Classic Pony Cars - Chris Norris' 1966 Mustang Coupe

Chris Norris' 1966 Mustang Coupe

Click on any of the images on this page for a larger, higher resolution version.

This car was originally Chris' mother's. His father purchased it for her in late 1966 from a local auto mechanic in Columbus, GA. He was working at the Ford dealer at the time but took a lead mechanic job at the competing Chevrolet dealer but part of the deal was he had to sell his new Mustang. Chris still has the original window sticker which was found in the glove compartment when he started the restoration. Chris turned fifteen shortly after his parents purchased the car so this is the car he learned to drive. He drove it through high school and periodically while he was in college. His mother continued to drive the car until about 1980 and his Dad always complained the she tended to have a lead foot. His father finally persuaded her to let him buy her a more luxurious car and park the Mustang in the car port.

The car stayed there for several years and was not driven at all until Chris finally persuaded his parents to sell it to him in about 1985. He drove it for about three years until the engine started showing signs of serious problem, and since he could not afford to restore it at the time, he parked it in his garage.

Finally, in July of 1998 he began the restoration. Most of the work was done at "The Car Lot" in Champaign, IL except for the final body work and paint. They agreeded to take their time and do the job right. The car was taken down to the to the bare body (see the last picture) any rusted metal was removed and replaced and then the real work began. The engine was completely rebuilt including a long block because the serious engine problems turned out to be a cracked block. The metal parts of the interior were painted and all the upholstry was replaced including the trunk.

The only non-stock items now on the car are the radio cassette player and alarm system. He picked up the finished car on May 23 of this year almost two years after they started the project and he has been enjoying it very much ever since.