Apart from the drop-dead gorgeous styling, a major factor in the Mustang’s success was Ford’s decision to provide an extensive options list. It allowed buyers to personalize their new purchase, but the company took the concept a step further with the Sprint 200 package. This 1966 Mustang features that option package. It requires plenty of TLC to present at its best, but the winning bidder could fly in and drive this turnkey classic home. The seller has listed the Mustang here on eBay in East Moriches, New York. Bidding has reached $3,550 in a No Reserve auction.
The 1966 model year was a banner one for the First Generation Mustang. Ford found itself in the enviable position of struggling to produce enough cars to meet customer demand. By the time the model year ended, it had delivered 607,568 Mustangs to eager buyers. This vehicle rolled off the line that year, and the first thing to note is that the current Raven Black paint isn’t original. The Trim Tag confirms that the first owner ordered it in Sauterne Gold, but a subsequent owner changed the color. As a result, the exterior no longer features the side stipe that was an integral part of the Sprint 200 package. The seller admits the vehicle isn’t perfect, with bumps, bruises, and some rust requiring attention. The worst is in the floors, but a close inspection may confirm that well-crafted patches would adequately address those issues. However, the car is structurally sound, with no major tin worm requiring immediate attention. Of course, tackling the rust quickly would be wise before it deteriorates further. That sounds like a rewarding task for the new owner to perform once summer ends and cold weather forces us indoors. The glass looks acceptable for a driver-grade restoration, and the additional parts located in the trunk include a shiny new pair of bumpers. This Mustang retains its spotless wire wheel covers, another feature of the Sprint 200 options package.
Trimmed in Black vinyl, this Mustang’s interior remains serviceable. The front seatcovers exhibit deterioration, and the carpet has slightly faded in some areas, but the remaining vinyl looks surprisingly good. The dash is clean, housing a factory AM radio. A close inspection will undoubtedly reveal other flaws, but a new set of front seatcovers and (possibly) a carpet set would lift the appearance considerably without costing a fortune. Ford offered two versions of the Sprint 200 Package, depending on the buyer’s transmission choice. This car features the more expensive “Sprint B” version, which included a three-speed automatic transmission. It added $163.40 to the Mustang’s sticker price, and it is when you discover what buyers received for their money that you can appreciate why it proved so popular. Apart from the exterior stripes and the wire wheel covers, a full-length console added a luxurious touch to the interior. As standalone features, the wheel covers would have cost $58.24, while the console would have cost $50.41. The “Sprint B” doesn’t sound like great value for money when taken at face value, but when you consider that the automatic transmission was $175.90, it starts to make perfect sense.
As the Sprint 200 designation suggests, this Mustang features a 200ci six-cylinder motor under the hood. As the Sprint B variant, a three-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties. The original owner may have been attracted to the concept of value-for-money offered by the Sprint package, but they added a few upgrades to improve the driving experience. These included splashing $84.47 on power steering and $41.60 for a limited-slip rear end. The seller recently fitted new tires, treating the car to a steering alignment at that time. They say that it runs and drives extremely well, and is open to potential buyers negotiating a test drive. That is always encouraging, suggesting that they believe that this Mustang has nothing to hide.
This 1966 Ford Mustang Sprint 200 isn’t perfect, as reflected in the current high bid. It will undoubtedly climb as the auction progresses, but it could remain affordable for those seeking a pony car project. Some readers will see a faithful restoration as the most appropriate path, while others may find the prospect of slipping a V8 under the hood irresistible. Which approach would you choose?
In ’66, there was an ad campaign called “Six and the Single Girl”, a play on words for a popular book with a similar name, to entice younger, single women into a Mustang. West coast mostly, as that kind of insinuation would never fly in the conservative upper Midwest. Go ahead and laugh, but I read, in ’66, almost 1/3 of the 607,000 Mustangs sold, were 6 cylinders, primarily to women. I don’t have any facts on that, but in ’66, not many guys got a 6 cylinder. It’s a wonderful find, and a bit disappointing only 6 people and 2 bids.
No ‘three finger’ trim on the quarter panels. Maybe that was a Sprint 200 thing?
You are correct. If memory serves, the side “three finger” ornament was deleted and replaced by a “C” stripe as part of the Sprint 200 package.