The super clean sheetmetal underneath is 100% factory with no reproduction parts or patches, so it fits together better than almost any other early Mustang we’ve ever had.
Beautiful recent paint and bodywork in authentic colors. Lifetime California car. Upgraded 302 cubic inch V8 with automatic transmission. Extremely clean, runs and drives very well, no issues. A clean, safe, ready to enjoy Mustang that will always look great!
Mustangs are always popular and the highest praise we can offer is that this car feels like it must have in 1966. Thanks to a lifetime in California, it’s extremely clean throughout and was recently refinished by a nice lady who simply wanted a car just like the one she had when she was younger. And since she literally lived in Pasadena, it was easy to find a clean V8 Mustang coupe as a starting point. From there it was stripped bare and repainted in code Y Silver Blue, which was the color of her original car (this one was code Z Sauterne Gold from the factory). The super clean sheetmetal underneath is 100% factory with no reproduction parts or patches, so it fits together better than almost any other early Mustang we’ve ever had. The doors close with a light touch instead of a heavy slam, the hood snaps down easily, and just check out how nicely that decklid fits—that’s not easy to do on a car that’s been cut. The white vinyl top is a nice contrast to the light blue paint, and it appears to have been there from new as it’s in great shape with no signs of distress underneath. And a lot of the chrome was refinished, including the bumpers, so it looks crisp and well-dressed. The only notable change is a Shelby-style grille up front, but it, too, wears the factory “running pony” emblem for a period-perfect look. This is not a flashy car, but the quality speaks volumes.
The standard black vinyl interior has been just as well restored, with reproduction seat covers, new carpets, correct door panels, and a taut headliner overhead. Mustangs are simple machines, so there’s not a lot going on inside, but the gauges are all bright and crisp (and fully functional), there’s a correct 3-spoke steering wheel that appears to be a new reproduction, and the original radio has been upgraded to a modern digital unit that fits right in like it was born there. We believe the 1989 miles showing are since the restoration was complete, so it’s still quite fresh, and it shows throughout. Even the trunk is correctly finished with a reproduction plaid mat and full-sized spare tire with matching cover.
We don’t know what happened to the original C-code 289, but that engine under the hood today is a later 302 cubic inch V8. Thanks to the fact that they’re both from the Windsor family, the 302 slots neatly into place and looks almost identical to the original 289, so without experts decoding serial numbers, nobody would ever know the difference. It’s been upgraded with a 4-barrel carburetor and electronic ignition, so it’s a bit more muscular than the original, yet it’s just as impeccably smooth and well-mannered. A few chrome dress-up items add some contrast and the engine has been finished in correct Ford Blue engine enamel for an OEM look. You’ll note that this car has power steering, so anybody can handle it, and the cooling system has been upgraded with an aftermarket radiator and mechanical fan with shroud. It starts easily, idles smoothly, and with a nice torque curve, feels energetic on the road and relaxed on the highway. Part of that is due to the C4 3-speed automatic transmission, which shifts cleanly and unobtrusively, but serves up a quick downshift when you prod the throttle aggressively. There are 2.80 gears out back, which is a big part of the car’s relaxed attitude, and as a California car, you’ll note the floors and torque boxes are excellent. A mellow-sounding dual exhaust system gives it a bit of a V8 burble, but it’s subtle in keeping with the car’s overall personality. Rolling stock consists of original 14-inch wheels with factory hubcaps and recent 205/75/14 whitewall radials all around.
This is an easy car to like. There’s far more than the asking price invested in the restoration, the upgrades are smart and subtle, and it drives so nicely that you’ll be tempted to use it every day. Best of all, when you’re driving a vintage Mustang, everyone is your friend, so get ready for a lot of happy honks and “thumbs-up” gestures on the road. Don’t miss this one and call today!
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
DISCLAIMER: While we do our best to present all vehicles as honestly and accurately as possible, Harwood Motors Ltd. cannot guarantee the veracity of the information contained herein. This site and all advertising information may be updated without notice whenever new information is obtained and may contain mistakes and inaccuracies. Information is provided to the best of our knowledge and that of the owners of the vehicles, and we make no warranty or representation regarding the accuracy, truth, suitability, or reliability of such information. We cannot be responsible for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies contained in information provided by third parties. Harwood Motors Ltd. is not an expert in the construction, metallurgy, engineering, finishes, materials, and componentry of every single vehicle ever made. Harwood Motors Ltd. strives to perform extensive visual inspections on all vehicles we represent but we do not disassemble vehicles or components for inspection purposes and therefore it is always possible that there is hidden damage that is not readily apparent. We cannot guarantee the fitness of any components beyond a visual inspection and normal operation of the vehicle. We do not perform internal examinations, so we cannot guarantee the condition of unseen internal components such as crankshafts, bearings, gears, and other mechanical equipment. This also applies to electronics such as radios, clocks, gauges, light fixtures, switches, or other electrical devices. Buyer should personally inspect the vehicle and satisfy himself as to its mechanical and cosmetic fitness. We always welcome inspections by Buyers and/or third parties who wish to undertake such examinations at their own expense. Harwood makes no warranty or representation regarding mileage unless otherwise stated. Listed prices do not include additional fees, state, federal, or local taxes, or shipping and delivery costs. Harwood Motors Ltd collects a $150.00 documentation fee on every vehicle purchase. Buyer is entirely responsible for satisfying himself that the car is as-represented prior to purchase and there are no warranties, expressed or implied, involved in the sale of any motor vehicle represented by Harwood Motors Ltd.
