Vehicle Description
1966 Ford Mustang Convertible
The year was 1966 and 289ci V8 Mustangs were flying off the
dealers' lots. One car that was not selling that well was Ford's
6-cylinder Mustang. The 200ci powered inline-6 pony was in dire
need of a kick start, and Ford had just the plan. Enter the Sprint
200, a.k.a. the Springtime Sprint. This "limited-edition" 1966 Ford
Mustang, which was introduced as part of a springtime sales
promotion, consisted of an inline 6-cylinder Mustang equipped with
a chrome air cleaner, special Sprint 200 air-cleaner decal, and
painted side accent stripes. Ford's demographic for the Sprint 200
was women. As such, the marketing tagline, "Six and the Single
Girl", was used to promote 6-cylinder Mustangs, including the
special edition Sprint 200.
For consignment, a resprayed in the correct Candy Apple Red,
restored 1966 example of the 2nd year, Generation 1 Mustang
convertible. With a red and white interior and white top, this car,
with its original 6-cylinder and 1-barrel setup is very nicely
preserved.
Exterior
All the steel was smoothed and carefully sanded then given a coat
of Candy Apple Red. The paint is overall good showing a few chips,
scratches and inclusions, and the power white convertible top is
unmarred and in an overall clean and functioning condition. Plenty
of chrome is attached at the bumpers, rocker trim, doors and
mirrors, and around lighting and windows. All the styling cues that
have become iconic and associated with the Mustang are present
including the side cove, triple taillights, and corralled horse in
the grille. Badging is correct, and the exterior is looking sharp!
Don't forget the polished aluminum slots wrapped in blackwalls.
Interior
Save for the two-color rear bench seat, the interior is looking
much like the original with vinyl seats nice and clean and showing
little wear. The dash is clean and full metal jacket. The original
steering wheel is fronting it, and the chrome on it is slightly
corroded and not perfect. The door panels are as clean as the
seating, and the automatic gear selector rises from its chrome
bezel in the center of the red carpeted hump. Black rubber floor
galloping pony mats cover a clean red carpet.
Drivetrain
An original and slightly patina covered 200ci inline 6-cylinder
engine sits in the bay. Ford blue covers the block and valve cover
while a darker blue has been applied to the air cleaner housing.
Under the air cleaner is a 1bbl carburetor feeding the mill a
finely tuned mix of air and fossils. Attached to the back of the
engine is a C4 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission and to
finish our tour a Ford 7.25 inch rear axle with 2.83 gears and
TracLoc is noted.
Undercarriage
Appearing mostly original, with patina and surface rust, the frame
is solid. Worth mentioning are the repairs to the floors and
rockers which have been done with thin gauge galvanized sheet
metal. This same sheet metal appears on various spots on the
rockers, and we also see the passenger's inner trunk drop off has
severe invasive rust and will need repaired. Independent front coil
spring suspension with power steering provides the front ride and
leaf springs provide the rear. Drum brakes are seen on all 4
corners and a single piped exhaust system handles removal of spent
fossils.
Drive-Ability
This car started easily and ran well. It handled our test track
like a champ, and we found no issues with it mechanically or
cosmetically other than an occasional tire rub while turning,
however our consignor states that the factory wheels, tires and
hubcaps are included. There's something to be said about piloting a
drop top pony car that can't be put into words, but it sure does
convey via smiles.
Advertisements became popular reminders of the Mustang's youthful
spirit, such as one featuring two mature adults sitting in a new
Mustang with the words, "Youth is a wonderful thing. What a crime
to waste it on children." Now is your chance to pick up a classic
that can put wind in your hair, and a smile on your face...and look
ma...no kids!
VIN DECODE
6T08T274311
6-1966
T-Metuchen, NJ Assy Plant
08-Convertible
T-200ci I6 1bbl
274311-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 76A-Convertible Standard Interior
COLOR T-Candy Apple Red
TRIM 25-Red Standard Vinyl Buckets
DATE 01G-July 1st
DSO 15-Newark
AXLE B-7 1/4" 2.83 TracLoc
TRANS 6-C4 Automatic
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
