History

General Year Information – 1966 Ford Mustang

The 1966 Ford Mustang showcased a striking grille with a floating Mustang emblem prominently displayed at its center. Its elegant design featured a subtle series of horizontal bars in the background, avoiding any large horizontal or vertical dividers, which enhanced its sleek appearance.

This year marked a significant milestone in automotive safety, as it was the first to comply with federally mandated safety standards. Consequently, all 1966 Fords were equipped as standard with front and rear seatbelts, a padded instrument panel, emergency flashers, electric wipers, and windshield washers, elevating the safety and comfort of drivers and passengers alike. Beyond these enhancements, the 1966 Mustang retained a suite of classic features that defined its iconic status. Owners enjoyed front bucket seats, premium pleated vinyl upholstery, a sporty steering wheel, a sophisticated five-dial instrument cluster, full carpeting, a reliable heater and defroster, and a left-hand door outside rearview mirror. Additional thoughtful touches included backup lamps, door courtesy lights, stylish rocker panel moldings, full wheel covers, and a three-speed manual transmission with floor lever control.

Under the hood, a robust 200 CID engine delivered 120 horsepower with efficiency, while the fastback coupe featured an exclusive Silent-Flo ventilation system, ensuring a comfortable ride. The available V-8 engine for this model offered an impressive 200 horsepower, showcasing the Mustang’s performance pedigree.

Historical Notes

Introduced on October 1, 1965, alongside the full lineup of Ford vehicles, the 1966 Mustang quickly captured the hearts of American consumers. With a staggering production total of 607,568 units, it garnered an impressive 7.1 percent share of the American car market, solidifying its iconic status. This remarkable figure included 7,889 luxury fastbacks, 55,938 luxury hardtops, 12,520 luxury convertibles, 21,397 hardtops featuring bench seats, and 3,190 convertibles with bench seating.