Should a man in his 50s be allowed out in a Mustang? Ford asked this question in an advertisement for the 1966 Mustang. “Driving a Mustang can be like finding the Fountain of Youth.” Is it true? You can find out for yourself with our Pick of the Day, a 1966 Ford Mustang convertible currently listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Greene, Iowa.
When the Mustang first burst onto the scene at the 1964 New York World’s Fair on April 17th, it was an instant phenomenon. On that first day, Ford sold 22,000 units, and there was even a report of a man who slept overnight inside a Texas dealership to ensure he was taking home the only Mustang in stock.
The phenomenon continued: Ford built 121,538 of these early “1964½” Mustangs, then immediately followed it up by building 559,451 for the “proper” 1965 model year. For 1966, Ford set a new company record that still stands to this day with 607,568 Mustangs built. On March 2nd of that year, Ford Motor Company celebrated the production of the millionth Mustang at its Dearborn, Michigan plant, a Wimbledon White convertible.
This particular pony car has been changed from its original “Code U” Tahoe Turquoise to Springtime Yellow paired with a white convertible top and black boot. The factory side moldings have been removed, leaving a smooth exterior look that is accentuated by factory badging, driver-side chrome mirror, and Magnum 500 wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A raised white letter tires.
The factory “Code 26” standard black vinyl interior features bucket seats flanking a floor-mounted T-handle automatic shifter that sits beneath a factory AM radio. The power steering system is controlled by a factory-style, three-spoke steering wheel that sits in front of an OEM instrument panel.
Underneath the hood, the original 289 4V V-8 was replaced with a four-barrel 302ci V-8. Mated to a three-speed Cruise-O-Matic C4 automatic transmission, the engine sits in a detailed engine bay with period-correct valve covers and air cleaner that displays a 289 High-Performance decal.
The undercarriage features a recently aligned front end and new rear air shocks. Stopping power is provided by manual drum brakes, while a dual exhaust system provides the soundtrack for any cruise.
This “longtime family-owned” 1966 Ford Mustang convertible is ready to become a part of your family’s story for $39,995. It doesn’t matter if you’re 20, 50, or 70 — everyone should be allowed out in this Mustang.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
