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One Family Owned: 1966 Ford Mustang

This 1966 black plate Mustang Coupe has spent its entire life residing in the very pleasant Californian climate, and its overall condition is a perfect example of just how beneficial this can be. It has belonged to the same family for its entire life, but they have now decided to part with what many would consider to be a family heirloom. Barn Finder Ikey H referred the Mustang to us, so thank you for that Ikey. The Mustang is located in Chino Hills, California, and is listed for sale here on Craigslist. If you would like to become the next proud owner of this classic Ford, you need only hand over $11,900, and then you’ll be set to drive off into the sunset.

The owner of the Mustang says that it is a solid car, with no rust or dents. Giving the car a pretty thorough inspection via the photos, there are a number of scratches and chips on the original Vintage Burgundy paint, but there is nothing that would be classed as major. There certainly aren’t any obvious signs of rust, and the owner also says that floors and trunk are also solid. The black vinyl top also looks to be in good condition, while I also don’t see any issues with the trim, chrome, or glass.

It isn’t that uncommon for cars from California to be a bit of a compromise. The climate is great for preserving metalwork, but it can wreak havoc on vinyl and plastic. That hasn’t been the case with the Mustang, as the interior seems to have survived quite nicely. The vinyl on the door trims looks to be a bit stretched, and there is some wear visible on the wheel, but the rest of the interior trim looks to be well preserved. It’s also nice to see that the interior has escaped the potential ravages of aftermarket accessories, and is exactly as Ford intended it to be.

There are no engine photos of the Mustang, but if the owner is to be believed, all is well under the hood. You get a C-Code 289ci V8 engine and a C4 automatic transmission. The only issue that the owner reports is the fact that the car will need some work on the brakes. He does say that the car runs and drives well and that it is so original that all of the original smog equipment is still in place under the hood.

As a general rule, 1st Generation Mustangs seem to currently fall into two broad categories. You either find project cars that require rust repairs of varying degrees, or you see spotlessly restored cars that have had many thousands of dollars sunk into them. Finding an original, rust-free survivor like this particular car is becoming more unusual. They are definitely still out there, but they are becoming more scarce. There will be plenty of people out there who would be keen on the idea of bringing the car back to its aesthetic best. Me? I’d leave it like it is, as a truly original survivor.

Comments

  1. Avatar Nevadahalfrack Member

    What smog equipment was on the ‘66 Mustang 289? My HS buddy had one for awhile with the Pony anterior, 289 4 spd manual & as many times we cracked the hood I don’t recall anything resembling smog stuff..

    Like 6
    • Avatar BRAKTRCR

      I think in 66 California cars all had air pumps, or Smog pumps, as we called them.
      My 66 Toronado had an air pump, but our of state cars did not.

      Like 6
    • Avatar Steve R

      You must not have lived in California.

      Steve R

      Like 2
  2. Avatar 86_Vette_Convertible

    Looks pretty good from what I’m seeing. Not the biggest of Mustang fan but that’s one that’s interesting.

    Like 1
  3. Avatar RoughDiamond

    That looks like a very fair price for a very nice ’66 Mustang. I believe all new cars destined for CA from 1963 upward required some type of smog (smoke/fog) equipment from the factory. I wonder what that estimate is for that’s shown with the paperwork?

    Like 1
  4. Avatar BRAKTRCR

    I like this Mustang as is… and I think, much to my surprise, I even like the White wall tires.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Ds

      Saw the car – Not entirely original – has had an older re-paint and rear quarter was hit and repaired with filler. Small rust hole in the trunk. Vinyl top was replaced – otherwise seemed to be a straight and rust free car.

      Like 1
  5. Avatar TimM

    Not bad for the price pretty clean and reasonable…

    Like 1
  6. Avatar SMS

    In California 1966 cars had a smog pump. I believe it was the first year. My mom had a ‘67 and I remember when she brought it home and my dad and I were looking at the pump with the long belt and him explaining to me how it worked. Was such a cool car, green with a black top. Was her first new car.

    Like 2
  7. Avatar Socaljoe

    All CA cars had the AIR pump starting in 1966.

    Like 2
    • Avatar Nevadahalfrack Member

      Thank you, Socaljoe and everyone else who took the time to answer.
      Oddly enough, while working at the Atlantic Richfield station in my home town I didn’t work on many CA reg only cars even with the CA/NV state line just 20 minutes away!

      Like 1
  8. Avatar bobhess Member

    Nice Car.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Dennis gilmore

    Smile just looking at it !

    Like 2
  10. Avatar 71FXSuperGlide

    Seems very fair, given the condition and history. Too bad it can’t stay in the family.

    Like 1
  11. Avatar Gaspumpchas

    Looks sweet, Upggrade the brakes to dual master and disc and let the ponies run!! Check for ironworms. Good luck to the new owner!!

    Happy Motoring!
    cheers
    GPC

    Like 2
  12. Avatar Johnmloghry

    In California in 66 all that was required for smog was pvc. Smog pumps didn’t arrive until the 70’s. I lived in Redding at that time and none of my cars had anything more than just pvc. Even my 69 Pontiac Firebird 400 still just pvc.
    At any rate this example is well worth the money as my brother had one rebuilt from the ground up at a cost of more than $30k.
    God bless America

    Like 0
  13. Avatar ChallengerChick

    Very nice. I’d be close to interested if it was a stick. Kind of glad it’s not, keeps me from even having to think about it.

    Like 1
  14. Avatar STEVEN VISEK

    Funny, I also have a ’66 Mustang hardtop, one family owned since new(Grandma from new from 6/66 and then me from 6/94) with the same C-code 289/C4 in these same colors, except mine does not have a radio or vinyl top but does have white walls and wire wheel covers.

    Like 2
  15. Avatar STEVEN VISEK

    BTW I do not like these changes that you must be a member to LIKE and can’t upload photos. I would respectfully suggest ADDING features for paying members instead of REMOVING features non-members have been enjoying for years. As someone who was considering becoming a member, I think adding features would better entice folks to pay what adds up to over 100 bucks every year to be members. Just my 2 cents.

    Like 1
  16. Avatar ekim81

    I like the Vintage Burgundy Metallic…
    seems like a very fair price.
    These are surprisingly fun to drive…
    even the six cylinders.

    Like 0
  17. Avatar Kevin Haun

    When I was a High school kid in the late 70’s the state required all the cars to get retrofitted with ad -on smog controls.They were electronic things that everybody tore off as soon as they passed inspection. Maybe that’s what the seller is talking about.

    Like 0

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