Uncertain Seller: 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe

Finding a classic car confusing is not a new thing, which appears to be the case with the seller and their First Generation Ford Mustang. They list the vehicle as a 1964 model, but there’s plenty of evidence to confirm that it rolled off the line in 1966. It looks like it has been sitting for a while, so the time might be right to free it from captivity and return it to active duty. Located in New Haven, Connecticut, the owner offers it for sale here on eBay. Bidding has sailed past the reserve, sitting at $3,350.

The owner-supplied photos with this listing are pretty ordinary, making it hard to determine the car’s overall condition. He describes its color as Grey, which may be some form of ancient primer. If I was a betting man, I would wager money that the previous owner may have had a restoration on their radar. However, it seems to have stalled. The seller believes they may have repaired a few imperfections, but some issues remain. The panels have a few scars and bruises, but nothing beyond help. The most pressing question surrounds potential rust problems, and it is here that we’re flying blind. It is hard to spot any in the photos, and the seller doesn’t mention any in their listing. The previous owner removed the exterior trim and chrome. All of these pieces are intact and currently sit in the trunk. The glass is good, and if this Mustang proves rust-free, it looks like a straightforward restoration.

The seller’s uncertainty with this Mustang extends to what engine hides under the hood. The VIN they supply further muddies the water, although I believe that it could be a C-Code 289ci V8 capable of producing 200hp. The rest of the drivetrain includes a three-speed automatic transmission and power steering. As an entry-level V8, the C-Code offered potential buyers a great compromise. While it provided that lovely V8 rumble and better performance than a six, it was still civilized and reasonably fuel-efficient in a 1966 context. While a six with an automatic bolted to the back would take 19 seconds to wander down the ¼ mile, the C-Code completed the journey in 16.6 seconds. It isn’t clear when this motor last fired into life, but I suspect that the timeframe could be measured in years, or possibly, decades. The owner states that the engine turns freely, has good compression, and the oil is clean. The car’s mechanical components will require a thorough inspection, but if the 289 can be coaxed back to life, returning the Mustang to a roadworthy state may not be difficult or expensive.

The seller believes that apart from the absence of the factory radio, this Mustang’s interior is complete. However, it is another aspect of the car that requires copious amounts of TLC. The upholstered surfaces look pretty tired, the carpet is trashed, and the dash pad is worse. The buyer would be wise to clean and inventory everything before committing to outlay any cash, but they may need to brace for an interior trim kit. A high-quality kit leaves little change from $2,000, but this represents a one-off expense. Once installed, it would return the interior to a factory-fresh state. If treated with respect and maintained appropriately, the finished product should last for decades without any problems.

First Generation Mustangs remain strong performers in the classic market, with those rolling off the line before 1967 being highly sought. That makes this car worthy of a closer look. The bidding has been modest, leaving the possibility that someone could score this classic for a four-figure sum. If the vehicle proves essentially solid, the V8 under the hood will make it particularly tempting. This auction might be worth monitoring if an early Mustang sits high on your Wish List. You never know, but today could be your lucky day.