1966 Ford Mustang GT

Description

While some of you might remember when early Mustangs were cheap entry-level classics, your kids will never know that cars like this uber-cool 1966 Ford Mustang GT coupe were anything but cherished heirlooms. Pretty much all the physical traits point to this being a real-deal GT car, including the prerequisite A-code VIN and 289 V8, making it the ideal for both Mustang purists and fair-weather fans alike. With an incredibly cool and rare color combination, a powerful V8 drivetrain, and a sporty interior optioned with air conditioning, this is a very special Mustang coupe with a whole lot going for it.

Code Z Sauterne Gold was indeed this car's original color, so when it was time to restore this GT several years back, the builder's made the right choice and paid homage to the past. A modern finish results in a deep luster and reflective shine, and although the paint job isn't by any means show-quality, it's pretty and certainly turns a lot of heads. It's color we don't see very often, one of those killer vintage shades that's hard to describe with just a couple words, and it really comes to life out in the sunshine. Some imperfections and signs of use/age can be seen upon closer examination – typical of a car that's been driven through the years and regularly washed on the weekends – but you'd be hard-pressed to find a whole lot to complain about when you're getting all the "Oooohs" and "Ahhhhs" whilst cruising down Main Street. Some bubbling on the lower portion of the car, along with a couple nicks and scratches point to the restoration's age, but nevertheless this Pony still has massive curb appeal and looks like a million bucks from just a few feet away. And if you've ever painted a light-colored car before you know the bodywork has to be dialed-in or every little ripple and imperfection will show, and thankfully the builders of this GT really nailed the livery years back. Overall, it's a straight car with even gaps and good alignment, with clean body lines and a very uniform presentation. A black vinyl top is the perfect complement to the gold livery, lining up symmetrically with the black GT rocker panel stripes between the wheels. Other correct GT specs include the lack of lower body molding and quarter trim, factory GT badges on the fenders, fog lamps in the front grille, a GT racing gas cap out back, and the trumpeted exhaust that exits through the rear valance. Of course, when the color looks that vivid, the trim needs to have some flash as well, so the bumpers wear bright chrome plating, the stainless was polished, and all the remaining brightwork was restored or replaced to make it all look equally sharp.

A vintage Mustang's interior is always a friendly, welcoming place, and this one is no different. It's got the clean look and comfortable feel of a set of your favorite jeans, and that's perfectly OK with us. Fresh-looking black vinyl upholstery on the seats certainly helps with that, with crisp hides on the front buckets and rear bench, matched by flanking black reproduction door panels, an uncracked black dashpad up ahead that looks practically new, and thick, insulating black carpets (that are admittedly a bit faded, albeit still very solid) on the floors. The five-dial gauge panel became standard in 1966 and holds a complete set of gauges in a black "camera case" finished panel and the stock steering wheel looks deliciously vintage decked-out in a perforated vinyl wrap around the rim. A retro-style AM/FM/Cassette stereo head unit fits neatly in the original radio's location, so you don't have to sacrifice entertainment in your new daily-driver vintage Mustang, and there's also an under-dash factory A/C unit that's been converted to modern R134a freon to keep the cabin nice and cool on hot summer days. The center console shows light patina but is easily the best part of the cabin, not only as a 'must-have' option but also because it houses the slick, chrome T-handle shifter that manages the C4 automatic below. Out back, the trunk shows off just how solid this Pony really is and sports reproduction plaid mats for the floor and spare tire.

The engine is a correct A-code 289 cubic inch V8, very likely the original block (Ford didn't stamp VINs on their engines this early on, so there's no such thing as numbers matching) that's been well-cared for and is running like a top today. With upgrades like an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor and an MSD coil, the snarky small block sounds awesome and moves the coupe with authority. Ford Blue paint on the valve covers and matching open-element air cleaner dominate the engine bay, and the satin black inner fenders, firewall, and other components present nicely as well. This car also carries optional front disc brakes, which were standard on the GT, making it the kind of car that you'll appreciate most after a long day and the drive home is something to savor. There's also a quick-ratio power steering box in tow, yet another ingredient in the GT recipe, further building the preponderance of evidence that this was in all likelihood an original GT car. The C4 3-speed automatic transmission shifts cleanly and the 8-inch rear end is full of gears for easy cruising, while the GT-spec sway bar up front and fresh shocks throughout give this Mustang fantastic road manners. There's a throaty dual exhaust system that gives the A-Code 289 V8 the perfect bark, although it's not so overbearing that the neighbors will complain every time you're warming her up in the driveway. Original Mustang Styled Steel wheels with red center caps are the perfect finish, wrapped in 205/75/14 whitewall radials with plenty of tread left.

Nicely finished, this Mustang GT covers all the bases: fast, comfortable, stylish, and extremely entertaining. Call today!