The Deuce’s 1966 Mustang GT convertible has a historic French connection
Considering that the Mustang is one of Ford’s most iconic models and burst onto the scene during Henry Ford II’s reign as head of the company, it’s a very big deal when the Deuce’s personal pony car heads to public auction.
Ford II’s black-over-tan 1966 Mustang GT K-Code convertible—adorned with his personal HFII logo on the steering wheel horn ring, seat belt buckles, exterior door badges, and keys—is set to cross the block on the final day of Barrett-Jackson’s 2021 Las Vegas Auction, which will be held June 17–19.
A 1966 Mustang GT with the 289-cubic-inch engine carries an average value of about $80,000 in #2 (Excellent) condition, but Hagerty auction editor Andrew Newton says there’s no telling just how high this one will go.
“A 1966 Mustang is about as far from rare as a classic car can get,” Newton says, “but when you consider this one’s story, its famous owner, and its unique original features, it’s a clear cut above other “standard” 1966 convertibles in terms of collectibility and value.”
The car (VIN 6F08K285715) was commissioned for the Deuce to drive in France at the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours and on later visits to the country. Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson suggests that Ford II even drove the Mustang around the Le Mans race course during opening ceremonies for the historic ’66 race, in which Ford stunned Ferrari and swept the top three places.
The Deuce’s personal GT is powered by a 271-horsepower 289 V-8 with a four-barrel carburetor, solid-lifter camshaft, heavy-duty valve springs, and high-flow exhaust manifold. The four-speed manual pony car has several one-off features, including Raven Black paint with a specialized high-gloss sheen, a special white leather top, and tan leather interior—features not available in standard-production Mustangs. The car’s bucket seats are sourced from what would become the 1967 Cougar; the car reportedly served as a Ford Design Center prototype for styling, and some interior features would later be used in the ’68 Cougar.
The Mustang is optioned with the GT Equipment Group, AM radio/eight-track stereo tape player, power steering, power front disc brakes, power top, grille-mounted fog lights, dual exhaust pipes, stripes on the rocker panels, steel wheels, and a quicker steering ratio than standard-production GTs.
The car spent most of its life in France, making appearances at Mustang events after Ford no longer owned it. Now back in the U.S., it has a direct connection to the Ford family and to one of the most memorable performances in motorsports history. That’s a win-win—or, to the highest bidder, a win-win-win.
