All Original: 1966 Ford Mustang Survivor
Early Mustangs are common, and that’s largely because they made over 600,000 in 1966 alone. Couple those kinds of production numbers with a loyal fanbase, and you have an easily accessible classic. The early Mustangs are incredibly fun to drive for what they are, even with the inline six-cylinder ‘Thriftpower” engines like this car is equipped with. The seller purchased the car from his elderly female neighbor, who purchased it new in 1967 and daily drove it until she couldn’t drive it anymore at which point she sold it to the current owner who drove her around in it. As common as these are when was the last time you saw a two-owner unmolested original example like this? Find it here on Craigslist in California with an asking price of $16,500. Thanks to Michael for the tip!
Though the interior suffers from over 50 years of wear, in the grand scheme of things it doesn’t look too bad! The dash is cracked and the seats have some splits (as shown) but overall it is in remarkable condition. The seller has really enjoyed this car and is begrudgingly selling it in order to make a down payment on a house. Did I mention it has 45,000 actual miles? Interior wear aside, this looks like a sweet turn-key cruiser.
With the exception of maintenance items, and apparently two hubcaps, this Mustang is as original as they come. The body is clean and straight, with minimal damage except for some paint damage on the roof that is not pictured and described as negligible. This car has the original engine and transmission, and has been meticulously cared for by the current owner himself for quite a while; “I’ve washed this car almost every weekend since I was 10 years old. I’ve always loved this car and treated it as such.” It makes me sad for this guy just reading the ad!
With a set of matching wheel covers and some interior love, this could be a really slick and clean original car. With known ownership history like this Mustang has and the overall condition, $16,500 isn’t an unreasonable price when examples half as nice as this can be found for just a few thousand dollars less. For an enthusiast looking for a classic cruiser, this is the perfect vehicle!
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Comments
Nothing looks as good as perfect panel alignment, proper gaps and black paint done to perfection. Hope my stalled project 65 can some day look this good. My big mistake was installing cheep quarter panels. Spend the extra money on good stuff up front,life will be better in the long run.
Love the hub caps, I’m sure there more hidden treasures on this one. Open the hood and the trunk for that kind of money please. Till then nope
Noticed that too. Not sure if pics were taken at different times and he has two sets, or just mismatched. At least each side has matching front to back! Two looks: pick your pleasure! BTW they are wheel covers, not hubcaps.
I have always called then hub caps.
Try to search for wheel covers on Ebay and see what comes up.
Miguel, it is a common mistake. Wheel covers cover the whole wheel, while hubcaps are smaller, just covering the center. Pictured is a Ford Galaxie 500XL with a hubcap.
I know Steven, but it is common to call even a full wheel cover a hub cap. When I am looking for wheel covers on Ebay I search hub cap as that is what everybody else calls them.
True enough, Miguel. I actually never realized the difference before someone told me. Then I was like Homer Simpson, slapping my forehead and saying “Doh! Of course, hub caps cover the hub, and wheel covers cover the whole wheel.” I had always used the terms interchangeably. So obvious in retrospect but it had just never occurred to me before. LOL.
As underwhelming as the 6 banger might be, it would have been nice to see an engine picture. I’m a Chevy guy, but always liked these. My Uncle bought one new with the 6, and I would sit in it for hours and pretend to drive. The price does seem a little optimistic, but really, what else can you buy turn key for less? Somebody will get a nice car.
Extremely good looking car, the price for a sixer is a bit much though even in that good of condition
$4500 car. 45,000 miles; I don’t think so.
I’ll take all of them I can get like this for 4500, low miles or no!!
I have a similar ’66 with only 35K miles. Inherited it from my Grandma in 1994. She bought it new off the lot from McFayden’s Ford in Omaha in June of 1966. I have had bodywork done, but otherwise it is original inside and mechanically.
Original interior.
Unrestored engine compartment.
Odometer. Pictures taken 12/10/16.
Steven that’s a beautiful car and a family treasure. It must bring you great joy and wonderful memories.
Thanks On and On, I could never part with it. I must admit that it isn’t much fun to drive. Over time I am having driveability issues addressed. I intend to make it smoother and more pleasant to drive; kind of like a covered wagon right now. I’m thinking a TBI fuel injection upgrade, brake, stering, and suspension mods, etc. The car is a low option car(289 2 bbl., auto., power steering, white wall tires, and wire wheel covers); doesn’t even have a radio(though the shop that did the body work drilled the brand new fender to put an antenna on!).
I know folks will say to keep it original as possible, but I want to make it a pleasure cruiser. I have a little roadster sports car(’92 Maxton Rollerskate) and plan to buy a ’71 GTO hardtop in the future(growing up my big brother had one), so I have no interest in making it into a sports car or muscle car or, God forbid, Shelby-ize it.
Nice survivor, most were driven or rusted to death by now.
An attractive car, but once I see an old Mustang for over 10K it competes with a used modern one. There is no comparison. But that is just my practical side talking because I’ve owned almost this exact car and they are cheap cars that were fine in the day, but not anymore.
Nice car, I can’t see $16,500, but if he’s willing to do some negotiating it will probably find a new home.
It’s not 1990, the comments above, about the car being worth $4,500 are a joke.
Steve R
Amen Steve, I agree with you on all points!
V6? Really? It’s always nice when you have an educated seller. Not! $16,500 is crazy money for a 6 cylinder. $4500 is not out of line for a 6. My neighbor sold his for $4800 two months ago and I passed on it.
Peeling clear coat????
Cracked leather????
Hmmm
Probably just an honest mistake.
I have a hot rod, Corvette, Chevelle and a couple of Porsche’s all with big performance and big power but I have always wanted the simplicity and low maintenance of an early six banger Mustang. I finally bought one last week. Probably paid too much according to some for a nice example but am looking forward to driving a “cute” car that will never be “cool” but will always be “fun”…I hope
Two different styles of hubcaps ? Check the pictures. That’s sort of odd. Mustang caps driver’s side, unknown type on the passenger side.
Could well be the original owner getting too close to the curb later in life
I’m betting the odd hubcaps are from a 1962 Corvair. You be the judge.
https://hubcapmike.com/1962-chevy-corvair-hubcaps/
Has to be 6-cylinder to be a survivor like this. Always hate it when they state it is a V6 when it is a straight 6. Not hard to figure out…makes me wonder who wrote the ad
The only sure thing in this situation is that the seller will regret parting with this car the rest of their life.
A couple of things bother me about the ad.
“Selling my baby. Literal barn find.” Unless his neighbor lived in a barn all her life, it is not a literal barn find. He didn’t even find the car, he grew up with it.
“*dash is cracked in a few places (it is 60 years old), and the leather seats are torn in a few spots.”
I had to think for a second. Since I was born in 1966, I had to think if I am 60 years old. I am not. Also Mustangs never had leather seats.
At the end of the day it is a 6 cylinder common car.
I don’t think people are going to pay him for his sentimental value.
It’s more than common to read ads, especially on Craigslist that call vinyl seat upholstery leather. Sellers often aren’t very knowledgeable, like this one. He might be flipping the car or could actually be some guy that bought a car from the “old lady” next door. Who knows, but I doubt he’s a true old car enthusiast.
Steve R
Seller is not a car expert, just someone who grew up with this car. I cut him some slack. I did send him a message suggesting he make some edits to the listing and also maybe come on here and comment. He seems well meaning, so maybe people should refrain from blasting him too hard?
I’m with you Miguel, my BS detector was clanging. Seems too good to be true, but you never know. Not even close to $16k for my money, but maybe someone with a connection to that model will pony up, pun intended.
1962-63 Corvair wheelcovers if these are 13″ wheels on the pass side which would be correct for a base car. Full size 63 Chevy wheelcovers if these are 14″ wheels. Not a V6 Shaun. A straight six, right out of the Falcon of the same year. Sid–no clearcoat on Mustangs from the factory in this period.
How did two hubcaps go missing on this “well cared for” machine? I would be hesitant to invest this kind of money without inspecting for previous damage. Even a car that was pampered can have gouges and wrinkles from being driven by not one but TWO elderly women.
I believe all ’66 Mustangs rode on 14″ wheels.
BTW any vehicle that is driven in public and ever left unattended(grocery store, etc.) can have that happen. It was the lady’s transportation, not a collectible. So if you ever leave your car someplace, even for a few minutes, then it is not well cared for? Oh please, just stop. My ’66 was well cared for, but Grandma used it as her car for going to the store, church, hairdresser, etc.
Barnfinds, can you add a thumbs down option please?
My daily driver is a red ’66 with the straight six and automatic. They are easy fun drivers that others enjoy seeing on the road. The six is surprisingly peppy because the car is so light.
Almost every part on the car is readily available as a repop in varying levels of quality and price.
I think this car should have the “E” molding in the recess in front of the rear wheel. It wasn’t on GT’s but this “secretary’s Mustang” included it.
The quarter trim was deleted on Sprint models. The Sprint package also included a chrome air cleaner, console, and the Tiffany stripe on the sides.
Hey All!
My name is Dominic and I’m the proud owner of this car and the one that posted the ad. Just wanted to pop in here and say I’ve read through the comments and appreciate the feedback.
I AM willing to negotiate on the price. I’ve gotten a lot of different feedback on the listing. The hubcaps are different on one set from the other because in the 70’s the owner caught someone trying to steal the hubcaps off the car. They got away with two of them, which is why two are different.
Although it is a 6, it’s a hell of a cruiser and I truly don’t want to part with it. If you guys have any interest or know someone who may please let me know. I greatly appreciate it!
Dominic, thanks for commenting! I love hearing directly from the sellers. This is a sweet example of a Mustang, and based on what other examples are selling for I don’t think you’re too far out of line with your asking price. If you must sell such a sentimental vehicle, make sure it finds the right home!
See my comment below and do some research on ‘Sprint 200’. I’m not saying this is a ‘rare’ car, but is indeed a little special only for ’66. I had an automatic and the console as well. Great car!
This is actually a Sprint 200 car. You can tell because they removed the side chrome piece (3 fingers). It should have a straight six with a chrome air cleaner and wire rims. I had one of these as my first car and there was little known at the time, but I wrote an article on these for the San Diego Mustang Club back in the 80s. They were running out of V8s with the popularity and the Shelbys, so they made a ‘special’ run of these. Mine was built in April ’66.
Thanks, Jon. I thought the car looked a little different with that stripe, and someone else had mentioned the lack of the side trim at the rear of the coves behind the doors.
These links gives some more detail: https://www.thoughtco.com/1966-ford-mustang-sprint-200-2464599
http://mustangattitude.com/cgi-bin/specialmustang.cgi?year=1966&model=&smod=Sprint&optn=&name=Mustang%20Sprint%20200%20Limited%20Edition
http://www.mustangandfords.com/featured-vehicles/mump-0506-mustang-standard-200ci-six-sprint-200/
http://66sprint200.blogspot.com/2011/01/whats-sprint-200.html
It’s a nice car but not 16 grand worth. You can find a decent fastback for not a lot more. Non enthusiasts like to think that these cars are great cruisers when in reality they are pretty poor cars. Six cylinders are slow and fuel inefficient. Manual steering is slow and unresponsive, handling is poor, braking will be an introduction to the pucker factor, ventilation is poor, ergonomics are awful. We won’t discuss safety. I’m not saying that that they can’t be improved or updated. Or that their limitations can’t be lived with. It’s just that if you’ve never daily driven an old car you will probably be disappointed with the experience. Before buying one I would suggest getting a little seat time in. For this money you could buy a nice 2015 model and have no regrets.
Great car, I like the six cylinder in these cars, it was enough engine to cruze around in. $16500 is very fair for this car.
I wouldn’t buy a car with “actual miles.” It’s “original miles” for me and not those fake “unoriginal miles.”
Those pesky unoriginal miles!