1966 Ford Mustang Convertible (RHD)

Description

An instant hit when launched midway through 1964, Ford's Mustang was the first personal sports coupe and gave birth to the market segment known as “pony cars”, with rivals like Chevrolet's Camaro and Dodge's Challenger quickly also arriving on the scene. Americans were clamouring for a domestic sporty two-door that came with plenty of style but one that was also affordable and could be driven daily. Taking inspiration from the Mustang I concept vehicle, Lee Iacocca and his team designed the perfect car for the job. Through clever use of existing Falcon underpinnings, the price was kept to affordable levels, while the incredible array of options, from drivetrain to trim levels, made the Mustang appealing to a wide spectrum of customers, including both men and women - a critical part of the original design brief. Ford hit on a winning formula with the first-generation Mustang and the orders began flooding in, making this one of the most successful models in American automotive history. Ford wisely made few changes to the Mustang's successful formula for 1965, the only major mechanical change of note being improved electrics thanks to the adoption of an alternator in place of the original generator. A new body style, the fastback, was added and the range of engine choices expanded, stretching from the base 170ci six-cylinder to the fire-breathing Hi-Po 289ci V8. Options like automatic transmission proved popular, while front discs and a handling package could transform the Mustang from a boulevard cruiser into a car that was capable of performing well on the racetrack. In addition to the original coupe, Ford offered a convertible version that was popular in sunnier climates like California and Florida and these remain sought after today. The original Mustang's styling was so successful Ford made the decision to leave it alone for 1966, making this the final year for the original - and to many eyes best looking - shape. Ownership of any classic Mustang remains as rewarding an experience now as it was back in the ‘60s, and demand for good examples will always be strong.