1966 Ford Mustang

Ford were very good at providing us with plenty of information about their cars via the chassis number and door mounted information plates. This car’s chassis number is 6R07C194438 which confirms it is a 1966 model built in the San Jose assembly plant as a hardtop coupe with a 289 cu in C-spec V8. This was the 94,438th Mustang produced at San Jose for the 1966 model year. The door data plate adds some further details still. This Mustang left San Jose finished in Wimbledon White paint with a blue crinkle vinyl and standard blue vinyl interior. The scheduled build date was 5 May 1966, and the car was ordered by the Los Angeles District Sales Office. The rear axle features the standard 2.80:1 final drive and a C4 3-speed automatic transmission featured.

The observant amongst us will notice a change of colour has materialised between then and now with this Mustang now sporting an iconic Springtime Yellow livery. This change was thought to date from a restoration undertaken in the late twenty-teens. Other changes at that time included the fitting of a 302 cu.in. crate motor complete with Edelbrock carburation. A stunning new set of staggered American Racing alloys also now feature.

This Mustang was imported to the UK in 2018 and first registered with the DVLA in August of that year. Current owner, Colin, acquired the Mustang in August of 2022 to become the car’s third UK keeper.

The Mustang’s current Springtime Yellow livery suits the car’s signature Coupe body style very well indeed. It’s a timeless design that appears both simple and complex all at the same time. The flat fore and aft decks, slab sides and pillarless cabin bring the simplicity whilst the scooped-out sides, rear light treatment and grill configuration add an intriguing depth of detail. Unarguably an inspired automotive design.

That newly fitted set of American Racing five spoke, deep rimmed alloys contribute some additional visual muscle to the ensemble. This set comprises 15-inch rims wearing 185/60 configuration rubber at the front and 225/60 at the rear. The wheels are in a great overall condition.

The condition of the Mustang’s bodywork looks impressive indeed with no obvious dents or dings noted. The panel gaps look tight and consistent, too, which is always a promising sign for a sixty-year-old car. The paintwork looks well-presented overall, but some imperfections become apparent upon close inspection. Our consignment team note various chips in the paint including to the nose and doors. Some signs of rust are visible around the nearside rear wheel arch, and some obvious signs of repair are visible to the roof and offside including filler and dry spray in places. 

The interior of the Mustang presents very well indeed and, again, manages to blend seemingly contradictory elements of both style and utility. The interior treatment is now black with the familiar looking slimline seats finished in a vinyl of that shade. The centre panels are finished in perforated, horizontal box pleats whilst the extremities of the seats are smooth vinyl. The front seat backs fold forwards and inwards to aid access to the identically trimmed rear bench.

The dashboard comprises a blue-coloured metal lower section with black top roll and GT-specification instrument binnacle. This contains a five-gauge contingent all of which sit behind a deeply dished, three spoke alloy and leather Mustang steering wheel. A retro-look Retro-Sound radio is fitted. 

The carpets blend black and blue elements with the blue quite possibly being original to the factory blue vinyl configuration. The headlining is courtesy of a tightly fitted, lightly textured vinyl and the door cards and rear side panels are black vinyl dressed and maintain the period look of the cabin. The overall condition in here is impressive indeed for the age of the car.

The boot is well shaped and sized and finished in a combination of black textured finish and matching side panels.

Whilst this car’s data plates suggest it left San Jose under the power of the 200-bhp C-specification engine, we know that a 302 cu. in. (5-litre) V8 crate motor has been fitted in more recent times. This looks suitably impressive, topped as it is with a heart shaped Edelbrock high-flow air filter. Other componentry looks appropriately uprated too, especially the radiator which looks to be a quality, aftermarket high-capacity unit. This area looks to be clean and well cared for overall. Our team do note that the car idles unevenly suggesting some minor set-up work may be required. This is paired with a Ford three speed automatic and the brakes appear to be cast-iron drums all round.

The underside of the Mustang appears to be well preserved and replete with plenty of textured under seal. Any rust in evidence seems to be purely of the surface variety.

The Mustang comes with a slimline paperwork file. The current V5 Registration Document is present. This classifies the Mustang as an Historic Vehicle and so it is considered as MoT and VED exempt in the UK. The Mustang was last MoTd in 2018 at an indicated 21,926 miles. An advisory free pass was achieved at that time.

Other paperwork is limited to a single invoice, our own vehicle history check report and the manual for the Retro Sound RC900C head unit. Small, but perfectly formed.

The original Ford Mustang is an iconic American model which, essentially, created a whole new class of attainable sports coupe – the Pony cars. The name itself paying homage to the “pony” adorning the emblems associated with the Mustang. This car class would perfectly encapsulate the zeitgeist of the mid-1960’s as so effectively showcased in Ford’s groundbreaking launch publicity campaign. 

This example hails from the same year that Mustang production surpassed the 2 million mark. Quite a feat for sports car from the 1960’s. Studying this car helps reveal why this was such a successful model. This Mustang looks great in its 1966 appropriate Springtime Yellow livery with those sublime alloy wheels adding something extra when compared to the original, somewhat puny fitments. The interior looks appropriate to the period, too, despite presenting very well indeed. The fitment of a 302 cu in V8 offers the new owner the reassurance of a healthy supply of parts and aftermarket enhancements, should they be deemed appropriate. A model built in big numbers but one that is a much rarer sight and sound here in the UK. Definitely one to be seen in.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.