Great Driver/200ci Inline 6-Cylinder/3-Speed Automatic

1966 Ford Mustang Coupe

Ford developed the Mustang for a special mid-season debut at the New York World's Fair in April 1964. The resulting attention, and Mustang's instant appeal among consumers, made this one of the most memorable new car introductions in history. The Mustang sold very well at first and reaped large profits. Contrasting with the mystique of the Corvette convertible, the practical coupe or hardtop was the most popular Mustang body style, far outselling the convertible. Ford correctly read the market for a new type of car in the early 1960's. Baby boomers were reaching driving age, more families were buying second cars, women, and single people were buying cars. Many new car buyers were looking for economical models with a flair of excitement, and optional equipment that enhanced comfort and performance. Ford developed the Mustang with these criteria in mind. Lean and sporty, it was more sophisticated than Ford's first compact car, the Falcon, and it had some of the Thunderbird's panache.

A second-year piece that has galloped into our hallowed halls here at the Classic Auto Mall. Some styles never get old and this 1966 Ford Mustang hardtop is one of them. Long nose, short deck, the perfect makings of a pony car. A classic that can be enjoyed as is or thanks to the abundance of restoration parts available on the market, taken to the next level.

Exterior
Rangoon Red floods the body of this Mustang from top to bottom. The quintessential Mustang cove is present with new for 1966 cove trim, also new for 1966 was the horse in it's grill corral just floating in nothingness. The paint shows well but does have its fair share of cracking and some chipping here and there. Gaps are decently maintained and the chrome and brightwork is showing well with no rust or marring. The trunk retains its original plaid mat and a full-size spare tire. 14" American Racing wheels are present on all four corners with blackwall rubber.

Interior
Black is the theme inside. A swing of the door reveals black painted steel door panels with black vinyl door panels covering the center of the door and housing an armrest, chrome window crank, and chrome door handle. Smooth black bolsters with perforated vinyl wraps the 2 front bucket seats. Both are in very nice shape sans any tears, rips or soiling. The rear bench seat mimics the front seats in design, upholstery and condition. Black carpet floods the floors. The standard chrome T handle Cruise-O-Matic automatic floor shifter proudly rises from the sea of black and gives the driver control over direction of this pony. Now standard for 1966 is the instrument cluster in its black and chrome camera case sporting a round center speedometer and 2 outboard round gauges on either side, no idiot lights anymore! Heater controls and AM/FM/Cassette radio are in their familiar position. A buttoned up are ready to be enjoyed

Drivetrain
200ci of inline 6-cylinder power calls the engine bay home. A 1-barrel carburetor sits on top of the engine and feeds it the necessary mixture of air and fuel. A 3-speed automatic transmission is mounted to the rear of the mill and sends power back to the 7 1/4" rear axle.

Undercarriage
Black undercoating covers the undercarriage with only minor surface rust appearing on the usual suspects. Inner rockers appear to be solid as do the floor pans. We do note that the floors have been patched at one time. Suspension components are rusty but intact with independent coil springs up front and leaf springs in the rear. A new single exhaust system from the muffler back is noted, and drum brakes bring this horse to a whoah with ease.

Drivability
A twist of the key and the reliable 200ci inline 6 fired right up. Handling, braking, and acceleration was on par with any car of the era. All functions save the heater blower were working at the time of our test drive. Sometimes it's refreshing to drive a common version of the muscle era performance cars.

A great driver quality car that can be enjoyed and wrenched on at the same time. Sidle on down to the Classic Auto Mall, get your cowboy boots on and get yourself this wild Mustang to care for in your stable. With literally tons of aftermarket support you should have this old horse ready to show and be enjoyed for years to come.

VIN DECODE
6R07T137267
6-1966
R-San Jose, CA Assy Plant
07-2 Door Hardtop
T-200ci Inline 6 1bbl 120hp
137267-Sequential Unit Number