If you worked on the assembly line at Ford in 1966, you probably clocked a lot of overtime. That’s when they built more than 607,000 copies of the new Mustang “pony car” (which would be its best sales year ever). This edition is said to be a garage find and things appear to be mostly original until you pop the hood and see a level of shiny that is aftermarket. The seller is a bit confused at first as to whether the car is a ’65 or a ’66 model but confirms the latter. Located in Simi Valley, California, this nice Mustang could be a turn-key classic and is available here on eBay where the current bid is $10,999 (no reserve).
The Mustang debuted at the New York World’s Fair in April 1964. In the next three calendar years, the buying public couldn’t get enough of the stylish compact as nearly 1.3 million were assembled before a facelift took place for the 1967 model year. The seller’s auto is well-equipped, with a 289 cubic inch V8 (2-barrel?), automatic transmission, and power-assisted steering and brakes. It also has “factory” air conditioning, but those were added (I think) by the dealer as they were under-the-dash units.
We don’t know the history of this Ford and the seller chalks up his/her confusion on the model year to old age. But VINs from both 1965 and 1966 are included in the listing, which adds to the mystery. But from what we can tell and the seller’s later admission, this is a ’66 pony. The Silver Blue Metallic paint is original and faded in places, but that just makes it more desirable, right? The interior is in a matching color, and we think everything is original although one photo makes you wonder about the inserts on the driver’s bucket seat.
The wheel covers look to be plastic aftermarket ones, so I’d probably go out and find a period-correct set for the ‘Stang. There is no mention of how well the car runs and drives or its mileage, but we assume it’s a nice performer though wooden chocks are in front of the wheels which usually implies a lack of motion. The level of bling and newness of things under the hood (hoses, power brake booster) also suggests that the seller or someone else spent some time making this old Ford shine where it counts. How much do you think this Ford will end up selling for?
Factory air and dealer air looked the same in those days.
I’m drawing on a very old memory here, but I believe the 1966 dealer-installed A/C unit used a bright bezel, while the factory-installed unit used a black bezel, as seen in this car.
Another way to identify a factory A/C installation is to check the holes in the radiator support. They were punched for factory A/C, and usually drilled for dealer A/C. My ’65 coupe also had “A/C” written on the firewall with a wax pencil.
My 65 that came with factory air has a tag on the passenger side inner fender that says “A/C”. Another notable difference is that cars with factory A/C and power steering had a different power steering pump. Has canted filler neck on the pump to clear the A/C compressor, such as this one has.
Wow! I love this car (although I would like to see pics underneath!). Dead ringer for a car I tried to buy when I was 16 in 1981. Dad had his mechanic give it a test drive, and it was immediately vetoed…..
Fast forward to 2000. Getting married in PEI, my wife’s uncle Ronnie (mechanic at FairIsle Ford) had restored the dead ringer to this car and lent it to me as a daily driver for the week. It was no trailer queen, just a great driver. It was so nice to drive….these are really livable daily drivers.
GLWTS
bt
There is a K code GT 1965 Coupe 4spd around the corner from me that is a true “One Owner”. In the 80’s it kept losing small parts to thieves because resto parts were not a thing. Still it’s 98% original and not for sale. I wonder who really has the longest owned Mustang. When I see these Mustangs. I always wonder who has the longest ownership of one of these cars.
The wheel covers on this car are likely reproductions, but Ford did offer wheel covers that mimicked styled steel wheels as a dealer-installed accessory.
It’s hard to identify the year by the lack of chrome accents on the quarter panel indentation.
Some pictures of the underside and the trunk with the mat removed would be helpful.
Otherwise a nice looking car that would be a nice cruiser.
Gas cap looks like 66, as does the instrument cluster. Console is the one that came with factory A/C, Dealer installed A/C used shorter console.
Actually no it’s not hard to identify the year. The seat upholstery, door panels, gas cap, grill, grill emblem, gauges, and dash pad are all different from 65 to 66 and if that doesn’t do it, there is the trim tag which is almost half the width in 66 as 65, and the vin. 66 was the first year of backup lights being standard equipment, but they were available in 65. This car is missing the shock tower to cowl braces, and it has power brakes which is incorrect. The cheap wheel covers that mimic real styled steel rims are not stock, and the 289 High performance air cleaner isn’t correct for this car.
Mark I am surprised nobody else noticed the braces missing under the hood…one of the first things I caught and are a crucial part for that unibody. You are also right on the tell signs for year…instrument panel alone tells it’s a ’66. Quite a few things aren’t right with this car…I know and have owned several…I can’t believe it went for $15k.
Rear tail lights, dead give away for a 66. From an old Rouge Dearborn guy. It’s a 66,
What’s the difference????
65 and 66 used the same tail lights.
I like it and would love to drive it but it does beg the question if its a automatic transmission why is there a wheel chalk under the front wheel?
As to what ought to sell for, I’d guess $15,000, give or take a little bit.
Sold with a high bid if $15,000.
Steve R
Blind hog…acorn…you know the story!
Nice 1958 Studebaker wagon in the background. Talk about rare.
As all Ford lovers should know, the true (if it wasn’t totalled) the “buck” number under the driver’s side front fender will settle the issue. Ford also stamped a lot of parts with a date code which should have been made before or at a minimum the day of manufacture. Also, speaking of bucks, Ford also attached a “buck tag” on the front radiator brace. The reason that should be gospel, is because the driver’s doors, if replaced would possibly be carrying the junkyard car’s vin tag. If the buck tag and the bucked number on the upper frame rails jive, and the title has a different vin, Caveat Emptor, or buyer beware, or he who don’t look, gets took!
Not original paint. I wonder what is hiding under the bodywork.
Why do we think those are wheel covers not the GT style steel wheels? They look like wheels no covers to me. If this a a 2 barrell someone added dual exhaust
That driver seat insert just looks worn flat to me
Because the wheel covers sit on top the rim like this car and real styled steel wheels have more of a “dish” or offset.
Are they still insane
Thanks Mark it’s tough for me to tell from photo I would have thought the steel rim would show more with wheelcovers and the wheel would show through I am sure it would be more evident in person