Pony up or stand aside
Ford’s Mustang was first unveiled in 1964 to wild success. It has been manufactured continuously through to the present across seven generations, but it all started here with the first generation. So successful and iconic was the Mustang that it christened an entirely new segment in the American car market, the ‘Pony Car’, so named for the running horse that lent its name to this classic car.
This particular example has had quite the journey, with a total overhaul of its engine, as well as both the exterior Nightmist Blue paint and original light blue interior redone in a classic and aggressive red about ten years ago. Through all the changes, however, it’s remained a true Mustang through and through, and the new saddlery only makes the ride better and more reliable.
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A Roan of red and silver
As mentioned above, the factory-original color on this Mustang was Nightmist Blue; however, it has been redone in a crisp and classic red. Silver runners along the bottom of the body can be found on both sides, from wheelwell to wheelwell. The front bumper is done in a single and slender length of chrome, while the rear bumper is a chunky and hefty bar that curves up the fender at both ends.
The silver brightwork continues to include the framing and mounting for the turn signals, headlights, and taillights, as well as forming a thin framing around the wide but short grille. The single driver’s side round mirror, fender vents, and twin exhaust outlets are similarly just as bright. The white soft top with a red cover is aftermarket, while the 14″ steel wheels are plated in chrome and shod in 205/70 BFGoodrich tires.
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Red outside, red inside
Matching the exterior, the entire cabin has been redone in red, from the leather on the driver and passenger seats and rear bench, to the padded dash, door panels, and even the carpeting and Mustang-branded mats. A classic silver T-shifter sits on the floor, the steering wheel has three silver spokes with holes bored out for style, and the rim is wrapped in matching red leather. On the rebuilt dash, a 0-140 mph speedometer dominates the gauge cluster, with fuel and oil gauges to the left and battery voltage and engine temperature to the right. While there is no tachometer, the original AM radio has been carried over in the restoration.
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Horses and Cobras are no longer natural enemies
Under the hood lies a retrofitted 302ci V8 with extra performance goodies, among which are Cobra-branded valve covers and a dress-up kit. An aftermarket Autolite carburetor was rebuilt early this summer, when an oil change was also performed. Power is sent to the rear wheels by way of the legendarily reliable and effective C-4 three-speed automatic transmission. Heat and fumes are handled by a dual-exhaust system with glasspacks and polished tips, while a front sway bar adds extra handling prowess, especially when cornering. Drum brakes handle all four corners. The odometer reads 82,000 miles, about 1,000 of which are from current ownership, but the true mileage is unknown.
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Final thoughts: Last horse standing wins
Often imitated, never surpassed, the Mustang is going strong while its competition has all turned off the track. The Pontiac Thunderbird, Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, and a half dozen others were introduced in response to and in competition with the Mustang, and each has had its nameplate retired. Now the original Pony Car rides alone, making victory laps on a track of its own making. If you’re looking to back a winner and preserve a piece of that history, this 1966 example is a great opportunity.
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