1966 Ford Mustang ('Shelby GT350 Replica') Fastback (LHD)

Description

Ford's Mustang was the first of a new wave of personal sports cars to hit the market in the mid-1960s, even coining the ?Ponycar? moniker used to describe this new class of car in America. One of the key ingredients to the Mustang's phenomenal success was the extensive options list, including numerous powertrain combinations, allowing the buyer to personalise his or her car to unprecedented levels. From a relatively tame six-cylinder cruiser, suitable for shopping or taking the kids to school, through to a fire breathing V8 more suited to the racetrack, from the time it was launched in 1964 the Mustang was all things to all people. Ford had the good sense to leave the Mustang's winning formula alone for the first two full years of production, with changes for 1966 limited to minor details including a new floating pony emblem in the grille, three chrome spears on the simulated scoops plus styled steel wheels. Inside, new safety regulations dictated front and rear seat belts, a padded dash and electric wipers, while new front bucket seats and a five-dial instrument binnacle were also big news. The Mustang could be ordered in three basic body styles - the coupe, fastback or convertible - and buyers could choose from a huge range of engine and transmission options. Those wanting a boulevard cruiser were content with the 120 horsepower six but more performance-oriented customers invariably ordered the classic small-block 289-cid V8, itself available in three levels of tune. Carroll Shelby began building highly tuned Mustangs in 1965, using the fastback bodyshell and a modified Hi-Po 289-cid V8 to create his own track-ready version. In 1966 Hertz ordered 1,000 cars from Shelby to help promote the company and more than one car was returned after a weekend spent racing. Values of genuine '66 Shelbys are now well into six-figure territory, making this one of the most sought after and valuable Mustangs ever made.