I drove a vintage Mustang and it didn't suck

Stopped by the AACA museum for National Mustang Day with my 2006. Ran into fellow GRMer Foxtrapper piloting his dad's 1966. He foolishly offered me a go in it. Not a show car but a nice daily driver quality 289/T-5 conversion coupe with a Shelby drop and some other simple suspension mods.

For decades I've listened to the 'experts' yammer on about how awful these old Mustangs drive. Well, I disagree. Though it is no 2006 I found the handling fairly decent. Steering wasn't nearly as sloppy as I'd expected and quick maneuvers were hampered only by the large stock steering wheel. The ride quality was actually better than my 2006; I didn't notice the live axle bouncing around over bumps nearly as much. The much lighter car was decently balanced and even the low-back seats weren't terrible. Only real gripe was the four wheel drum brakes which are easily dealt with.

Though I'm leaning towards getting a Falcon myself, it was positive affirmation that my vision for a 1960s Ford project is not without merit. Take away:  try for yourself. Don't listen to the keyboard warriors.

Cars are definitely better than they used to be, but IMO what many people remember about driving old cars is about driving worn out old cars. 50k miles used to be about it for lots of wear items like bushings and ball joints. With a fresh suspension they can often be very nice drivers.

I am not a classic car guy by any means but I do really like a lot of the old stuff.  Admittedly points and carbs scare me.  Like ddadidv says, those can be easily remedied.

In reply to paddygarcia :

Quite true - I'd say where we are really spoiled with modern cars is the durability of so many of the various components.  And engines that don't need refreshing at 100K miles or less.

New cars practically drive them self, some of them actually do.  Old cars you have to put the work in, some like the analog experience and some don't.  I think it's what makes motoring what it is today.  In 30 years from now who knows if that will continue as cars become more and more appliances

I had a 65 Fastback in the '70's.  Did the Shelby front springs to lower it, 289, 11:1, headers, Edlebrock, manifold.

So I bought a 2009 WRX.  Car was just as fast and handling was a step change above the Mustang.

My dad's comment was "This car is way better than your old Mustang, and a lot quieter".   He always thought the mustang was way too loud.

As noted, people tend to compare worn out old cars to new cars.

I do have to say, I was driving a (good condition) 66 Mustang on a curving freeway overpass and going over an expansion joint I thought the rear end was falling off.  To be fair, I was used to driving old cars with fully independent suspensions, and the stock Mustangs rear suspension is entirely attached by rather flexible leaf springs.

It is a little surprising how stiffly sprung most new cars are.  Of course, many roads where far worse in the 60's, so a soft suspension was much more appreciated / needed.

I'm going back to analog with my next project. I'm a lot like Uncle Tony.

Uncle Tony Visits The Future

I'm an automotive engineer who has experience in efi and more modern tech experience than most. 

Current project? Bugeye sprite. Only thing I really feel like it needs is an overdrive transmission.