Everyone can agree that an early Mustang convertible is about as good as open-air motoring gets, and this 1966 Ford Mustang convertible remains a high-quality cruiser that is instantly recognizable everywhere you go. With the looks of a GT350, a powerful 351 cubic inch V8 and a 4-speed, it's fast on its feet, and carries a host of upgrades that make it every bit as fast as it looks.
Ford didn't make many changes to the Mustang for 1966; after all, why mess with success? It was already the fastest-selling car in history, with over a million units sold, and Mustang fever was still in high gear by the time the new model year rolled around. The only way to make it better? Add a little Carroll Shelby. It turns out that the convertible makes a great-looking GT350, with this one wearing those familiar black stripes, a hood scoop, a billet grille, and quarter panel scoops just behind the doors. The charcoal gray paint and super straight bodywork is nicely done, and the car shows signs of excellent care since restoration, with a few chips here and there to prove that it's been driven and enjoyed. Gaps and alignment are up to factory standards, and while it never carried a lot of ornamentation, the clean, unadorned look of this car works rather well. Out back, it's got a custom ducktail spoiler, GT350 gas cap, and exhaust outlets in the rear valence.
Inside, this pony sports an attractive black Pony interior, which looks great against the dark gray paint. Aside from the slightly thicker wood-rimmed Shelby steering wheel, it looks quite stock overall and it remains in great shape. Door panels and the dash are in good condition, and the carpets are so nice that they have to be recent, and they're protected by matching carpeted mats. There's no console, adding to the Shelby-style industrial look, but that Hurst 4-speed shifter sure looks and feels great just sticking out of the transmission tunnel all by itself. The original GT-style gauges have white faces that work rather well in the black interior, and they're augmented by a set of auxiliary gauges under the dash and a tachometer tucked in close to the steering column for stealth. Overhead, a black convertible top was installed not too long ago, and folds nicely into its well where it's covered by a matching black vinyl boot.
Thanks to the similarities of the Windsor family of V8s, the burly 351 cubic inch V8 fits easily under the hood and moves the lightweight Mustang very enthusiastically. The engine bay is tidy but not over-detailed, so you shouldn't be afraid to put this one on the road. Horsepower upgrades are many: a Demon carburetor, aluminum heads, a substantial camshaft, and a big aluminum radiator up front. These engines are extremely reliable, parts are readily available, and performance is very good, making it a blast to drive. The 4-speed racks through the gears as the burly small block bellows through long-tube headers and a Flowmaster exhaust system, and it handles great thanks to upgraded sway bars. Subframe connectors, front disc brakes, and an 8-inch rear end round out the list of hardware. For the ideal period look, this car also wears a set of sand-cast Torque Thrust wheels and 225/60/15 performance radials.
With V8 power and a folding top, this Mustang is near the top of the desirability list, and it is in ideal condition for someone who likes to drive his cars. When you're behind the wheel of an early Mustang, the world is a much happier place. Call today!