Rust-Free Barn Find: 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible
I know from previous feedback that we have readers who fear that the supply of genuinely desirable barn finds will eventually trickle to a halt, and that is a fair assumption to make. However, if this 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible is an accurate guide, there could be some hidden treasures lurking in dark corners, waiting to be liberated and returned to active service. The originality of this classic is admirable, and it appears the first owner selected some desirable factory options that potential buyers will welcome. The biggest question facing the new owner will be whether to preserve or restore this survivor. Why not take a look to determine what you would do?
The history of this Mustang is unclear, so we are flying blind regarding when and why it was parked. The seller emphasizes its originality, but I’m not totally convinced when it comes to the paint shade. He describes it as “Turquoise,” and it bears an uncanny resemblance to Twilight Turquoise. However, the sticking point is that Ford removed that shade from the Mustang color palette at the end of the 1965 model year. The company didn’t offer an equivalent color when this car rolled off the line, making it mysterious. It is possible that it could be an early ’66 example, which could explain how a previous year’s color graces its flanks. The original owner may have placed a Special Order for the color, and only the Trim Tag will reveal the truth. The panels are straight, and the seller confirms that every inch of this classic’s steel is original. That is impressive, but more so when we learn that this Mustang is also rust-free. If the new owner plans on restoring this hidden treasure, they won’t need to break out the grinder or welder. The power top is original, and since the back window is relatively clear and there are no signs of rips or other problems, it should be serviceable following an intense clean. Some trim pieces exhibit minor imperfections, but the glass looks pretty good.
The first owner equipped this Convertible with a C-Code 289ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, and power steering. The C-Code produced 200hp and 282 ft/lbs of torque in its prime, and while outright performance would have been modest by modern standards, buyers in 1966 found the ¼-mile ET of 16.9 seconds very acceptable. The lack of information supplied by the seller continues when we delve below the surface. He confirms that he will include a new fuel tank for the buyer to install. Otherwise, we don’t know whether this classic is numbers-matching, or if it runs and drives. The seller seems approachable, and it appears he is willing to answer questions and negotiate in-person inspections. I find that approach encouraging because it suggests he has nothing to hide from potential buyers. It also means that the buyer will make an informed decision before handing over their cash.
Apart from the power top, the first owner chose some quite desirable options when ordering this Convertible. They selected a Black “Pony” interior trim combination, a timber wheel, and an AM radio. These items are all intact, and I can’t spot any aftermarket additions. The photo quality isn’t the best, but it appears that treating everything to a deep clean could leave the interior comfortably presentable for a driver-grade classic. The vinyl is in good order, and there are no visible issues with the dash or pad. The only item with a question mark hanging over it is the carpet, but even if it requires replacement, a new set will only lighten the owner’s wallet by around $250.
The seller listed this 1966 Mustang Convertible here on Facebook Marketplace in Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania. Their price of $23,500 might seem high for a classic that doesn’t appear to run or drive, but some factors could justify that figure. The first is that the new owner won’t face thousands of dollars worth of rust repairs, because this gem is rock-solid. It retains its original steel and is a genuinely unmolested survivor. That should allow for a straightforward restoration, although preserving its survivor status is an equally appropriate path to follow. I am struggling to decide what I’d do if this Mustang landed in my workshop. Are you experiencing similar difficulties, or is your vision so clear that you will pursue this classic further?
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Comments
Tahoe Turquoise was an available paint option in 1966.
If it’s as nice as the seller says and he’s willing to negotiate, it’s probably within striking distance of a deal. It’s not inexpensive, but you have the choice to spend the money to “restore” a cheaper basket case or start with something that doesn’t need costly body and interior work let alone the parts bill, especially if you want to track down the options present on this car. Then account account for time.
The $500 drivable Mustang convertible is nearly 50 years in the past. There are plenty of value driven projects, they are just from the 1990’s and 2000’s.
Steve R
Say you inherited a pristine 66 Mustang fastback from your Aunt Matilda. You wouldn’t sell it for as much as you could get?
Not enough photos to make any decision here. it looks fairly solid, but need to see the floorpans where the trouble usually occurs. The price is a little optimistic at $23K. That would be for a #2 vehicle and this looks like a #3 maybe. I see another $10K in paint/trim/brakes/tires/ suspension etc. which tells me that $12K is more accurate. I don’t like seeing cars in the shop that look like projects also, makes me think this seller is a flip dealer. Today’s m arket is down approx 30% in the last 28 months and very soft, so careful what you spend.
That’s interesting Bernie H. I keep hearing about the market being down, where are you seeing/getting this data?
& good luck findin a body shop today that wants to work on an old car needing more than this car – you might wait 1 or even 2 years for a restoration shop to finish your car. & pay a fortune.
Good for you.
Cars like this have been highly sought after for 50+ years, it is delusional to think prices wouldn’t go up as supply has gone down. That’s not rocket science. In the early-80’s me and my friends were priced out of the cars we really wanted, rather than blame outside forces we sat down and figured out what we could afford then searched for the best cars that fit our budget. That gave us a better appreciation of how the market worked and what it had to offer. None of us have ever had trouble finding something we liked, one of the main reasons is we would share leads on cars we came across with others, who would often reciprocate. I had some friends like you that had defeatist attitudes, which pared well with their unwillingness to put in any effort to find the cars they “desperately wanted”, eventually they drifted away because no one wanted to listen to their constant complaints.
A large percentage of cars on this site are being flipped, many of the sellers have had multiple cars featured. There is no reason anyone can’t find something if they are willing to out in the effort.
Steve R
My bride…who is called “She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed”…says every time I decide to look for a car, I find one!
Damn. I was 65 miles away from it yesterday, on my GS, which would have made short work of it. This would have been worth seeing in person. And if it’s truly solid metal with no rust, I’d say the price is reasonable, as you’d be most of the way done when you pushed it off the trailer.
No a/c = no deal.
That’s a severe limiter if you really want a classic Mustang. Most Mustangs didn’t have A/C in ’66. They are easy to add and not expensive.
I looked long and hard for a 65 w/Factory Air. Found one, and then replaced every component except the under dash case. Woulda been cheaper to just buy a new system, but looking stock with the hood closed was important.
“First-generation Mustangs-not to mention early Falcons, Fairlanes, and Comets-were never factory-fitted with in-dash air conditioning. At best, they had underdash units that did a marginal job of keeping things [such as your knees] cool.” If you ordered it new, i believe it came in a box in the trunk & the dealer installed it.
& no more than 15%!! of early mustangs(& 1st gen GM F bodies) got a/c!
Those are R12 refrIgerant systems & R12 is VERY VERY expensive to come by now – i remember back in the day when they were 69c a can!
Much better off to install a modern lighter in wt, more compact, less power robbing R134A a/c system made just for the ’66 mustang using R134A
refigerant.
BTW, you could not get power windows in a Mustang until ’71!
Can i assume you were expecting those as well in a ’66?)
No sir, you are wrong. They came with A/C from the factory. Give aways were power steering pump with different filler neck to clear the compressor, Ford logo on the dash unit, and a VIN tag on the passenger side fender under the hood that says “A/C”.
My 66′ has been converted to 134.
Henry Davis, i guess you can’t believe everything you read on the internet, but i have yet to see a pic of a ’66 stang with a/c integrated into the dash.
All the pics i see show big awkward centrally located underdash units.
I also read that if the car had a console it had to be cut by the dealer to install this ungainly thing from the factory!
Who wants crappy factory hand on A/C when I can install a modern de-humidified system from an aftermarket supplier that will NOT hurt the value of the car?
There’s more than one way to slice a ham. Personally I like the idea of prices being high on classic cars. It weeds out the tire kickers and those who can’t keep up the maintenance on them. When someone is able to pay a premium price for a nice classic it usually means they’re also able and willing to maintain it to high standards. I’ve got my 64 Buick Riviera insured for $35,000.00 so if anything bad should ever happen to it I’ll be in position to buy another great classic. I love the car and want to keep it for the rest of my life and then pass it on to my grandson. Moral of the story but what you can afford to maintain.
God Bless America
What is a “timber wheel?” Have owned numerous Mustangs of the 1965, 1966 years and have never heard of this designation for a steering wheel!!!
Woodgrain steering wheel.
My fully restored 66 ‘ coupe with air was the same price as this one.
NPD sells air cond. units for this car.
you can thank all the hot rod TV shows for cranking up prices on older cars, even stripped out shells in junk yards are priced insanely.
Of course you can’t be certain what the actual condition of a vehicle is unless you can see it in person. This Mustang appears to be in reasonably decent shape. I would expect that it is not running presently as the seller is included a new fuel tank for buyer’s installation. I believe that the seller is asking for more than they expect to receive and could possibly be open to reasonable offers. Once again, you never know for sure until you try. I get a daily email from Hemmings and one takeaway for me is that what sellers want and what they actually sell for isn’t the same. It’s the way the game is played. Sellers naturally give themselves room to negotiate. Over time I’ve been involved in maybe thirty car sales or purchases. Not one time was it completed without negotiation. In my experience the most important thing is how much the seller wants to sell. I always like to see “motivated seller” in the advertisement. I keep maintaining that there are still reasonably good deals out there and often some really good bargains. Like Steve R said; you have to do the work. If I bought this car I would get it roadworthy, clean it up and enjoy. GLWTS.
I’m just sad it doesn’t have the 3 speed manual.
One of the main reasons for buying my two classic Austin Healeys, was to first have fun driving them, and then to later sell them for a profit. As was mentioned, good conditioned barn finds are getting harder to find, hence the increased values. GLWTA!
Say you inherited a pristine 66 Mustang fastback from your Aunt Matilda. You wouldn’t sell it for as much as you could get?
It’s certainly not Tahoe Turquoise, so I wonder what the factory color is. Color code photos would help. Nice ride though. Price isn’t horrible if it’s as described.
Joe, you’re right they never had A/C integrated into the dash. The factory unit was what we’d call today, at least, “after market appearing”. There was a dealer installed unit that looked like the factory system, except the underdash unit didn’t have the Ford crest logo. Depending on what options you ordered, the factory installed unit got you the power steering pump I mentioned before, if you ordered a console it was a special one that left room for the under dash unit…console without A/C came up all the way to the bottom of the dash. I can send you pictures if you like.
Talking about rare options, I bought an entire car to get the factory optional 8 track player that installed IN PLACE of the factory radio…you couldn’t have both! Luckily…pack rat that I am…I’ve got an 8 track recorder, so I can make my own tapes. Can still buy blank ones on eBay.
Henry,as a owner of a 66′ Mustang and member of the Vintage Mustang Forum you are correct about the air cond.
Yeah Red, I bought a pretty nice 65 a couple of years ago, and have been throwing money at it ever since! Bad case of “Fix the big things and the little things get bigger” plus “While I’m here I might as well….” Kinda stuck in the middle ground…Not nice enough to show, but too nice to drive often.
And when exactly was that? These were $3000 cars back in the 1980s. That was 4 decades ago.
Seller crows about the rust-free condition of the floorboards yet no pictures.
Great salesmanship!
looks like ivy green met.paint