If the service sticker is an accurate indication, this 1966 Mustang has resided in this barn since 1982. For a desirable classic, that represents too many years of inactivity, and it deserves to be returned to active service. However, its drivetrain combination may motivate its new owner to treat it as a blank canvas to create the car of their dreams. It is listed for sale here on Craigslist in Viroqua, Wisconsin. The listing contains an auction link where the Mustang is offered with No Reserve. With the ever-growing popularity of First Generation Mustangs, it is one worth pursuing further. I must thank Barn Finder Gunter K for spotting this excellent project for us.
Once dragged from the barn and treated to a wash, this Mustang revealed itself as a vehicle with promise. Its Silver Blue paint has seen better days, struggling to produce a shine. It is loaded with imperfections, and there’s no doubt the car would benefit from a cosmetic refresh. The panels are straight, with any bumps or bruises easily repaired. Perhaps this classic’s greatest surprise is its lack of visible rust. Externally, there are none of the usual problems with the lower extremities like the rockers and rear quarter panels. The shock towers look good, and the underside shots, while limited, show nothing but surface corrosion. If the car proves as solid as the photos suggest, this could be an excellent project for a first-timer. There are no aftermarket additions, with the Mustang retaining its original steel wheels and hubcaps. Some minor trim pieces are gone, but affordable reproduction parts are easy to find.
The secret to the First Generation Mustang’s success was its versatility. The styling captured the public’s imagination, and Ford found itself in the enviable position where demand outstripped supply. The appearance promised a wild and carefree lifestyle, but it may have proven aspirational to some. However, the company’s decision to offer the Mustang with an affordable drivetrain option for those on a budget cemented its sales success. This ’66 is such a car, although its mechanical combination won’t set pulses racing. Lifting the hood reveals the T-code 200ci six-cylinder engine that produced 120hp in its prime. With a three-speed automatic transmission and power steering, the journey down the ¼ mile would take a leisurely 19 seconds. That made it the slowest Mustang money could buy in that model year. The obvious choice would be for the new owner to ditch the original motor in favor of a V8, but some will resist the urge. Base Mustangs have gathered traction in the classic market, and while original V8s will always command higher prices, some buyers are gravitating towards the six-equipped cars. Therefore, a faithful restoration may prove the best option. The seller indicates that this ‘Stang may have been sitting since 1982, but adding fresh fuel and a new battery saw it roar back to life. It runs and drives, although its bad brakes mean that stopping is a problem. With the brakes fixed and a thorough inspection, returning this classic to active duty may not be challenging or expensive.
If the Mustang’s new owner was intent on some instant gratification, its blue vinyl interior could be considered serviceable. That means that with the car returned to a mechanically sound state, the buyer could slip behind the wheel after performing nothing beyond a deep clean. It isn’t perfect and requires its share of attention to present at its best. It is worth noting that there are no aftermarket additions, which is excellent news for those considering a faithful restoration. One attraction of First Generation Mustangs as project cars is the availability of high-quality and affordable reproduction parts. Interior trim is no exception. A complete kit would lighten the buyer’s wallet by less than $2,000 and contain everything required to return the interior to a factory-fresh state. That may sound like a considerable outlay to some, but it is worth remembering that it represents a one-off cost. If the buyer treats the trim respectfully, it should still present well in decades to come. If the next owner isn’t concerned about originality, there are many options available that would make this interior pop.
During the 1970s and 1980s, many owners of First Generation Mustangs with a six-cylinder motor under the hood chose to flick the six in favor of a V8. When you consider the performance potential of this car, that choice is understandable. Times have changed, and while this car would undoubtedly command a higher price if its engine bay contained an original 289, some enthusiasts focus on preserving these classics as a reflection of their importance in the Mustang story. The smaller engine allowed potential buyers with a limited budget to access the Mustang lifestyle without breaking the bank. That is one of the reasons why Ford found itself with an enormous sales success; People could afford them. Regular readers will know that I prefer preservation, but if the new owner elected to create the Mustang of their dreams, I would understand and accept that choice. After all, with 607,568 cars rolling off the line in 1966 alone, they could never be considered rare. If you were the successful bidder, what path would you choose?
If the 6 cylinder with automatic transmission is your flavor this ’66 Mustang looks like a great starting platform.
Just the right uncle-neice project! I’d
definitely consider this car for that
purpose if I had the cash to make it
happen. Just fix the brakes and she
could drive it as is while we restored
the rest of it. Makes me wanna pull
the trigger on it just thinking about
cruising it at Old Town on weekends.
As reliable and bulletproof as they
come and cheap to run too.
Not for me….But it might look good on you………
I like it because it’s real. It’s not been changed. I love Shelby ‘s. But nothing wrong with a 6 coupe. And yes to me those were the days , today you can’t buy a ecoboost new mustang for less than 30 grand. Even allowing for inflation that seems like a lot more than the above pony sold for in 66
As the owner of a once six cylinder that I turned into my “dream car” over the course of several years, you might find this post ironic. In 1987 my parents got me a 6 banger coupe with 23k miles that I drove until I had saved enough to switch the suspension, motor, tranny, and all the new parts and pieces to turn it into a Rangoon Red 65 GT. I love my car!!! It’s exactly what I wanted and still is. It’s still my daily driver (not the kind that is pulled off the trailer at car shows, to take home first in the driver class). Last summer I hit half a million miles. Of course I’ve refreshed, rebuilt, and redone things as needed.
Having shared all that, there have been many times that I wished I had the simple six back in the bay. It was easy to fix, quiet, got great mileage, and I could drive it anywhere.
Granted I did my transition decades before everyone else started and entry level first gen cars are so expensive, but there was nothing wrong with that little 200 six! Now days they are always looked at as a starting point for something else, but I’d encourage the buyer to ask themselves if he will ever need 400hp, want to drive across country without taking out a loan, and they might consider that 85% of the population will think this car is cool regardless of the fact that it has two less cylinders. Maybe (just maybe), they could have just as much fun in this car with drivetrain just the way it is.
I feel that way too bquick. I’d refresh
the 6 where needed, fix the brakes, and let my neice drive it to her heart’s
content. After all, not everything needs a honkin’ V8 especially with gas still nearly $5 a gallon. And, I couldn’t think of a better car to get her started in the old car hobby. And
with her doting old uncle around, both
she and this car might see half a million miles together.