This 1966 Mustang GT Fastback is an older restoration that ticks that important box of being rust-free. It isn’t perfect, but it would suit an enthusiast searching for a driver that they can enjoy immediately. With the ongoing popularity of 1st Generation Mustangs, it’s no surprise to discover that it has already received 27 bids since it was listed for sale here on eBay. The GT is located in Molalla, Oregon, and the bidding activity has pushed the price to $32,012, which is still short of the reserve.

The Ivy Green Mustang is a tidy car with paint that holds an impressive shine. It isn’t perfect, because it does wear a few marks and nicks that have accumulated since it underwent a restoration by a previous owner some years ago. If we look at this car purely as a driver-grade proposition, it could be left untouched for many more years to come. However, if the buyer is seeking something close to perfection, subjecting the vehicle to a further repaint would not be a difficult assignment. The panels are straight, and this is largely due to that earlier restoration work. The current owner says that as part of that process, the Mustang has been fitted with new rear quarter panels and doors, along with new floors and drop-offs. There has been no deterioration since the work was completed, which means that this is a rust-free classic. Surprisingly, the person who performed the work did leave a few things for the next owner to complete. While the exterior and floors are complete, the inside of the trunk will require a repaint, as this wasn’t done when the quarter panels and drop-offs were fitted. I have to say that I find this to be a curious omission, and I’m surprised that no one has addressed this before now. Beyond that, the trim appears to be in good condition, while the same is true of the wheels and all of the glass.

The GT features a 289ci V8, a 3-speed automatic transmission, a 9″ rear end, and front disc brakes. Sadly, this classic isn’t numbers-matching, and that will disappoint a few people. The VIN indicates that this car rolled off the production line powered by the giant-killing K-Code 289 that would have produced 271hp. The specifications of the existing V8 are unknown, but the seller confirms that it is definitely not a K-Code. The car runs and drives well, although it does die when the vehicle comes to a stop. The buyer might want to investigate this, although the seller does offer an alternative for the successful bidder. He has sourced a date-correct engine block, along with the correct cylinder heads, main caps, rods, and harmonic balancer to recreate the K-Code. He is also having a clone of the original carburetor created, and he might be willing to cut a deal with the buyer to include these parts at an extra cost. That is something that would be worth investigating further, depending on the money involved.

When we open the doors, we find the Mustang’s interior to be serviceable. It has no immediate needs, although I’m sure that the buyer will probably choose to replace the dirty and faded carpet to improve the overall presentation. The person who performed this restoration made some interesting decisions, and the interior trim is one of those. The upholstered surfaces present nicely, with no wear or issues. The same appears to be true of the dash, pad, and headliner. However, the Trim Tag indicates that this car rolled off the line fitted with a Pony Interior. If I had been performing the work, I would’ve bitten the bullet and forked out the extra money to retain the original appearance. Rectifying this is a decision for the buyer to make, but it isn’t one that doesn’t need to be made immediately when you look at the overall condition of the existing trim.

First Generation Mustangs will always command attention when they are listed for sale, and this is especially true when they are rust-free. This car ticks those boxes, although it isn’t 100% original. That will leave the buyer with a few tasks to undertake, and a few decisions to make. For me, applying paint inside the trunk would be a priority. But from there, any changes could be made as time and circumstances allow. If you were to buy this Mustang, would you return it to its former glory, or would you leave it largely untouched and retain it as a tidy driver?