1966 Ford Mustang Hardtop

Description

Ford general manager Lee Iacocca chose “Mustang” over the planned name “Cougar” because “it had the excitement of wide-open spaces.” It was a great call; Ford’s small wild pony captured the imagination of the buying public like no automobile before or since. Unveiled on 17 April 1964 in Hardtop and Convertible versions (the Fastback 2+2 body arrived in August 1964), it was simply the greatest new car launch in history.   

While Mustangs could be had with either six-cylinder or V8 power, the “GT Equipment Package” offered a Hi-Performance 289 V8, grille-mounted fog lamps, special badging, rocker-panel stripes, dual exhaust tips, and disc brakes, among other upgrades.  

This 1966 Mustang Hardtop was originally equipped with a 200-cubic-inch six, but somewhere along the line it was decided to turn it into a GT Tribute car. Among the changes were an engine swap — to a 289 V8 that has been stroked to 347 cubic inches — as well as replacing the original three-speed manual transmission with a four-speed and making numerous cosmetic changes. Originally Springtime Yellow, it now wears rich burgundy paint, adding to its menacing look. 

Highlights 

• 1966 Mustang Coupe upgraded to GT specs 

• Finished in deep burgundy paint over red leather upholstery and black interior 

• Powered by a Hi-Performance 289 cu-in V8 stroked to 347 cu-in with:  

  • Victor Jr. aluminum heads  

  • Victor Jr. 302 intake  

  • Edelbrock aluminum finned valve covers  

  • Holley carburetor  

  • Long tube headers 

  • GT Tribute modifications include:  

  • Engine swap from original 200 cu-in six-cylinder  

  • Transmission swap from three- to four-speed manual with Hurst shifter  

  • GT fender badge  

  • Mustang lettering on fenders  

  • GT stripes on rocker panels  

  • Dual exhaust tips  

  • GT gas cap  

  • 14-inch GT wheels  

  • Wilwood front disc brakes 

  • Wilwood master cylinder 

• The chassis number (6F07T286422) decodes as: 

  • 5 – 1966 model year 

  • R – Dearborn, Michigan, final assembly plant 

  • 07 – Hardtop 

  • T – 200 cu-in six-cylinder engine (now V8) 

  • 286422xx11 – Sequential production number 

• Trim tag decodes as: 

  • Body: 65A – Hardtop with standard interior/bucket seats 

  • Trim: 24 – Black Crinkle vinyl + Black Rosette vinyl 

  • Build date: 16C – 16 March 1966 

  • DSO: 61 – Dallas district office 

  • Axle: 3 – 3.20 

  • Transmission: 3 – C4 automatic 

  • Paint: 8 Springtime Yellow  (now deep burgundy)

  Features 

• BFGoodrich Radial T/A P205/75R14 tires 

• Auto Gage tachometer  

• Retro AM pushbutton radio 

• Dash instrumentation: 120 mph speedometer and odometer, gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature, and warning lights for oil pressure and alternator 

Known Imperfections 

• Retro radio does not work  

• Dash has minor scratches and chipping 

Included 

• Spare tire (Hankook Optimo H724 P205/75R14)  

• Jack  

 Ownership History 

The consignor of this 1966 Ford Mustang Hardtop has owned it about eight months. 

Additional Notes   

There is a loan on this vehicle. Sale proceeds will be used to satisfy the loan and allow the seller to transfer the title to the winning bidder. Please contact the seller directly with any questions.

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty. 

Contact: Tim Rollinger   Phone: 912.596.2099   email: trollinger@hagerty.com