1966 Ford Mustang Coupe (LHD)

Description

An instant hit when launched midway through 1964, Ford's Mustang was regarded as the first personal sports coupe and gave birth to the market segment that became known as ‘pony cars’. Rivals quickly followed, like Chevrolet's Camaro and Dodge's Challenger. Americans of the period were clamouring for these domestic sporty two-doors that were both stylish and affordable and could be driven daily. It all started with the now-legendary American car company visionary Lee Iacocca who, with his team, took inspiration for the Mustang production model from the Mustang 1 concept vehicle. Through clever use of existing Falcon underpinnings, the Mustang’s price was kept to affordable levels, while an incredible array of options, from drivetrain to trim levels, made it 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 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 upgrade 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 disc brakes and a handling package could transform the Mustang from a boulevard cruiser into a car that performed well on the racetrack. The Mustang has since maintained its place as the pre-eminent muscle car amongst enthusiasts today and there are compelling reasons for buying one - parts are in plentiful supply, the cars are easy to work on and respond well to tuning, and above all, the remains an icon.