Wife wants a 64-66 'Stang...

[cal_gecko]

My wife has wanted a classic Mustang for years.. and I promised I'd get her one for her 40th birthday,.. which is still 2 years away, but I want to start gathering info/data now so I can keep an active eye out for the 'right' car for her.. I'm currently working on restifying my own project car ('71 Dodge Dart), so I also need to complete that within the next 2 years before getting her a Mustang.

So, I don't know much about classic Mustangs (personally, I prefer the '69 bodystyle, but this car is for her ) .. so I don't know what options/engines/transmissions/rearends were available in what years, don't know the weak points, etc .. looking for some guidance.

here's what I know..

She prefers the early body styles, 1964.5 through 1966 (was '67 different?)
She doesn't want high performance
She wants an automatic
She would really like A/C (was this an option back then?)

So, I know I'm looking for one with a straight six, automatic... now, is A/C even realistic? can it be found?

Any problems with these engines or the drivetrain that's associated with them? should I look for a V8 even though she prefers not to have one? I figured I could keep the cost down by finding a 6 cylinder...

Did they have front disc brakes back then?

Thanks for the help..

Also, any other places to keep an eye out besides Craigslist and ebay?

 

[suki243]

She prefers the early body styles, 1964.5 through 1966 (was '67 different?)

Yes 67 is a different body style

She would really like A/C (was this an option back then?)

Yes it was, not sure if it was available on the 6 bangers tho

Also, any other places to keep an eye out besides Craigslist and ebay?

cars.com? i've found some decently priced ones there a few times

are u looking for a coupe or a fastback? fastbacks are more expensive.

 

[65fastbackresto]

AC was available on 6 bangers

Mine has it, its T code.

 

[cal_gecko]

thanks guys.. I know the fastbacks are more $$ .. and while I know she would LOVE one of those, I (and she) understand that a coupe is a more affordable (and easier to find) way to go, and she's cool with that too.. I hadn't considered Cars.com.. I'll have to check it out

 

[runawayabc123]

Disc brakes on the front are highly unlikely from the factory (ie HiPerf GT/V8)... but you can add those and I would recommend it too. Or find one someone else added it too.

 

[fun_1965_pony]

Mine is a straight 6 convertible and it came with AC, go figure!

 

[SadbutTrue]

I would look at 289-powered cars. This doesn't really violate her wish that she doesnt have a 'high performance' engine... they aren't particularly powerful (stock) compared to todays cars (a new v6 accord will beat, fairly easily, just about any stock 65-66 mustang in just about every performance category).

The 289 has enough power that it won't have any trouble passing, merging, etc... 6 bangers (do they even push triple digit horsepower) can sort of have issues with that. The 6 bangers are reknowned for their reliability, for what thats worth, but both will get very similar mileage. I would go for a 289 car if you were looking at 65-66s. Cheap 289 and 6 cylinder cars aren't going to differ much in initial price, but after restorations the 289 car will be worth considerably more. Plus, they just sound (and look, heh) better

 

[Platonic Solid]

Collectorcartrader.com​

 

[suki243]

i've seen some good deals on the classifieds section of stangnet too

I'd go with the V8