Ford’s assembly lines were working overtime in 1966. That was necessary to crank out 607,000 additional Mustangs after 559,000 in 1965 and 121,000 in an abbreviated 1964. Six-cylinder models with manual transmissions were common, and the seller’s car was no exception. We’re told it’s been in storage for years, so the buyer will need to nurse it back to running health. This project, said to be rust-free, can be found in Denver, Colorado, and is available here on craigslist for $9,000 OBO. Our thanks to Barn Finder T.J. for another great tip from yesteryear.
Since Ford could sell these early Mustangs faster than they were built, few changes were made for the 1966 model year. They were mostly trim updates, such as eliminating the horizontal bars in the grille and slapping on a new gas cap in the back. Options on this initially basic Mustang seem to include a contrasting vinyl roof, side stripes, wire wheel covers, and a console between the bucket seats. All of this didn’t likely add more than a few hundred bucks to the car’s $2,522 base MSRP.
We don’t know the mileage of this ‘Stang or when it went into hibernation. Mechanically, it’s said to be an original vehicle, and the body is solid (though we wonder about the shape of the passenger side rear quarter panel [poor lighting). The seller says the interior has been redone, but the upholstery does not appear to be OEM reproductions.
This Mustang may be a solid candidate for a second life, but its chances would be better if the first owner had specified a 289 cubic-inch V8 instead of the gas-sipping 200 inline-six (good for 25 mpg all day long – I had one). So, bring a trailer with you – but leave the potential trades at home.
I know the sports roof is more sought after but probably 10k more To me not worth the difference Personal preference I like this just the way it is
Had one like this in “Vintage Burgundy”. Split exhaust at the manifold running 2 out the back to the Cherry Bomb’s. 3spd. Got it CHEAP. Cruising the main drag on a hot summer night windows down. At THE stop light a nerdy rich kid pulled up next to up next to me on the right hand side in another one. Same color tho it was a beautiful with the Pony interior and 289, Cragars. My buddy, the consummate smart ass looks the kid in the eye, looks over the car then turned to me and said-loudly-“Look!! Parts!!”
The kid jumped the red light and we never saw the car again that weekend..
Good times.
This is a nice car although it’d be tough for some of us to justify almost $10k then have to put $$into bringing it up to speed..windshield, interior, etc
Had a 66 drop top in maroon with the i6. I do not recall 66s being available with a “C” stripe, think in 68? Either way the ask is not too bad for a straight pony. Could also be a blank canvass for creative options. Nice review Russ.
He did say obo. Good opportunity I think for someone local to check out. Get it for $7k, and if she runs I would just drive it and enjoy that 3 spd. Worse case drop a new engine in for a few grand.
The biggest change for 66′ was the dash was no longer out of the Falcon that had the long swept speedometer and now had one large dial flanked on either side by 2 smaller ones on each side of it.Backup lights became standard.
Does the interior look like it’s been redone in cloth?
I’m curious about that Camaro next to it!!!!
Pricey for a non-running project.
Steve R
I agree about the c stripe , 99.9% sure that’s been added. And the cloth seat upholstery has to go. Other wise it’s ok as is.
Too much money for a vehicle that doesn’t run. Does the engine turn freely; is the clutch good? What about the transmission? What are the seat covers hiding? The vinyl roof is not a plus in my opinion, and the pictures are too poor to convey much in the way of condition. Needs underside photographs and definitely an inspection – but not so much for a 6 cylinder coupe. A true conversion to an 8 cylinder would be way too cost prohibitive.