Ford’s new “pony car” was just hitting its stride in 1966. More than 600,000 Mustangs were built that year before demand tapered off from 1967-on as competitors entered the marketplace. This 1966 Mustang coupe is being offered by its second owner and its exterior is original right down to the patina on the gold paint (but the interior has been renewed). From the desert in Scottsdale, Arizona, this Ford is available here on eBay where 23 bids have raised the ante to $8,200 with no reserve.
Even Ford superstar Lee Iacocca, who is credited with conceiving the car, was probably surprised by the stir that the Mustang caused. More than 200,000 units were sold in the abbreviated “1964 ½” season (which wasn’t one) to another half million in 1965 proper, and even more in 1966 before the hot streak began to cool off. This ’66 Mustang is a lot like one that I had as a teenager, except for the color. Mine was Ivy Green Metallic while the seller’s car looks to have been Sahara Beige by the looks of the underside of the trunk lid. This car has a 200 cubic-inch inline-6 and an automatic transmission, just like mine did.
This Mustang is looking for its third owner after 57 years in the Southwest. The paint, which is said to be factory applied, is well sunburned while the new interior looks quite nice. The passenger side door looks to have been replaced with one of another color, but we can’t be sure. This machine was idle for 30 years, explaining why the odometer reading is just 78,000 miles. Rust isn’t a factor, so if you like the patina thing (and don’t mind an odd door), then maybe just apply some clear coat and preserve its originality. The old pony looks to be rolling on a set of new tires.
We’re told the old Ford starts, runs, and stops as it should. While the motor may be fine, there is a whisp of blue smoke from time to time, attesting to either dormancy or dried-out valve stems. The gas tank has been replaced, which supports the latter, and somewhere along the way, the Mustang picked up split headers and dual exhaust. So, the 120 hp I-6 should sound meaner than it may actually be. The air conditioning is dealer installed, which doesn’t make it much different than factory A/C in those days, but it may be inoperative. Who’s ready for a vintage Mustang that should be good for 20-25 mpg?
I really like it. So many “will it run” videos, and this one does. Lends itself to the dream I just woke up from ! Same reliable motor I had in my Maverick as a kid. I could do it, that thriftpower 200 will get me back to Ohio ! Strap my C-Pap on, back to dream land…
Patina works on some cars, but not for me on Mustangs. It just looks neglected to me.
Boiled linseed oil will do it, no need to clear coat.
wash it with an sos pad , wash the residue off , dry it and wipe it down with atf. It worked for me.
Cool car.Drive it as is.Be cooler if it was a 3 speed manual on the floor though.I like it and I’m not a Ford guy. I like the 6 cylinder with the header and dual exhaust .Wonder how high the bidding will go.
Some images just leave me wondering. I assume the paint did not fail at once. At no point did the owner not think it might be time for a coat of wax and at least some type of cover? Each to his/her own.
In picture 15 it appears that a new floor pan is needed there. Blue smoke is not a good sign either on start up. The whole car will need to be gone through for safety. Brakes, brake lines, fluids, carburetor rebuild, tune up, shocks, tires, and let’s not forget the paint. One could easily drop another 15k to 20k to get it back and you will still have a straight 6.
Valve guide seals are probably disintegrated or as hard as a rock. No biggy. Easy to install.
might be able to revive the valve seals with ‘A205″. I hear it worked for some cars.
Greg B, Reality in its purist form…from the been there , done that file…
Agree, 7K in parts and 8K in labor and that is low ball.
Some people call it patina I call it needs paint
Some people call it patina, I call it rust.
Paint it. Nothing else other may be fix the AC and enjoy her. Dad had these growing up , wore out one, bought another. I think he went thru 4 65-66 mustang from just before I was born till grade school. All but one was a 200 6. When you say Mustang this is what pops in my mind
Ah – what’s the use. Just drive/enjoy it until it drops. Just not 8k plus. $4,000.00 is almost too much money upfront considering another $12,000.00+ just to take it to cars and coffee. Sounds about right – $16,000.000 total for a nice 6 cylinder Mustang. Just to have fun, not to flip , just keep it for yourself knowing you didn’t spend a fortune. Great article. Have fun folks.
Rust isn’t a factor? Can I sell you a car?
The car needs a refurbish, engine and paint.
Just don’t break the bank.