Taking on a project build where you will sink thousands of dollars and hours into getting the candidate’s body rust-free can prove too daunting for some. That’s what makes this 1966 Mustang so tempting. The seller has completed the hard work on a restomod build, leaving it to the buyer to add the finishing touches. The indications are it will take more time than money to return the vehicle to its rightful place on our roads, making it worth a look for those considering a first classic project. The Mustang is listed here on eBay in Manassas, Virginia. The bidding sits at $4,000, and while the seller indicates in the listing text this is a No Reserve auction, the bidding history suggests otherwise.

I find this Mustang intriguing because the seller’s approach to the build isn’t what I expected. They state they bought the vehicle as a rolling shell, with the previous owner replacing the cowl, firewall, and floors. They carefully detailed the engine bay, making it as clean as you could hope to find. The driver’s door sports damage, but the seller includes a pair of original doors in the deal. The first photo in this article suggests there are also front fenders and a hood, although the seller isn’t clear on that point. There are splashes of primer around the car, and thanks to the unusual shade gracing its panels, a complete repaint would be the best approach to maintain consistency. That could allow the buyer to perform a color change if this shade doesn’t tick the boxes. Given the extent of this build, I’m surprised the owner didn’t complete the panels and paint before delving into the world of this classic’s mechanical configuration. I’ve always found it easier to finish one aspect of a build like this before proceeding further because it minimizes the chance of missing minor details. There is no visible external rust, and the seller includes most of the glass and trim. The Mustang rolls on a new set of American Racing wheels wrapped in Kumho tires.

The seller indicates this Mustang’s engine bay originally housed a T-Code 200ci six-cylinder engine producing 120hp. As part of the restomod approach, that engine went “bye-bye,” and a later 5.0-liter V8 fills the previously empty space. The seller sent the engine to a specialist, where it was bored, decked, and fitted with new flat-top 9.5:1 pistons. They bolted on Skip White Racing aluminum heads with roller rockers and slotted in a mild Competition Cam. They added a Holley Sniper fuel injection system fed from a new tank and an in-tank 255 liter-per-hour fuel pump. It is unclear what power figures the buyer could expect, but I won’t be surprised if it is well north of 250hp. The ponies find their way to an 8″ Traction-Lok 3.55 rear end via a rebuilt 4R70W four-speed automatic transmission, while the suspension features new shocks, springs, bushes, power front disc brakes, and numerous other components. The fuel and brake lines are plumbed and working, but the buyer needs to complete installing the new wiring harness. With that finished and a couple of further details, it appears this Mustang will run and drive.

With the floors rock-solid, the seller added sound deadening and a headliner before bolting the seats into place. The photos are inconclusive, but I think the seatcovers may have a couple of rips and flaws that could justify replacement. It is unclear whether they have carpet and door trims, but it seems the dash might be complete. Even if the buyer finds it essential to perform a full retrim, that shouldn’t add more than $1,500 to the build total. The seller installed a modern vintage-look air conditioning system, and they have a stunning set of Speedhut gauges and a custom bezel waiting for installation.

The most expensive aspects of most projects are whipping the panels and paint into shape and purchasing any drivetrain components allowing the car to return to its rightful place on our roads. With the rust issues with this Mustang being nothing but a distant memory, there doesn’t appear to be much work left to have it presenting superbly. The updated drivetrain combination should mean that it retains the charm of a classic pony car but could function effectively as a civilized daily driver. I’m surprised it has only received fourteen bids, although plenty of time remains on the auction for the action to become more lively. I could speculate on the price when the hammer falls, but I think this is your chance to guess to see if anyone can nail the final figure. So, over to you.