1965 – 1966 Ford Mustang CoupeA legend, practically as easy to own and drive as a new car.
The first generation Ford Mustang, an iconic American collector car, was enormously successful, with more than 400,000 sold its first year. Not only did the Ford Mustang go on to become one of the most beloved nameplates, but it spawned an entire segment, the "pony car.” With a classic design, superb parts availability, ease of service, great club support, and a tremendous following, the Ford Mustang now makes a perfect first-time collector car.
In today’s terms, Mustangs look sportier than they feel, but in period, the Ford Falcon-based sports car was certainly among the most fun-to-drive American cars on the road. Mustangs had vast options lists, allowing for everything from a quasi-economy car with a 120-hp six-cylinder to a high-performance muscle car with a 271-hp, 289-ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, and front disc brakes. If you just want to cruise down to the local ice cream parlor on a Sunday afternoon, a six-cylinder Mustang may suffice, but the V8 is far more desirable, even with the three-speed automatic transmission.
The most valuable Mustangs are original factory-built GT models, but as most of the package was available as dealer-installed pieces, it takes original build records to confirm a “real” GT. Cars that have such documentation and convertible V8s sell for far more than coupes (and some fastbacks), even with V8s. When you shop, question the quality of amateur restorations.
Early Mustangs have great style, practically any gas station can service them, and the hands-down largest network of parts suppliers in the country supports them. Mustangs are easy to find, inexpensive to own and restore, and not likely to depreciate.
Classic Muscle Cars
