If there’s one vehicle that almost everyone can agree is a fun hobby car, it’s the early Ford Mustang. Easily tailored to anything a buyer would want, from efficient commuter to big horsepower track weapon, the early pony cars were inexpensive fun that delivered in big ways. And that remains true today, with vintage Mustangs being one of the easiest ways to get into the old car hobby for not a lot of money and with a massive support network out there to back you up. If you’re new to the hobby and unsure of where to start, we might suggest something like this pretty little 1966 Mustang convertible, which has its original C-code 289 cubic inch V8, and automatic transmission, and a top that goes down. And if you’re a veteran, you already know that a Mustang that hasn’t been abused or neglected is a relatively rare find, making this car doubly appealing.

The color is Gulfstream Aqua, a Mustang color from a couple of years after this car was built, but nobody’s going to argue with the results. The car has had just two owners from new, with the original owner starting a restoration in 2006 or thereabouts, but sadly he passed away before it could be finished. The second owner acquired the car in primer and disassembled, so he finished the restoration and the results are rather good for a car in this price range. The sheetmetal is in good order with great panel fit except for the trunk, which is often a tough piece on early Mustangs. The finish shines up well and it’s important to note that it’s even more attractive in person—this particular shade of turquoise is impossible to photograph in our studio (it looks bright blue to the camera) so we’ve had to adjust the color a bit to get a better representation of the final color. In person, it’s a bit more vivid and a bit darker, and it’s extremely attractive. Both doors open and close easily, the hood fits well, and all the chrome and stainless trim is brand new, so it really sparkles. There have been no modifications or alterations to the original spec, so it carries a factory-style grille, correct ‘289’ emblems on the front fenders, and the optional “gill” inserts in the quarter panels. This is a really nice-looking little car!

The standard black interior is factory spec and how this car was originally ordered. It, too, was fully restored with fresh seat covers, new door panels, and correct carpets throughout, so it looks excellent. A center console is a nice find and really dresses up the interior, but that appears to be the lone optional extra this car received. All 1966 Mustangs received the 1965 GT 5-hole instrument cluster and all the gauges are new and fully operational, including the often troublesome ammeter. The standard black plastic steering wheel wears a leather wrap, which we left in place but we have no reason to believe it hides a deteriorated wheel—it was installed purely for comfort reasons. The original AM radio is in the dash and it works correctly and even the wipers do a good job (we sadly had to drive it in the rain during Hershey in October). There are new weather seals throughout, so it seals up well, even though it’s wearing what we believe to be the original black vinyl convertible top which is in OK condition. It doesn’t leak, but there are some frayed edges and it appears that the rear window has been recently replaced. Fortunately, if you’re using your Mustang correctly, you’ll never need to use it! It also has a matching black boot and a correctly detailed trunk with plaid mat and full-sized spare tire with matching cover.

It's powered by what we believe to be its original 289 cubic inch V8. Mustangs were never “matching numbers” in the traditional sense, but the date codes are correct and it is a correct C-code engine with a 2-barrel carburetor. Fully rebuilt and living in a nicely detailed engine compartment, it runs superbly. Turn the key and it springs to life so quickly and smoothly that you almost don’t realize that it’s running, and even when it’s cold, it’s not fussy. The 2-barrel C-code engine was rated at 200 horsepower, which is enough to make this little Mustang feel energetic and it easily cuts through modern traffic without issues. The engine wears correct Ford Blue on the block, a factory air cleaner with reproduction decals, and a new wiring harness to ensure reliability. Other correct details include a yellow-cap ignition coil, Ford script hoses, tower hose clamps, and reproduction FoMoCo solvent bag for the washer system. They even invested in an expensive reproduction Autolite battery! As a result, you’ll look forward to opening the hood and showing off the correctly detailed engine bay, and it’s even more impressive with the engine running, because aside from a bit of belt noise and fan woosh, it’s nearly silent. We’re also pleased to see that the original inner fenders are intact and it carries the factory body buck tag bolted on the passenger’s side, strongly suggesting that the car has never been wrecked because body shops always remove the tag and throw it away. There’s a new radiator up front, fresh fluids inside, and, well, it just runs and drives beautifully. You’re going to love it!

Underneath, it’s not restored but mostly original. The C4 3-speed automatic transmission was rebuilt and shifts well, and you need to remember that there are two Drive positions, one standard and one with the green dot on the indicator. Regular drive starts in 2nd gear, so it’ll feel a little sluggish, but select the green dot position, and it starts in first and feels like you just discovered an extra 75 horsepower. Either way, it shifts easily and unobtrusively and with 3.00 gears in the 8-inch rear end, it’s a great highway cruiser, too. There’s a fresh single exhaust system with just the right sound from the transverse muffler. The front suspension was rebuilt, the brakes are recent, and, well, there’s nothing left to do on this car but enjoy, because it rides and handles extremely well with no squeaks and rattles. And even without power steering, control efforts are light, so you shouldn’t consider that a demerit. It’s fitted with new 14-inch styled steel wheels and recent 195/70/14 BFGoodrich T/A radials.

You’re going to love this car. It’s cosmetically quite nice and mechanically excellent with no needs, so you can get in, turn the key, and head off to an adventure in your new old Mustang. Everyone is your friend when you drive a Mustang convertible and unlike many cars, there’s a real joy in how this car goes about its business—it seems to love its job. It is not a show car, of course, but if you want a decent car to enjoy, one that still works as a real car, this pretty little pony is tough to beat. Call now!