Although it had only been on the market for a relatively short time in automotive terms, Ford could have retired the Mustang badge at the end of 1966 and walked away with a healthy profit in the bank. The company struggled to meet demand, with 607,568 buyers taking one home that year alone. This ’66 is a GT Fastback that presents extremely well. It will tempt fans of first-generation pony cars, but the seller’s decision to offer it with No Reserve could make it irresistible.
The history of this Mustang is reassuring for those seeking to park it in their garage. It is a two-owner classic that has spent its life in its current location. The dry climate has done an excellent job of protecting the steel, with the underside and exterior shots confirming that this classic is rust-free. The seller states it received a repaint in its original Wimbledon White, and the condition suggests that the work was performed recently, or the owners have protected it from UV exposure. The paint shines beautifully, with no visible flaws or defects in the steel that it cloaks. The stripes are crisp, and the car carries distinctive GT features like the grille with its integrated foglights. The glass is crystal clear, and the Mustang rolls on Magnum 500 wheels. That brings me to one of the few things I don’t like about this car. I feel that the spinner centers are unnecessary, and detract from the appearance. That is personal taste, and removal shouldn’t be difficult if the winning bidder shares that sentiment.
The VIN confirms that this GT rolled off the line with an A-Code 289ci V8 under the hood. It sent 225hp and 305 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, while the first owner added power steering for an effortless driving experience. The 289 would have launched the GT through the ¼-mile in 15.5 seconds on its way to 125mph, which wasn’t too shabby. Regular readers know my preference for unmodified classics, although I accept that with such a high production total, the ’66 Mustang is always a prime candidate for updates. This car is no exception, with the A-Code making way for a 351ci V8. Its specifications are unclear, but it should provide performance gains. Potential buyers can consider the Fastback as a turnkey proposition. The seller provides this YouTube video that is a walk-around. We get to hear the V8 in action, and it sounds as sweet as a nut.
The seller states that apart from the carpet and retro-style stereo, this Mustang’s interior is original. The Black vinyl is free from physical damage, the dash is spotless, and there is no wheel wear. The plated components show no evidence of pitting, and the gauges feature clear lenses. There are also some pretty desirable options to add to its appeal. This car features a Sport Deck rear seat and the wonderful Rally-Pac gauges.
We’ve recently seen a few classics cross our desks at Barn Finds that have generated significant interest. This 1966 Mustang GT Fastback is no exception, receiving thirty-eight bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Phoenix, Arizona. That action has pushed the price to $35,999, and with No Reserve in play, it is destined to find a new home shortly. It seems that people aren’t concerned about the engine change, because the draw of parking a driver-grade classic in their garage is sometimes irresistible. Do you feel that way, or would you be more interested in this GT if it was unmolested?
Another fun one. A friend across the alley when I was a kid, his older brother was the guy that had the ’64 LTD R code Galaxie. It was a beast, and remember one ride. For a 10 year old kid, it seemed like a rocket. Well, he got too many speeding tickets, how odd, and one day came home with a new ’66 Mustang like this only blue. We were all horrified when he popped the hood only to find it was a 6. My life was never the same after that.
Don’t care about molested or unmolested as long as the upgrades are done properly and in line with the original design of the car. This is a beautiful car as it sits.
I agree with Bob. This is perfect as it sits. And the quality of workmanship seems really good. If it were mine, and say the original 289 went Kaput I would absolutely consider a 302, but a 351? Even better. This thing must fly with a 351 in it. Very nicely done.
The 66′ coupe my kids got me for my birthday is headed to the shop for a tune up,now if it would only cool off here in Phoenix.
The Rally-Pac is a 65. I would have to change them to 66’s. To me, they look better.
Cool car.
Beautiful example, but I’m skeptical of the claim of the original black vinyl interior lasting almost 60 years in AZ.
“The 289 would have launched the GT through the ¼-mile in 15.5 seconds on its way to 125mph, which wasn’t too shabby.”
Not too shabby because they are computer simulated numbers, not real performance numbers. Actual road tests showed that you would have to move up to the 271 hp K code engine to get similar quarter-mile times.
With 4.11 gears the K code Stang turned a 15.5 (Hot Rod test) and a 15.4 (Speed & Custom test) in the quarter. With 3.89 gears it was 15.7 (Motor Trend) to 15.9 (R&T, Car and Driver). The A code would not have been quicker. Keep in mind those HP numbers are gross horsepower, not today’s net HP. Which might be why the computer model is consistently wrong about the vintage cars.
Wimbledon White paint 🎨
Amazing how that 351 just slots right in. Beautiful car, and I generally like the later model Stangs better.