Rust-free 1st Generation Mustang project cars remain in high demand, and this 1966 example ticks many of the boxes that would capture the attention of Ford enthusiasts. It is a genuine GT, its overall condition is very acceptable, it features a V8/4-speed drivetrain, and the buyer can slip behind the wheel and enjoy it immediately. However, for all of those positive attributes, it has failed to attract a single bid since it was listed for sale here on eBay. The GT is located in Martinez, California, and the owner has set the listing to open at $35,800. He has also set a BIN of $46,500, and while there have been no bids, 74 people are watching the listing.
One of the attractions of this Mustang is how candid the owner is about its condition. The Candy Apple Red paint holds what appears to be a winning shine in the supplied photos, but the owner only rates it as a 5/10. He says that it has plenty of swirls if it isn’t waxed, suggesting someone has neglected the paint in the past. There are a couple of small dings on the driver’s side, but the remaining panels look pretty impressive. It appears that the GT has spent its life in California, and that means that it is no surprise that there is no visible rust. The owner doesn’t mention any issues in the listing, and the supplied shots paint a positive picture. The trim and chrome are in excellent condition for a survivor, while most of the glass looks good. Once again, the owner identifies a couple of minor flaws on the driver’s window, but these aren’t visible in the supplied photos. This approach makes me wonder whether the owner is a perfectionist and is marking the car harshly to avoid disappointing potential buyers who perform an in-person inspection.
When we turn our attention to the Mustang’s drivetrain, we find a similar approach to the exterior with the owner’s description. The GT features an A-code 289ci V8, a 4-speed manual transmission, and unassisted disc brakes on the front. This little V8 should be producing 225hp, which is enough to send the vehicle through the ½ mile in 15.5 seconds. The owner says that this Ford runs and drives well, but he still only scores its overall mechanical health at 7/10. He reveals that as well as rebuilding the steering box and the brakes, he has replaced the master cylinder and battery. New Koni rear shocks and a fresh fuel tank have been bolted in, but there are a few tasks for the buyer to consider. The car would benefit from new front springs and shocks, and the transmission shifter could stand to be adjusted. The owner had intended to drop the Mustang by about an inch, and he has purchased the new rear springs to achieve this. He is happy to include these in the sale so that the buyer can buy fronts to match.
It seems that the owner considers the Mustang’s interior to be a highlight, and it is easy to see why. Virtually everything has been refurbished or replaced, and its overall presentation is close to factory fresh. The only identified faults are a ½” tear in the headliner near the driver’s visor and a small ding in the door trim on the same side. Beyond those, the upholstery, trim, dash, and carpet are flawless. The owner has installed a more modern stereo that includes USB connectivity, but he hasn’t cut the dash to achieve this. That means that a buyer could swap this out if they wanted to achieve a completely original appearance.
This 1966 Mustang GT Fastback is a black plate survivor that can offer its new owner instant automotive gratification. It isn’t perfect, but that leaves the buyer with a couple of options to consider. They could retain the car unchanged and continue to drive it as an original survivor. Alternatively, they could treat it to a light cosmetic restoration that would return it to a factory-fresh state. I don’t know which option I would choose. What about you?
Contrary to the write-up, this car is not a “black plate survivor” from what we can see, because the black plate on this car is one of the repros issued decades after it was built (personalized plates were not offered in the black-plate era). So this car in fact may not have “spent its life” in CA even though it is a CA car presently. The Dearborn build and Indianapolis DSO would seem to indicate it was first sold in the Midwest.
Also, visible rust is not the whole story on these. Cowl rust typically is not visible without crawling under the dash but can be a real problem.
You are absolutely right. Even the current, non-personalized black plates have a unique sequence different from the originals, which makes them instantly recognizable. Even if a car has original black plates, the California DMV has a procedure whereas vintage black plates purchased on the secondary market can be registered to 60’s cars. Without supporting documents, black plates by themselves cannot be used as proof a car has been a long time resident of California.
Steve R
Are those stock wheel covers, seem different to me?
Someone needs to review the definition of “Survivor”.
I don’t think it is as perfect as it first appears. Not saying the seller is trying mislead anyone but a close look at the rocker panels and door jams appears to have either and older restoration or someone touched up with a rattle can and wiped the over spray off with a solvent rag and I’m guessing that is the case here.
All that said though for a 66 it appears to be in fairly good condition especially if it has not gone through a restoration of any kind.
If I were an interested buyer I would have to see it before buying.
Taking into account everyones identification of it’s suspect bits.from its build location, possible rocker work, to the modern Cali plates, it pretty well ticks every box for me. Resale Red, 4 speed, GT. All except the price.
I’m just never going to be able to buy another of my bucket list cars unless I outlive my more disposable income available age cohort.
Thats a lot of disposable income :)
But I love the car.
$38,000. Auction ended. 1 bidder ?? Is that right. 1 bid seems odd & $38k seems cheap
Yep I noticed that today it only had one bid.