1966 Ford Mustang

Highlights 

• Classic first-generation example of Ford's iconic pony car

• Later 290bhp 302ci V8 engine

• In excellent condition throughout, including underneath

• Well-maintained

• Fully UK registered as an historic vehicle

• One previous UK owner

• Low mileage

Overview

Along with the likes of the VW Beetle and Porsche 911 the Ford Mustang remains one of the most iconic, and indeed sought after cars of all time. And for good reason. Bringing style and performance to the masses Ford's affordable, sporting compact was a huge hit that has remained in production for over six decades, which speaks volumes in itself. As popular today as it's ever been the Mustang has seen continuous development throughout seven different generations and the sheer breadth of choice when it comes to picking one up in the second hand market can be a little daunting but it's those original, first-gen models that many still consider to be the purest incarnation.

Debuting in 1964 and championed by Ford's chief engineer Lee Iacocca the Mustang kick-started an entire segment with other manufacturers soon following suit, desperate to muscle in on Ford's success but it will forever be the Mustang that is remembered and revered as the original pony car. Bolstered by myriad motorsport successes and several starring roles on the silver screen (we're looking at you Bulitt), the Mustang has rightfully earned its place in the classic car hall of fame.

Pretty much from the get go the Mustang was offered in multiple states of tune and with different trim levels depending on your budget and predilection for performance. From in-line six-cylinders to a choice of small block V8 engines there was a Mustang for most but it wasn't until the late '60s where things got really interesting under the bonnet with the introduction of higher performance V8s like the 302 found in the Boss Mustang of 1969. Many fans have since retroactively fitted these engines to earlier cars, as is the case with this particular 1966 example.

Stunning in its own right the car has clearly had a lot of work and features that aforementioned 302 motor, named for its 302 cubic inch displacement, or 4.9-litres to us Brits. Featuring a four barrel carburettor the engine produces a rather respectable 290bhp, which in a wholly analogue rear-wheel drive car that weighs just a shade over a tonne is the perfect recipe for fun.

Finished in a handsome shade of grey over a classic black interior it certainly looks the business too and the car has clearly been cherished and well-maintained, with the current vendor informing us that it has seen limited mileage and is kept in storage on a trickle charge when not in use, further evincing the car's cosseted nature. A beautiful example then of one the greatest and most important cars to ever grace tarmac.

History and documentation

• 1966 model year

• One set of keys (1 x ignition and 1 x battery cut off)

• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name

• First registered in the UK 17 Jun 2020

• One former UK keeper

• In current ownership since 21 Aug 2021

• Registered as an historic vehicle

• London ULEZ compliant

• Tax and MOT exempt

• HPI clear

• 9,303 indicated miles

Interior

• The interior of the vehicle is in excellent condition

• Finished to high level

• Mustang-embossed seats with lap belts remain in great shape

• Minimal wear and tear

• No evidence of any damage

• After market Pioneer stereo head unit

• Rear deck mounted speakers

• Door cards present well

• Headlining has not sagged

• Dashboard remains intact

• Carpets appear clean and dry and the car comes with Cobra-branded floor mats

• Wood-rimmed steering wheel looks great and is in top condition

• The vendor reports that everything works with the exception of the fuel gauge

• Boot space is similarly well-presented and comes with jerry can and replacement windscreen wipers

• The engine bay looks to be in superb shape with no apparent issues or fluid leaks 

Exterior

• In beautiful condition throughout and constantly checked when in storage as reported by the vendor

• The bodywork appears to be free from any damage aside from a small scratch by the fuel cap on the boot

• Paintwork is beautiful, with a lovely colour change when the sun hits it as reported by the vendor

• No evidence of any corrosion anywhere on the car aside from a very small area of slight bubbling on the nearside rear wheel arch

• All body panels align well

• There are no issues with any of the glasswork

• Chrome trim pieces remain unspoiled

• The 17” alloy wheels are in very good condition with no signs of any damage 

• Tyres are all Toyo Proxes T1 Sport models and look to be in good shape

• The underneath of the vehicle is in wonderful condition with no signs of any damage, repairs or corrosion and has been checked over as reported by the vendor 

Mechanical

• 290bhp, 4.9-litre 302ci V8 engine in place of the original six cylinder motor

• Three-speed  Cruise-O-Matic automatic gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• New battery and power steering pump, along with recent carb clean and check as reported by the vendor

• Battery cut off installed under the bonnet

• Wilwood brake calipers

• The vendor informs us that the car is run weekly then put back into storage on a trickle charger, it starts and stops well, drives brilliantly and sounds absolutely amazing 

• No mechanical issues to report

Summary

Maintaining the original charm of an earlier, first-generation model but with the added oomph of the later, larger 302 engine, this particular Ford Mustang ticks a lot of boxes with the vendor informing us of the slew of compliments it receives every time it's taken out. There's certainly no doubting the car's appeal and it presents as an incredibly desirable and mechanically sorted example that not only excites in the way only a classic Mustang can, but also represents a shrewd investment piece to boot.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire.