A 1966 Mustang GT Convertible Built for Henry Ford II
Stylish, speedy, and graceful, this ’66 GT is a classy ride.
It's Good to Be King
Few vehicles in American history are as revered as the 1966 Mustang, a vehicle whose combination of speed, style, and performance make it an automotive icon whose popularity has spanned decades. After its debut in 1964, Ford engineers had, by 1966, roughed the few designs and engineering kinks carried over by the original —and knew they had a surefire winner on their hands. So, when it came time to build one for the company’s patriarch, Ford designers pulled no stops.
Photos Courtesy of Mecum
To Be There In Velvet
While any vintage ’66 Mustang is a hallowed piece of automotive history; this particular custom-built model is truly a sight to behold. One look at the interior and you can tell this Mustang is a far cry from the base model. The rich tanned leather interior is perhaps the first dead giveaway, In addition to the three-spoked steering wheel and 8-track player. In addition, the car’s “Raven Black” paint scheme features a specialized high-gloss sheen that still shines the way it did when “Hank the Deuce,” as Ford was known, first took the wheel.
When Your Bulldog Barks
Base models of the 1966 Mustang featured a 200 cubic inch I-6 engine with an output of 120-horsepower with 9.2:1 compression and a one-barrel carburetor. This Mustang is one of few produced with Engine Code "K": 289 cubic inch V-8 engine capable of 271-horsepower w/10.5:1 compression and a four-barrel carburetor, a considerably more powerful powertrain than the base model.
And Your Canary Sings
Henry Ford II’s custom-built Mustang GT was built for his visit to the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he drove it during opening ceremonies. It was a fitting ride, indeed considering he was Honorary Race Champion that year. Among other features that this car features that were never available for standard production Mustangs included were its white cloth convertible roof.
You're Out There with Winners
In addition to its unique door panels and specially styled steel wheels, Henry Ford II’s Mustang GT was the first Ford to feature the style of bucket seats that would later be standard in the 1967 Mercury Cougar. The car’s other variant ’66 Mustang GT features includes grille-mounted fog lights, dual exhaust pipes with horn-shaped tips, stripes on the rocker panels, front disc brakes, and a quicker steering ratio than standard production model GTs.
Whatever it Pays
Just two years after driving this car at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Henry Ford II would be presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Lyndon B. Johnson for his and his company's contribution to American industry. This custom '66 Mustang GT stands as a time-tested tribute to Ford's ingenuity that still thrives in Mustang builds to this day.
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