Some enthusiasts dream of restoring a classic car to a pristine state. However, the prospect of spending hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars addressing existing rust issues is so daunting they will often throw the whole dream in the too-hard basket. That is where this 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible rides to the rescue. Hiding below the tired exterior is a pleasant surprise because a previous owner has eliminated the rust that typically plagues these classics. There is plenty of fresh steel, and what the car needs is a new owner with the vision and drive to finish what has already been started. The Convertible is listed here on eBay in Willoughby, Ohio. Bidding sits at $5,652 in a No Reserve auction.

Ford must have felt that all its Christmases had come at once with the First Generation Mustang. The car caused a sensation when unveiled, and the company found itself in the enviable position of being unable to build them fast enough to meet buyer demand. The 1966 model year was the high point, with 607,568 people driving one off the lot. The Coupe was the popular choice, although 72,119 buyers craved a wind-in-the-hair motoring experience, handing over the cash for a Convertible. This Mustang rolled off the line, resplendent in iconic Candy Apple Red with a Black soft-top. It suffered the typical rust issues seen in these classics, but most problems are now a distant memory. The body features a new radiator support, torque boxes, floor pans, rockers, convertible reinforcement panels, rear frame rails, and trunk floors. Some finer details on the car’s underside require finishing touches for a high-end result, but I can’t spot anything that couldn’t be tackled in a home workshop. The seller acknowledges the rear quarter panels could be reused but believes that anyone considering a high-end build will replace them. They offer the option to perform the work for an additional $1,995, a prospect that some would find irresistible. The only remaining rust is a small area in one lower door corner, but this is a patchable proposition. The panels have a few bumps and bruises, but the winning bidder will also receive a shiny set of new front fenders. The top frame is okay, although a new top is required. The glass is free from significant flaws, but the seller suggests the buyer assess the trim to determine what they feel is acceptable for their build.

Lifting this Mustang’s hood reveals what should be a C-Code 289ci V8 that delivered 200hp and 282 ft/lbs of torque in its prime. It is backed by a three-speed automatic transmission to provide an effortless driving experience. The seller confirms that the engine and transmission aren’t hooked up, and their condition is unknown. They don’t indicate whether the items are numbers-matching, but say they will remove them if they are surplus to the buyer’s needs. It is an option worth considering for anyone who has their dream drivetrain combination squirreled away in a dark corner of their workshop. That will knock $1,200 off the sale price, which could potentially help to fund the quarter panel replacement. A range of new mechanical components have been installed, including upper and lower control arms, rear springs, spring shackles, brake drums, and other suspension and steering items.

The Mustang’s interior is complete, and while the pad and wheel are cracked, its condition could potentially be serviceable following a deep clean. However, a build of this caliber deserves a retrim, and there are few things more satisfying for an owner than to step back and admire an interior they have returned to a pristine state in their workshop. Kits are easy to find and add around $1,500 to the build if the buyer follows the faithful path. There are alternatives, and some may be tempted to go the whole hog with a Pony interior and a console for added luxury.

I am not a qualified paint and panel man, but I have the patience to achieve respectable results. However, I admit that my welding skills are far from good. There are many enthusiasts with similar abilities, and rust repairs are something they would never consider. This 1966 Mustang Convertible could be tailor-made for them. The seller offers the possibility of addressing its few remaining steel shortcomings before the winning bidder takes delivery, which may be an offer too good to refuse. The project shows promise, and the No Reserve auction ensures the Convertible is days away from finding a new home. I hope one of our loyal Barn Finders is the winning bidder because I will be fascinated to see the results once the work is complete. Do we have any takers?