Frame Off Restored Mustang Convertible 289 V8 C4

Back in 2002, Ford ran a commercial with then-president Bill Ford, Jr answering the age-old question: if you could have one car for the rest of your life, what would it be? He chose a Mustang convertible with a “throaty V8”. Given his last name and position, that was probably a pretty easy wish to grant but it certainly isn't that way for everyone. If you've been searching high and low for a solid Mustang convertible with V8 power and plenty of options, this 1966 model may be the perfect answer. Restored to showroom condition, the car features a healthy 289ci V8, C4 automatic, power steering, front disc brakes, and an updated air conditioning system. Forget show queen – this is daily driver level comfort wrapped in a timeless vintage shell.

Here's how the data plate breaks down according to Ford historian Kevin Marti:

76A: Mustang convertible
M: Wimbledon White paint, Ford #1619-A
2D: Red standard bucket seats
20K: Scheduled for build: October 20, 1966
72: San Jose ordering district
0: 2.79 standard axle ratio
W: C-4 Cruise-O-Matic transmission

The car started its life in California and, judging by the restoration pictures, stayed there (or at least in storage elsewhere) for most of its life. With a straight solid shell as the starting point, the car was destined to turn out well. Today, the body displays razor straight lines and a smooth coat of Wimbledon White paint just as the data plate demands. The car shows well from all imaginable angles and the shut lines are impressively even. When the weather fails to cooperate, a white convertible top extends overhead, matching the paint below surprisingly well. There are no graphics or gimmicks here – just an honest Mustang that makes a strong first impression.

Ford knew better than to alter their beloved pony car too much, so the '66 model featured little more than a handful of revisions over the previous year's offering. Naturally, all those updates are present and ready for show. Up front, the grille remains very similar to the '65 but the vertical bars are gone for a cleaner look. A pair of round headlights frame the centerpiece while a showroom-new front bumper and clear turn signals round out the fascia. There is no dramatic hood scoop or stripes, just a sleek white hood capped by Ford lettering. Behind the cowl, crisp glass is outlined by fresh stainless trim and fresh weather-stripping. The side profile offers classic Mustang styling with new badges, chrome door handles, a driver side mirror, and side scoops with three horizontal sweeps. Year-exclusive rocker trim completes the view. To the rear of the car, tri-panel tail lights frame a chrome gas cap while Mustang lettering adorns the lower portion of the deck lid. Below the bumper, reverse lights, bumper guards, and a license plate recess complete the look.

As the C code in the VIN denotes, this car was born with a 289ci V8 and that's exactly what you'll find there today. Ford rated these engines at a healthy 200hp and, given the size of the car, that equates to a nicely balanced performer. The engine is dressed in Ford Corporate Blue as are the valve covers and the single snorkel air cleaner assembly. Below those pieces lie factory heads and a single Autolite 2-barrel carburetor which bolts to a correct C6OE-9425-A intake manifold. At the front of the bay, an OEM-style radiator works in conjunction with an engine-driven fan which shares its power source with the alternator, power steering pump, and Sanden air conditioning compressor. Spent exhaust gases spiral out through correct cast iron manifolds which bolt to a 2-into-1 exhaust system with a transverse muffler. There is a lot of correct hardware here and, thanks to restorative efforts, all of it shows with authority. From the decals and hoses to the tagged Autolite battery, this bay is a virtual time machine.

Put this pony car on a lift and you'll find an undercarriage every bit as honest as the top side. The floors are solid and coated with a layer of undercoating to make quick work of cleaning. Behind the 289, a C-4 Cruise-O-Matic transmission runs through all gears with ease, transferring power back to an open 8-inch rear end with correct 2.79 gears for easy highway cruising. Over the years, most Mustangs have been relatively nimble cars though the basic suspension configuration remains the same. An independent front with A-arms combines with tried-and-true leaf springs out back for a classic setup. New shocks round out all four corners. For an even better driving experience, this convertible packs factory power steering alongside power front disc and rear drum brakes. The car is easy to drive and impressively responsive to driver input. The vintage chassis meets the road through Firestone 205/70R14 radial tires wrap around steel wheels with wire covers.

Between the doors a stylish red vinyl interior offsets the Wimbledon White paint while offering a pleasant place to log miles from. Open the doors to find stainless Ford-branded door sill plates covering the edges of clean red carpet which is protected by red rubber mats. In the center, a factory console makes room for convenience lighting, a chrome shifter, and a storage compartment hidden behind a sliding chrome door. At either side, showroom-fresh bucket seats are wrapped in red vinyl and topped by stainless trim and red seatbelts while OEM door panels follow the same pattern. In front of the seats, a familiar double hump dash makes room for an updated AM/FM radio that maintains a relatively original look as well as vents and controls for the updated air conditioning system. Instrumentation is pure FoMoCo with gauges that measure fuel, temperature, oil pressure, alternator output, and speed. In front of those gauges, a red steering column is completed by more flawless brightwork as well as a three-spoke steering wheel wrapped in wood. At the back, a red boot conceals the white top while a nicely finished trunk space bring a correct trunk mat and full size spare to the show.

This honest pony car is supported by an extensive list of documentation that begins with a standard Marti report that outlines all the car's original traits. From there, an original owner's manual highlights all the Mustang's selling points in vintage Ford marketing speak. The car's more recent history is documented through a series of restoration photos and receipts that document the work performed by Charles Turner in Apex, NC. There are also a handful of component manuals to cover recent additions to the car.

If you're a diehard Ford fan or a new enthusiast looking for a great first collector car, this Mustang is a great fit. With 289 power and timeless styling, you'll turn plenty of heads without sacrificing comforts and conveniences like air conditioning, power steering, and disc brakes. If that sounds like a deal to you, get in touch with a quickness. A great Mustang is always worth it!