1966 Ford Mustang

Description

Sometimes you just want a nice Mustang that drives well and doesn't give you headaches. This 1966 coupe is like that, offering a sweet-running 289, plenty of options, and a paint job that might help keep you out of trouble. It's exactly the right car for someone who likes to drive their vintage hardware.

You could probably get away with calling it Silver Blue, which isn't this car's original color (that would be code X, Vintage Burgundy), but it looks exactly right on the handsome coupe body style. Whatever you want to call it, the soft color accentuates the Mustang's sharp creases; just look how it defines the fender line, which is sharp enough to give you a paper cut. You'll also note that the bodywork was nicely done and the car appears to be very solid and clean inside and underneath. The paint was sprayed only a few years ago, and it's two-stage urethane, so it should look this good forever with just a modicum of care. The trim was also refreshed or replaced during the restoration, and both bumpers, the stainless window surrounds, and the pony grille are all in excellent condition. It's also got the famous '289' badges on the front fenders and a set of GT-style fog lamps in the grille that give it a sporty look.

A light blue interior with bucket seats provide a sporty driving environment. The original color was Parchment, so you know this isn't the original interior, but it's got a mellow look that seems just about right on a vintage Mustang. Door panels and carpets are quite nice, installed a few years ago when the car was restored and still looking great, and a small diameter wooden steering wheel replaces the original plastic piece. An AM/FM/cassette head unit has been installed but the metal dash has not been modified to accommodate it, and that custom center console is easily removed for shows. There are only modest signs of wear throughout the interior, and once again it's refreshing to see something that's simply the way Ford built it and not over-restored or modified. The only notable deviation from stock might be the black carpets in the trunk, but that's not necessarily a demerit since it's quite nicely done.

With Fords of this vintage, there's really no way to say conclusively that the engine is "numbers matching," but it definitely looks like factory-issue under the hood. The C-code 289 makes great noises and its bubbly, bouncy idle unwinds into a wonderful tenor wail as speed increases, mostly thanks to a set of long-tube headers and a proper dual exhaust system. The chrome air cleaner and valve covers also suggest GT specifications and brighten things up a bit under the hood. The chassis appears to be highly original and quite clean thanks to a lifetime in the south, and the 3-speed automatic transmission and 9-inch rear end with 2.80 gears are ideal dance partners. Power steering is always a welcome feature on a V8 Mustang, even with its relatively svelte curb weight and for period-perfect rolling stock, look no further than 14-inch styled steel wheels wearing 205/70/14 blackwall radials.

This is a great-running Mustang coupe with a lot of desirable equipment. If you're a fan of originality and keeping them the way they were when they were new, this might be your car. Call today!