... how long is a piece of string?

Body style in "general" preference; fastbacks, convertibles, coupes

Engine "best" probably ; R, Q, K, S, J/A, M, X, D/F, C, T

Year, personal preference. Some like 65-66, some 67-68, I'd rate 65-66 fastbacks over 67-68's and 67-78 coupes/convertibles over the 65-66's. To each their own.

"Specialty" cars, e.g Shelby/Boss 302/351/429 are a different $ubject.

Options, too many too list.

Probably best to decide if you want a "buy-and-drive" or a project and define your budget. Availablity at your price range will show you what is realistic in your price range (unless money is not object). In general the more popular (e.g. "best"/rare) the more expensive...

 

65-66 fb

 

All depends on how much you want to spend...

For a convertible it would be hard to beat a '67-68 390 ("S" code). I like the '67 side scoops better than '68, but the latter DOES have a collapsible steering column.

 

Whatever has the least rust issues.

 

Smartest poster on the forum right there.

 

The best is the car that stirs your passions the most.

A white 69 Mach1 with red interior and 4 speed does it for me. A silver blue 66 GT convertible with 4 speed and blue/white pony interior is a close second

 

what would you consider the best year for classic Mustangs.

Nothing says mustang like the 65-66.

But the 68 had a safer steering column and side marker lights. Wider stance and larger engine compartment. Also a wider choices of engines. After 68, the mustang didn't look so much like the original 65-66 that put mustang on the map.

I dare say the mustang II looked more like the original classic mustang than the 69-73s

John

 

In my book, 65-66 Fastbacks. kip

 

65-66 fb +1. 65-66 convertibles

You can't beat a 65 coupe in terms of value for the money. They're just plain cheap and parts are too. If you can get past having one of the more desirable body styles, buy and love a 65 or 66 coupe.

 

This is the usual expected statement from a non coupe owner. No offense meant Sixteenpushrods (I see you've got a coupe) The word "desirable" is 100% subjective. If you were to desire an 83 Yugo, then so be it. I would imagine that would be harder to find and dare I say rarer than a 65 fb or vert.

The basic differences (in probably all makes) is that technology advances are applied over time, meaning the "newer" the classic, the more safety features and creature comforts you'll find available.

I'm biased towards the 65 coupe, but I favor all the 60's models. 1969 was a great year in muscle car history. My next car would be a 69 sports roof.. I like the look.

 

As far as which body style, think of how big you want your car. They got progressively larger until 74. A good medium-sized choice would be the 67/68. Coupes are cheaper and more plentiful, and the Fastbacks and verts are more expensive a little harder to find. As far as options, it depends on how often you will drive it. If it is going to be a daily driver or even drive it somewhat often, make sure it has PS and PDB--and maybe A/C depending on where you live. Although I have a 67 and a 73, I am also the proud owner of a 78 Fastback w/ T-tops and tons of options. It is a very smooth driving car and I get tons of comments. Most 1st generation enthusiasts view the MIIs as the pariahs of the Mustang heritage. It is all a matter of personal choice and preferance. Check out some Mustangs sites like mustangattitude.com and browse all the years/styles to see what interests you! Also sites like 1964-1973 Mustang Colors to see the original color choices.

 

After all is said and done here all that really matters is what YOU want. It's your money. Spend wisely and have fun!

Jay

 

1965-1966 fastback by far. I'm a bit partial though. Second choice would be the 1969-1970 Fastback.

 

wow, what a question !! I like them all for different reasons, it was all a matter of evolution of design, style, and purpose. The 65/66 were not great for comfort and the interior seemed small for some people. The engines got bigger and therfore the body style. I think the '69 machs and Grande's had the best interior especially the dash. I've owned each style up to the '71. I might consider the 71-73 to have a nice interior too with the right options. But the best advice you've got was to go for one with minimal rust issues, the rest you can handle easier than working the sheet metal. best wishes in your search and don't rush, it's a fun journey. Try for a low mileage original if you can.
What part of the country are you located?

 

1969-1970 Shelby/Boss 302,429/ mach1 for timeless , gutty, raising the hair on your kneck appeal.
65-66 Shelby gt350, gt, fastback for sexy lines and road gripping fun
67-68 Shelby GT 500 8v,500KR,350, GT 390, 428cj, 289 4v,302 4v agressive looks and performance, good handling
71-73 Boss 351, mach1's or others with 429 cj/scj, 351 cj Qcode,351 R code hi tech mustangs, great riding, fast, some still affordable
Convertibles in any form are a blast, just check for structual rusting or repairs.
coupes are the main stay and can easily be modified to fit any style restomod , pro street, restoration you prefer. Keep original coupes stock if 390, 428,429 equiped or it is an Sprint,california special,or high country special editions.
I know most are expensive but the value will always be there, only getting more costly to build. bodystyle wise replacement parts are the same price to finish . the resale value of the performance models are usually much higher though.

 

One major change was made in the original Mustang. 65/66 was designed to be powered by the I6 or the small block V8.

They anticipated correctly that when the others (Chev, Pontiac, Plymouth, Dodge and AMC) came out with their Pony cars they would one up the Mustang and allow for optional big block engine.

Therefore the 67/68 (and up to 73) Mustang along with the first (67/68) Cougar allowed big block Ford engine options.

Just pointing this out. It's more than just styling the step increase in width in 67 was to be competitive. I'm a small block fan myself. IMO If Ford hadn't widened the Mustang in 67 the competition would have clobbered them!

For styling...you have to decide. Believe it or not some people actually liked the looks of the 58 Buick and Olds, my dad had a 58 Olds Super 88...great car IMO but UGLY!! WOW!


Slim

 

I like pretty much all 65-73. Just start looking you'll find the year and body style that does it for you. I've owned them all except 67 and 69. Guess I need one of each of these.

 

I've always been partial to '68s, just because I like the larger body styles, and their ability to fit big blocks. Granted, I can appreciate and respect any 60s Mustang.

 

I like the 65/66 fastbacks the best. I was looking to buy one when I found my 65 GT coupe. I went with the Coupe because it was rust free and had never been hit, Not even a dent. And it was a 1 owner car with all documentation from the day it was bought. It is making the restoration so much easier. I would look for the most solid car you can find.

 

Thanks everyone for the feedback, I've clearly got a lot of options here and you all really helped out.

I guess to answer some of the questions that were asked, I live in NYC so I don't have much room for a project car as much as I would love to have one. I also don't have the knowledge or resources to do have a project car so I guess I'm looking for a ready to drive. However, I don't know where I'll be in a couple of years so I could potentially get one down the road. I'm in school currently so this was more of a hypothetical "gee I wish I could buy one" than me getting one right now so I just have to see where I am and what my budget is when I decide to get one.

Thanks again for all the feedback.

 

Maybe the best thing would be to pick up a pictorial book about Mustangs and see which style excites you. A decent book will also list options. Me? I actually liked the '64 Fairlane 500 the best, but Ford didn't make a convertible. I found a parted out '65 Mustang convertible, bought it, reassembled it exactly how desired and sold my Fairlane. After 21 years of trying this and that, it has been my all-time favorite car, with my Sunbeam Tiger (high school car, with removable hardtop) a close second.

 

I like ALL year Mustangs, but I prefer the 65-73 classics. Had a 70 Coupe (first car) a 69 Coupe, 68 j code GT Coupe, 65 Fastback, & another 69 Coupe. Almost bought a 73 Coupe and a 71 Mach-1. Someone said it best "buy the one with the least rust" of the body style you like. My younger brother had a 78 Mustang II, 83 Mustang, & a 86 Mustang, so I have had an oppertunity to drive & enjoy many Mustangs. I happen to like the look of the 69's with the 4 headlights. I think it looks mean comming at you. Enjoy your hunt for "your" special Mustang.

 

Biggest sellers right now (dollar wise) are 67 & 68 fastbacks.
We restore them to sell so we track prices all the time. I know there are exceptions when you get into GT, Mach, etc. But for average price overall, the 67 & 68 fastbacks are hot right now.

 

The answer is YES. Whatever revs your engine.

 

If you are just going to have one then get a convertible. Nothing else like it. I agree with your decision to buy a car that is ready to go.

 

You need to find out what it is that you want from a classic car. Do you want a project to work on and restore, or do you want a car that is already restored and ready to drive? Do you want a performance engine or will a stock V8 or I6 be fine?

You cannot beat a 1965-66 Mustang for classic looks.

 

Hi I love the '68 fastback ... my favorite by far

You have the iconic look of a 65 and 66 fastback with integrated a/c, cooler gauges, with a upper console + the lower console with awesome terminations.
I own a 302 fastback deluxe interior and a 68 289 convertible. I am in love...
I was so in love that I bought a 2007 CS convertible....