Rust-Free Survivor: 1966 Ford Mustang Hardtop

We see quite a few First Generation Mustangs at Barn Finds, with their condition ranging from the pretty awful through to pristine cars that would knock your sox off. This 1966 Hardtop is a gem because it is an unrestored survivor that is rock-solid. It is the type of car where the new owner can slip behind the wheel to immediately enjoy the classic car ownership experience. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, you will find the Hardtop listed for sale here on Craigslist. All you need to do is hand the seller $25,000, and you could hit the road in a tidy pony car. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Wayne Z for referring this stunning survivor to us.

This Mustang has spent most of its life in the drier climate of Arizona, which makes its complete lack of rust no surprise. The exterior looks great, while the underside shots reveal floors that have nothing beyond a light dusting of surface corrosion. There is no evidence of penetrating rust in the prone spots like the torque box region, frame rails, and shock towers. The Wimbledon White paint shines nicely, although the seller indicates that a previous owner treated the car to a high-grade repaint a few years ago in its original shade. The panels are as straight as you could hope to find on a classic of this vintage, with the gaps looking tight and consistent. The original owner ordered the Mustang with tinted glass, and if it isn’t flawless, it is pretty close. The exterior trim is in excellent condition, as are the stylish factory chrome wheels. As a survivor-grade classic, this Hardtop looks pretty promising.

While the seller doesn’t specifically state it, I believe this Mustang may be numbers-matching. The original owner ordered it with a C-code 289ci V8 hooked to a three-speed manual transmission. Recognizing the reality of the local climate, they elected to tick the box on the Order Form to equip this classic with heavy-duty cooling. That C-code should produce 200hp, which is enough to launch the ‘Stang through the ¼ mile in 16.3 seconds. Somebody has added stainless headers and dual exhaust, and those upgrades may squeeze a few additional ponies out of that sweet V8. The engine bay doesn’t present as nicely as I might have expected, but this is a deliberate approach by the seller. They wanted to show the car in an undisguised state, allowing potential buyers to spot any flaws, leaks, or other problems. Therefore, no aspect of this classic has received attention from a vehicle detailer. The engine bay is dirty, but there’s no evidence of long-term problems that could cause concern. The car runs and drives perfectly and is a turnkey proposition for its next lucky owner.

If considered an original survivor, this Mustang’s interior presentation is very acceptable. The two-tone blue seat upholstery shows no evidence of physical damage or fading, and the headliner is in a similar state. That doesn’t mean it is flawless because the carpet exhibits some dirty marks and fading, the vinyl on the door trims is wrinkled, and while it isn’t cracked, the dash pad is warped under the aftermarket cover. However, nothing requires immediate attention, and the new owner could sit with their head held high every time they slipped behind the Mustang’s wheel. The original owner ordered this gem with a driver’s mirror and an AM radio. They elected to have their dealer install air conditioning and a passenger-side mirror. The radio works as it should, but the A/C requires a recharge to blow ice-cold.

Some people feel that purchasing a road-ready classic car is a cop-out and that they should take part in the unique experience that is a restoration project. However, sometimes such an approach is impractical, and electing to purchase a car like this 1966 Mustang is the best alternative. Somebody has to buy cars like this stunning survivor, and it is virtually assured that the person who does so will appreciate it for many years. Does that make that person a genuine enthusiast? You bet it does!