It is fair to say that there were a few unhappy people wandering the corridors of power at Ford as the 1960s dawned. Edsel remained a recent raw memory, and what the company needed to restore investor confidence was a sales success. Few would have realized when the Mustang project received the green light that what was essentially a niche model would change the face of American automotive history. Ford was in a happy situation where it struggled to meet unprecedented buyer demand, with 1966 marking the badge’s peak. This Hardtop hails from that year and is claimed to be a true survivor. It has no immediate needs, although it is a prime candidate for restoration or a custom build. The seller has listed this classic here on eBay in Pleasant Hill, California. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting a classic that could be yours for $11,500 OBO.
The history of this Mustang is unclear, although the listing indicates it has spent its life in California from the moment it left the San Jose line. That is significant news because it has allowed it to avoid any rust issues beyond the occasional area of surface corrosion. The seller is candid about its condition, suggesting that while the Wimbledon White paint retains a pleasant shine, it has accumulated enough minor imperfections to warrant a repaint to recapture its youthful good looks. However, I believe that this classic would command as much respect at a show or Cars & Coffee as a genuine survivor as it would if returned to a pristine state. There are no significant panel bumps or bruises, the trim looks good for its age, and the glass is clear. Those tempted by the prospect of a custom build might be interested in pursuing the set of American Racing wheels and tires that could form part of the deal.
Lifting the hood reveals one of the reasons why the Mustang was an overwhelming sales success. While many buyers had visions of a V8 swimming in their heads, some found the cost prohibitive. Those willing to compromise could order an entry-level version powered by a six, which is the case here. This car features the 200ci T-Code powerplant that sends 120hp and 190 ft/lbs of torque to the 3.20 standard rear end via a three-speed manual transmission. This classic won’t set drag strips alight, but it would have been ideal as an affordable and economical daily driver in the mid-1960s. One aspect of this engine bay that I will be interested in gaining feedback on is the unused bracket bolted to the side of the engine near the distributor. It doesn’t look like a factory power steering mount, and there is no evidence that this Mustang featured air conditioning. Therefore, it has me stumped. The seller states that they recently replaced the fuel tank, brakes, starter, plugs, and wires. They say that this pony runs and drives perfectly, ready to be enjoyed by its lucky new owner.
It is refreshing to find a Mustang of this vintage with an unmolested interior. Factory radios often make way for aftermarket stereos, while some owners find additional gauges irresistible. There are no such problems here, and every item, including the AM radio, works as it should. The Black vinyl driver’s seatcover requires replacement, but the remaining upholstered surfaces look good. The carpet has also faded, but with those items replaced, the interior would present acceptably for a driver-grade vehicle.
Regular readers know my preference for originality, which is why I find this 1966 Mustang so attractive. It reflects the philosophy that made the badge a success, allowing people to buy into the lifestyle at an affordable price if they were willing to compromise on power and performance. That is why Ford sold 607,568 Mustangs in 1966, which brings me to a point to ponder. That figure means that this isn’t a rare classic, although it does deserve preservation. However, the new owner could throw caution to the wind by bolting a more powerful engine under the hood. Whether it is period-correct or part of a restomod build, they couldn’t be accused of destroying an automotive unicorn during the process. Do you agree, or do you feel that protecting its survivor credentials is more important?
I like it just the way it is.
I like it!
I purchased a 1965 Mustang in 1972 for ……ready…….$450! LOL
It was a 289 V8 but with the auto trans was a dog that couldn’t get out of it’s own way! Still, a cool car which I should have kept.
If I purchased this car I’d just fix the items mentioned in the article and use it as a fair weather driver here in TX. The 6 cyl 3 spd would be fine with me. I’d probably only upgrade the radio.
Interesting. AC Mustang with a six, the smaller one, three speed, maybe no power steering or brakes, and crank windows? Well besides the ripped upholstery on the driver’s seat you would at least have to convert the front wheels to disc brakes and a booster, send the AM radio to the junk heap or maybe somebody wants one. The market is awash with reproduction vintage looking blue tooth radios. Power steering might not even be necessary except for parking. Then the fun begins. The engine is capable of one to one horsepower to cubic inch power with the right build. I wonder what that exhaust would sound like through a header and low restriction exhaust.
This light and slow little 6-banger will stop just fine with its factory brakes, as long as they are serviced and in original working order.
Nice basic Mustang. The wheel covers are from a 65 which are different from the 66-model year.
I wonder what that bracket was supposed to be used for also. I love the fact that it has been unmolested.
I am not a Mustang expert, but when I looked into upgrading the 170 I-6 in my 1960 Falcon wagon (similar to an early Mustang) to a 289, it looked like more than a few modifications were needed- convert from 4 to 5 lug hubs, heavier springs, brakes, rear axle, etc. It definitely sounded like more than a six pack’s amount of work.
That bracket above and just forward of the distributor was for a smog pump. Not original in 66 but added to California cars in the 70’s by law. You can see both pulleys have belt slots.
This is a nice car that has great potential.
God Bless America
Thanks for the information. I always learn something new on this site.
I like it because it’s the 6cyl to many have been converted to a V8 I like the original look of this one
This low-option Mustang would have been a “loss leader” on the Ford dealer’s lot. Or maybe, ordered by the person for whom it was all that they could afford. But in either case, it was still a very attractive car. Then, and now.
A car is original only once. Don’t change anything.
I agree with all the comments above about lraving this Mustang alone. It’s terrific just the way it sits. Right down to the original wheel covers and white walls. 6 cyl. And a 3 speed. I’d leave it as is and enjoy it. Bob_In_Tn made a great point about a loss leader or something to get foot trafin the door. I know my Father In Law bought a brand new ( I think ’66) Green Mustang Coupe. Straight 6, 3 speed not many options, he loved it. Not every young guy had to blow the doors off everyone at every traffic light. ( Although it could be fun). This is a nice clean solid Mustang and hope it goes to a good home.
It sometimes seemed $500 could buy most anything in the 70s. In 74, I had 500 bucks and was torn between two models for my first car. One was a 65 or 66 Mustang with a 289 and auto. The other was an F-85 two door post, with a 330, 4bbl, and factory dual exhaust. Both cars were rust free with about 60,000 miles. I chose the Oldsmobile, being interested in performance. A friend of mine bought the Mustang, and I found out the Olds was indeed faster through a quarter mile.
Later on, in 75 I bought a 67 RS/SS350 4spd Camaro for 500 bucks. That’s another story.
I got my first new car in February of 1966. It was a candy apple red ’66 Mustang coupe with the “Sprint” package (Wire wheel covers, chrome air breather, white pinstripe around the coves on the side), otherwise, it was a basic ’66 Mustang with the 200CI inline six (120 HP) and the three speed (non-synchro to first) so you have to be fully stopped to get first without grinding gears, so naturally I went through three transmissions during the warrantee period ( I would pull away from a red light or stop sign and just as I shifted into second gear, someone would rush up beside me and want to race so I would cram it back into first, with a loud clung. and the race would be on. That little six didn’t win many races but would top out at 115 MPH, My high school colors were scarlet and white and our mascot was a mustang (wild horse), so my little car was pretty great to have for a dumbass youngster. Paid $2375. and drove it away from the Ford dealership, brand spanking new. Life was good back then.