1966 Ford Mustang

Description

It's time to put a Mustang in your garage, and this 1966 coupe with a C-code 289 is an affordable way to own America's favorite pony car. Lots of personality without a lot of frills, it perfectly sums up the Mustang's mission of affordable, youthful performance. The fact that it looks great is merely icing on the cake.

The paint was done about ten years ago and the original code M Wimbledon White was exchanged for the more upscale-looking Vintage Burgundy, which was also on the color charts that year. As a result, this handsome little coupe looks a lot more expensive than it is, and despite some signs of age and use, it remains the kind of car that makes folks stop and stare as it drives by. There's a nice shine to the finish that will make for a lot of years of happy washing and waxing on a Saturday afternoon in preparation for a show the next morning. Critical areas like the trunk, rear pan, and doors all fit well and it does not appear that this little Mustang has ever been wrecked or required major surgery. Tidy gaps and a robust feeling make it wonderful to drive, and just enough chrome and stainless trim makes it sparkle, including the rocker panels and C-scoop insert.

The original aqua interior was scrapped (thankfully!) and replaced with a handsome set of white seats and door panels with contrasting burgundy carpets. The result is pure 1960s cool that looks entirely appropriate. As I said, this is a no-frills Mustang, but the basics are awfully good, because you get a complete set of gauges that are in original condition, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and an overall look that makes the Mustang absolutely charming to sit in. A newer AM/FM radio was situated in the original radio's slot, and a modern consolette with cup holders was neatly stashed up under the dash where it's within reach but unobtrusive. The shifter manages a C4 3-speed automatic transmission. Of course, with the color change, virtually everything in the car is new, and despite being a few years old, it still looks great. The front buckets are firm and comfortable and the rear bench looks like it's never been used. The trunk features a correct reproduction mat and a full-sized spare tire, just in case.

A C-code 289 cubic inch V8 means this smart little Mustang has plenty of get-up-and-go when you need it. Looking pretty stock, the Ford Blue engine has that wonderful small block exhaust note and plenty of smooth torque on tap for zipping through traffic. The proper air cleaner up top wears a reproduction decal, while chrome valve covers add a little bit of flash to the otherwise somber engine bay. Power steering is a welcome addition on any early Mustang, and combined with the automatic transmission, it's a great car for running around town. The 8-inch rear uses 2.80 gears inside, so it's also a superlative highway cruiser that actually gets decent mileage. A new dual exhaust system sounds a bit rumbly but not at all objectionable, and you can tell it's a clean car simply by noting that there's red oxide primer on the floors, as when it left the factory. Standard steel wheels with hubcaps wear 195/75/14 whitewall radials that are exactly right.

Affordable fun from the A-list, you can finally own the early Mustang you've been dreaming of since you were 16. A great entry-level pony that won't disappoint. Call now!