This 1966 Ford Mustang GT K-Code reminds us of the Bullitt set to come a couple years later. Dark Ivy Green Metallic over Black sits stance over OEM Chrome styled wheels with radial Redlines. The front of Mustang GT sports set of fog lights mounted on horizontal bars. ""High Performance 289 V"" badges are the only clue that the unsuspecting is lining up to the small block V8 Ford that Shelby made famous. The GT callouts on each fender are a study in understated elegance. Heavy rocker panel moldings dropped from the factory in favor of crisp, white, rocker panel stripes. Moving out back, the GT gas cap stands centered between the tri-bar taillights. Twin chrome through-valance trumpet exhaust tips complete the GT look. This genuine, original, numbers matching ""K"" code '66 Mustang GT Fastback is rotisserie restored, completed in 2014. The mileage since then has been ""shakedown"" miles and driven sparingly to keep the seals tight, otherwise this Mustang and a climate-controlled garage kept house cat.
The rotisserie restoration of course included a complete mechanical rebuild of the numbers matching drivetrain. The 289-4V Hi-Po engine is factory rated at 271+ horsepower is backed by 4-speed manual transmission, sending the power to a 3.50:1 standard rearend. Overall, the restoration retains the original OEM appearance giving a nod to modern performance where it increased reliability, drivability, and safety. The tires, for instance, are stock appearing Coker Classic redlines but are steel-belted radials rather than Polyglas.
This factory K-code GT car is documented by its factory broadcast sheet and its original VIN matching engine. In preparation for sale, the car was evaluated by an independent 3rd party inspector.
Exterior
The independent inspector looked over this '66 K-Code top to bottom, inside and out. His overall impression, ""If I wanted a Ford, this would be the one!"" A paint and body inspection scans 16 areas of the vehicle's exterior for 50 different flaws/conditions. There were no significant flaws noted on the exterior body panels, glass, trim, chrome, or lights. He notes that all the exterior sheet metal panels are Original Equipment Panels. He found no evidence of rust or rust repair or floor pan replacement. He also noted no evidence of frame damage or repair. All exterior lights worked as intended. Doors, hood, and trunk latches and locks all work properly. Body panel alignment is excellent, including panel gaps and doors fitting flush and even side to side and closing easily. The standard of workmanship that was brought bear on the car during its 2014 restoration is readily apparent and has stood the test of time.
Interior
The car is factory optioned with black/black trim interior is complete with console, fold down rear seat and woodgrain dash accents. The GT interior received the standard 5 dial analog instrument cluster. The GT specific Rally Pack gauge cluster that staddles the steering column gets you a Tachometer on the left and a clock on the right. As you grip the real wood three-spoke steering wheel with one hand, the other falls to the familiar grip of the four-speed shifter. The bright work and bezels gleam bright, not scuffing, pitting, or crazing normally seen in other cars. Upon close inspection, one can observe some minor scratches in the painted lower dash assembly between gauge pods and light and wiper controls. These items, in flat black, can be easily retouched. The wood grain gauge cluster and glovebox door inserts are likewise sharp and fresh. All the gauges, lights, and accessories work including the GT specific fog lights. And, equipped with GT specific front disc brakes, the brake pedal is labeled ""Disc Brake"". All the trunk accoutrements are present, spare wheel and tire, jack, trunk mat, etc.
Engine Bay
The original, numbers matching HiPo 289, completely rebuilt during the 2014 graces a stock appearing engine compartment. The engine itself is OEM correct with two notable exceptions. A GT350 spec aluminum intake manifold holds the venerable 715CM Holley also issued by Shelby on the GT350 for 1966. Everything else appears Ford stock. All the GT specific mechanicals are present and accounted for, the 16:1 quick ration steering gearbox, under the hood you will find the larger single master cylinder, a proportioning valve, and disc brakes. The driver's inner fender apron bears the factory stamped ""K"" code VIN. The mechanical portion of the inspection checks for appropriate fluid levels and condition, including any seepage or leaks. All the boxes are checked ""pass"". The battery was tested and passed; the air filter element is also clean. The car starts with the simple pump of the accelerator and the turn of the key. Idle is steady and strong, kicking down from fast idle to a low burble as the car warms up. All hoses and wires are supple, in excellent condition. Oil pressure and coolant temperatures read normal. Even though it's a solid lifter motor, no valve chatter or excessive engine noise was observed.
Chassis
Just as the exterior, interior, and engine bay is, the undercarriage was completely restored and refinished to an OEM standard. Red Oxide Primer with a modest body overspray showcases factory floors and seams. As any vintage Mustang enthusiast well knows, all GT Mustangs and all K-code Mustangs were equipped with dual exhaust. This car being equipped with both options, is equipped as such. To accommodate the dual exhaust, special exhaust hangar reinforcements were used on the rear hangars behind the rear seats. The GT equipment package also includes the stiffer suspension and heavier (thicker) front sway bar, as well as the heavy-duty shock absorbers. They are present and accounted for.
Doc & VIN
This car is documented by the original broadcast sheet, door tag, and body buck tag. The car also has the numbers matching drivetrain. Photos of the broadcast sheet and engine stamps are available upon request.
The Door Tag reads as follows:
Body 63A " Fastback with Standard Interior Color R " Ivy Green Metallic Trim 26 " Standard Black Crinkle Vinyl and Black Rosette Vinyl Date 17B " 17th Day of February 1966 D.S.O. 17 " Washington D.C. Axle 5 " 3.50:1 Standard Differential Transmission 5 " 4 Speed Manual
Buck Tag decodes as follows:
D " Dealer Order 171 " Rotation Number 23 " Welding Bay B16 " February 16th, 1966 63A - Fastback with Standard Interior R - Ivy Green Metallic 26 " Standard Black Interior 4-SPEED " Four Speed Manual Transmission PIO - GT Options, Performance Image Option WL " Warning Light
