Any advice on buying a '65/'66 Fastback?

scr11 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-17-2004, 07:33 PM

Gents - I'm thinking of throwing myself into the 65/66 Mustang Fastback scene. Because I may use this as a daily driver, I don't want a car that has matching numbers or an all original with low miles. Frankly, I'm thinking of going the "resto-mod" route anyway. You know, a nice 351w, upgraded suspension, power disk brakes, power steering, cold a/c, new seats with headrests, and upgraded wheels and tires.
So, because I'm just beginning this journey, I thought I ask here as some of you may have been this route before.
I've lots of questions, but for beginners, where else should I search for cars other than Ebay and TraderOnline.com?
Also, let me be clear, I'm not looking for a frame off "project" car. Ideally, if I could fine one with a few of the upgrades I mentioned, I'll finish the rest.
Any words of wisdom out there?

Thanks.
Scott, SPF#1230 / 393

southernfriedcj · #2 (**permalink**) 06-17-2004, 07:44 PM

Scott, I'm looking for a '65-'66 FB also. My advice is, if you see one you like you had better jump on it. From what I have seen thus far(been looking for about 3 months), the first man to see a good car buys it. It also seems that everyone thinks they have an 18k-25k car, when most of the ones I have seen are 10-K-12K cars. Mr Mustang(Bill S.) is a great source of knowledge on the Mustang. Good luck in your search.

Jim

kountzecobra · #3 (**permalink**) 06-17-2004, 07:56 PM

Scott make sure it has good floors, torque boxes, and cowl vents. These are the toughest spots to repair, but they can be if needed. Fastbacks are in pretty great demand since everyone wants to build a GT350 clone. 65-66 Fastbacks have always been one of my favs. I've owned three myself. I wouldn't rule out a nice coupe if the money was right.

scr11 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-17-2004, 08:00 PM

I've been the coupe route before. I had a '68 with a 351c. What a blast! Just prior to the '68 I had a '72 Mach 1. And, my brother had a '66 with a 302 or a 289.
We had fun with those, but I've always liked the fastbacks.

I was hoping I could put $15-$18k total into one and have a nice ride.

Scott

southernfriedcj · #5 (**permalink**) 06-17-2004, 08:41 PM

Scott, if you've got a few minutes to kill go to Ebay and look at item #2482180735. This car has got me Jonesin' in a bad way. It doesn't fit your(or my) cost parameters, but it looks like a heck of a car. Probably cost a fortune to duplicate. If it was local, I don't think I could resist.

Jim

kountzecobra · #6 (**permalink**) 06-17-2004, 09:03 PM

Watch monthly issues of Hemmings Motor News and Ford Trader also. You should get one on the road for that with a little time.

clayfoushee · #7 (**permalink**) 06-18-2004, 08:07 AM

I just sold this one on CC for $23K and had a fair amount of interest. It's in the thread below (Patriot Blue on pg.2--couldn't post the pic. here since it was already uploaded to CC).

www.clubcobra.com/forums/t50661-15&pagenumber=2

Cracker · #8 (**permalink**) 06-18-2004, 10:02 AM

SFJ - Your not kidding! Wow! Just looking over the detail in this car makes me want to have it - even though it runs a SB.

My only question is how high can a Clone go? I mean the real 350's are not much higher although not up to that standard but still that's alot for a copy cat. Just wondering.

clayfoushee · #9 (**permalink**) 06-18-2004, 10:21 AM

Tony,

A clone sold at B-J Scottsdale in Feb. for $240K, but it was "blessed" by CS. I think it was built by the company below, and they're starting at $99K.

www.uniqueperformance.com/GT350SR.aspx

Cracker · #10 (**permalink**) 06-18-2004, 01:40 PM

Clay - Yeah I'm aware of them but would choke on the asking price. I was thinking a little more in line with the individual clone built market without the CS blessings. REAL (I can't believe I said that - yuck!) GT350's are far less so it's surpising that Unique can or will garnish that kind of fee - time will tell and prove how either RICH or STUPID people are!

historicmustang · #11 (**permalink**) 06-18-2004, 01:52 PM

I own a '65 fastback and have had a ton of fun with it at the track and on the street. Of course I do not have a Cobra.

Floors, cowl, inside the doors, trunk area and area below the side vents need to be checked. Fastbacks are getting tough to find.

Go here: www.historicmustang.com and if you have any specific questions I will be more than glad to help.

Henry

southernfriedcj · #12 (**permalink**) 06-18-2004, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cracker

SFJ - Your not kidding! Wow! Just looking over the detail in this car makes me want to have it - even though it runs a SB. My only question is how high can a Clone go? I mean the real 350's are not much higher although not up to that standard but still that's alot for a copy cat. Just wondering.

Tony, from an investment perspective, it's an expensive clone. But when you start think that you're in low to mid range BMW price point(just using BMW as an example, and guessing that the reserve on the GT350R is 50k), kinda looks like a good buy. I'll say it again, if it was local, I don't think I could resist it. I wonder what it would cost to Build? 50-60k?

Jim

scr11 · #13 (**permalink**) 06-18-2004, 08:58 PM

Clay - nice car! I bet the new owner is happy with the purchase.

Jim - I checked the car on Ebay. That's more of a fastback than I'm wiiling to pay for! It may be worth it, but I'm too cheap!

Thanks for the help guys. I think over the coming months I'll find the right fastback somewhere around the country. I will travel for the right car.

I'll keep you all abreast of my search.

Thanks.
Scott, SPF#1230

scr11 · #14 (**permalink**) 06-18-2004, 09:14 PM

Henry - nice website. I read the budget buildup section with great interest. I may have some questions for you down the road.
Thanks again.

Scott, SPF#1230

clayfoushee · #15 (**permalink**) 06-18-2004, 10:26 PM

Scott....one parting thought, which you probably already know, you'll spend way more building one, than you will buying it already built, if you can find a good one.

Yes, the new owner of mine is very happy. I obviously had it priced fairly....maybe under current market, but I broke even (as the 1st purchaser from the restorer, after he finished it). There was much more $ in it than either of us paid.

mustangmendez · #16 (**permalink**) 06-18-2004, 10:45 PM

I am working on a 65 fastback and the customer ran out of $s I could ask .
T

scr11 · #17 (**permalink**) 06-19-2004, 03:42 PM

Mustangmendez - tell me more please. Color/engine/upgrades? And of course, is it for sale?

Clay - yeah, that's good advice. If I dive into this with too much dough upfront, and the car doesn't have what my ultimate goal is, it could/will get expensive. If I could find a nice one with most of what I'm looking for, I'm ready to dance.

Thanks.
Scott, SPF#1230

Ed Hubbard · #18 (**permalink**) 06-22-2004, 04:45 PM

Ok Tony, me too - details on the '65. Thx!

BMK · #19 (**permalink**) 06-25-2004, 02:27 AM

Hi all

Some interesting photos and info here.

I sold my '66 coupe to a world race bicycle champion called Cadel Evans about two years ago.

He is in Europe racing with his team.

I have been keeping a bit of an eye out for a good '66 FB and have seen one or two here for mid high 20's Australian dollars about $18 US.

Going on the figures I have seen here, it appears that they are reasonably priced over here. Now I am talking a stock '66 FB and not a clone or anything better.

The one I looked at was re built from the ground up using all repro parts. It had rust but photos indicated that it was cut out and repaired.

Good luck with your hunting there. Thanks I will take a second look next time one comes up here.

Cheers

Bernie