1966 Ford Mustang High Country Special Coupe 289

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Ford swiftly revolutionized the automobile industry with the introduction of the 1965 Mustang at the New York World’s Fair in April 1964, captivating a young generation of enthusiasts and generating the sale of more than 120,000 Mustangs by August. Body styles included a two-door Hardtop, Convertible, and (beginning in September ’65) Fastback 2+2, all of which were offered with a slew of optional engines.  

The most notable update on the second-year 1966 Ford Mustang was the introduction of a new grille design featuring a floating Mustang emblem, but other options were notable for their rarity. The 1966 Ford Mustang High Country Special (HCS), for example, was a limited-edition regional variant created exclusively for the Denver Sales District. Only 333 units were produced, including 274 coupes, 20 fastbacks, and 39 convertibles, all built at Ford’s San Jose, California, plant. These cars were mechanically identical to standard Mustangs but featured distinctive cosmetic touches. Most notably, they came in three exclusive colors: Aspen Gold, Columbine Blue, and Timberline Green — none of which were available on regular production Mustangs. Each car also bore a small “High Country Special” brass badge mounted on the front fenders above the Mustang script. 

The HCS could be ordered with any available Mustang engine or transmission. The original owner of this Columbine Blue version chose a 289 V8 with automatic/manual transmission. 

Highlights 

• 1966 Ford Mustang High Country Special (HCS), one of only 274 coupes (333 total) 

• Finished in Columbine Blue paint (originally Timberline Green) 

• Bucket seats with black vinyl upholstery 

• Powered by a 289 cu-in V8 with two-barrel carburetor rated at 200 hp and 282 lb-ft of torque 

• C4 Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic 

• Upgrades under current ownership include new thermostat, starter, and relay 

• High Country Special (HCS) option included: 

  • 6 – Choice of exclusive paint colors: Aspen Gold, Columbine Blue, and Timberline Green 

  • “High Country Special” brass badge on the front fenders above the Mustang script 

• The chassis number (6R07C232638) decodes as: 

  • 6 – 1966 model year 

  • R – San Jose, California, assembly plant 

  • 07 – 2-door hardtop with standard bucket seats 

  • C – 289 V8 2BBL 

  • 232638 – Sequential production number  

Features 

• Optional AM/FM radio 

• 140 mph speedometer 

• Optional 14-inch spoked wheel covers 

• BFGoodrich Revelation P205/70R14 white wall tires 

• Drum brakes 

• Coil spring front suspension, leaf spring rear  

• Original dealership badge from Phil Long Ford in Denver 

Known Imperfections 

• Missing paint, bubbled and cracked paint, light surface rust behind driver’s side back seat window 

• Paint cracks on driver’s side of rear window 

• Paint scuffs and chips on passenger side rear fender 

• Paint chips on passenger door 

• Spider crack ion hood above passenger headlight 

• Chips and scratches on interior side of doors 

• Carpets are slightly sun-bleached 

• Scratches and scuffs on sill plates 

• Light surface rust on exhaust and in trunk 

Included 

• Key 

Ownership History

The Virginia seller of this 1966 Ford Mustang Hardtop has owned it since June 2023. The seller says, “This car runs great; I frequently take it on road trips around Virginia in the warmer months. Always kept in the garage. Newer aftermarket A/C works great, as does newer radiator and alternator. The car is pretty, but it isn't a show car — it's a driver and a lot of fun. You'll get lots of compliments on the road!”