For me, it doesn’t seem like too many years ago when someone would restore the body and interior of a Mustang like this, and then ditch the 6-cylinder engine in favor of a V8. Many of those 1st Generation 6-cylinder Mustangs met that fate, but today, there is greater recognition of these cars, and more are being restored to their original specifications. This 6-cylinder equipped ’66 Mustang convertible is awaiting restoration, and you will find it listed for sale here on eBay. It is located in New Lebanon, Ohio, and has been listed for sale with a clear title. The owner has set a BIN price of $5,400, although the option is available to make an offer.
According to the owner, this Mustang has been sitting for many years, and there are some rust problems that will need to be rectified. While the trunk floor seems to be relatively solid, the car will need floor and frame rail repairs. There is also rust visible in both lower quarter panels, and possibly some also in the corners of both doors. The rest of the panels look quite solid, and all of the glass is present and appears to be in good condition.
The interior is complete, but it will need a full restoration. There are a number of trim components that look like they will clean quite well, including the door trims. The rear seat looks like it might be okay, but both front seats will need new covers, and the dash pad is pretty badly cracked. So there’s some work there, but it’s not insurmountable.
Under the hood is a 200ci 6-cylinder engine, backed by an automatic transmission. We’re told that the car rolls and steers, but we know nothing about the condition of the engine and transmission. Those Ford sixes are a relatively robust piece of equipment, so barring major internal failure, it may only need some decent servicing to get it up and running again.
Let’s be honest here. The 1966 Mustang Convertible is not the rarest car in the world, but they are still a very popular and highly sought after car. The 6-cylinder versions don’t command the sort of money that a 289-equipped car does, but good examples will still fetch $20,000. This one needs some work on the body and frame, but the car is salvageable. I’m pretty sure that someone will take this car on, and I really hope that they restore it to its original state.
Rustang–pics of the underbelly please. Check the cowl plenum. fixable but a bear.Know what you are getting into Good luck to the new owner.
Cheers
GPC
have I been asleep or is double bracing from the shock towers to the cowl common ?
Standard on the late 65 and 66 mustang convertibles.
Too much work. Too high priced.
My first car was a 68 with the 200-6. Great engine. Ford used that engine well into the 80s. My brothers 84 Mustang had the same engine but with fuel injection and smog controls.
Early Mustangs are among the nicest looking convertibles, and I have no problem with 6 cylinders.
Nice project, but if you dont do the work yourself, you’ll spend an additional $15,000 for a good restoration and $5000+ for the car to end up with a $15K car. SO watch the expenses carefully!!, I’ve done more than my share of these. Deduct 20% value for a 6 cyl w/3 speed.
I have owned several 65 convertibles over the years and I really enjoyed the 200 -6 with a automatic for its easy manual steering. They seemed so much lighter and fun to drive than the 289 with power steering. I would definitely recommend swapping the sixes drums for the disc as they were dangerous to drive in the canyons with those poor brakes. The manual sixes had non synchro 3 speeds which are best avoided. You can’t go wrong with a Mustang!
Non synchro on first gear only. Not very sporting but easy to live with.
Is double clutching a lost art ? I’ve never understood it, but it’s an actual thing for non synchro gears.
The Crosley featured has non synchro on all three gears, not just first. I guess one would learn double clutching quickly with that one.
But discs, whether un boosted or power assist are the way to go.
The next enhancement for my 63 Valiant.
That 3 speed is nororiously weak even behind a six. My recommendation would be don’t down shift into 1st at all. My $.02 worth!!
Cheers
GPC
The Ford straight 6s were a great engine as were the Chevy and Mopar inline 6s from most of the early 1960s and up. There are just certain cars that I don’t care for them in. I don’t have a heavy foot anymore but in certain cars I just prefer the sound and image of a V8. I had a really clean 66 Mustang with the straight 6. Great car overall but I just couldn’t warm up to it. Personal preference. I am however really glad that there are people that appreciate them for what they are. I have had Ford, Chevy, and Dodge pickups with inline 6s and loved them!
Mustangs are unibody cars, no frames, not even a removable front sub frame like a Camaro. And cowl rust is most very likely.
Relisted at $4100 now.