 62 6 6. The front driver’s floor pan is rusted through in one spot but can be easily patched. The floor pan plugs were removed by us (LOL) because we had started to take out the seats and carpet. But when we found the driver’s license, we put the seats back in and didn’t bother with the drain plugs. Didn’t appear to be a flood victim though. Not shown in the pictures is also the punched out ignition switch to go along with the punched out trunk lock. Interestingly, a complete under dash A/C system was included with the sale but wasn’t installed and doesn’t seem to be listed in the current sale.
This is the second time we’re aware that it’s been flipped since we bought it.
Hot potato. 🔥🥔
Interesting story-line.
Alarm bells ringing on all frequencies with this car.
Buyer beware !