Vendor supplied images

Highlights

Subject to an extensive rotisserie restoration documented in a 28,000-word account with accompanying photographs and three-inch thick folder of invoices
Rare and immensely desirable factory ‘GT’ with ‘Rally-Pac’ - restored to exact original specifications barre a manual gearbox conversion and uprated carburation
Advisory-free MOT valid until 21st July 2024 - although exempt due to its age
Garage-stored and used exclusively in dry weather since the restoration was completed
Finished to an exemplary standard and superbly presented in readiness for sale
Tahoe Turquoise colour

The Appeal

Every once in a while you come across a car that ticks every box. Here’s one.

This 1966 Ford Mustang GT 2+2 has got quite literally everything going for it. Before we get onto the staggeringly accomplished restoration, let’s consider the specifications. It’s a rare factory ‘GT’ in Tahoe Blue with a 289 cu in (4.7-litre) A-Code V8. It was ordered fully loaded with power steering, front disc brakes and Ford’s ‘Rally-Pac’ auxiliary instruments.

Impressed? Well, we’re only getting started…

It has the Black Pony trim, wood-grained deluxe steering wheel, wood trim centre console, 4" front grille fog lights, door panel duel-lens lights, GT Fender badges, GT gas cap, and front to rear lower body triple stripe. Its burbling V8 bellows through a dual straight-through exhaust with flared tailpipes. There are reversing lights, a tinted ‘windshield’, Ford’s ‘Special Handling Package’ and 14" Rallye steel wheels. The spec is truly magnificent.

The car retains all these features today and is further enhanced by the fitment of a five-speed manual gearbox and Edelbrock carburettor.

This is no recent import. In fact, the car has been in the UK for most of its life, with five former British keepers since it crossed the Atlantic in 1968. The previous keeper acquired the car in 1975 and drove it for twelve years before taking it off the road in 1987. He intended to restore it, but like so many projects, the Mustang ended up on the back burner for some 25 years, after which it was offered for sale. That’s when its fortunes changed, and our vendor took possession in 2012. One extensive rotisserie restoration later, in 2017, the Mustang returned to the road as one of the best examples of this rare edition you’re ever likely see - especially outside the US.

We’ve seldom encountered such a painstaking and well-documented restoration, evidenced by a 28,000-word account with accompanying photographs and three-inch thick folder of invoices. A great deal of care has been taken to ensure every detail is as good and period-correct as possible.

For Mustang fans, this is the car you’ve always wanted; better still, it could be yours…

The History and Paperwork

Left the Dearborn Factory in May 1966
Imported to the UK in 1968
Five former UK registered keepers
In previous ownership from 1975 to 2012
Restored by the vendor from 2012 to 2017
Exempt from road tax and MOT testing - although voluntarily submitted for MOT each year, never failing nor accruing any advisories to date
The current MOT expires on 21st July 2024
V5C present
Substantial collection of invoices from the restoration
The vendor supplies the photographic record and 28,000-word account of the work
The vendor decided to leave the odometer reading as it was when they purchased the car - it has covered 2,821 miles since it returned to the road after the full restoration with its first MOT carried out in December 2016 when the speedo was showing 71,548 miles

The Condition

Impeccably presented
Resplendent in its original colour - Tahoe Turquoise
Original ‘GT 2+2 trim’ and ‘Rally-Pac’ appointments
Owing to the car’s pre-restoration condition, a number of panels were replaced which include the ‘hood’, ‘trunk’, doors, (inner and outer) front and rear wings
The passenger and driver’s side floors, were replaced, as was half the firewall, the front and rear frame rails, the inner and outer cowl and the shock towers
Front and rear bumpers replaced, quarterlight vents re-chromed, stainless steel window trims restored and polished
Underside fully prepped and coated with Raptor 2k protection
The underside has been seam sealed with 3M 2k flexible joint sealer, followed with epoxy 2K sealer/primer Lechler epoxy that has anti-corrosion properties, then coated with 2K Raptor coating (designed for pickup beds)
The engine bay is coated with epoxy 2K sealer, and polyester spray filler followed by the undercoat all blocked ready for the 2k satin black
The main shell is coated with epoxy 2k sealer, followed by polyester spray filler and another undercoat all blocked ready for the 2k base and clear
Reupholstered front seats, while the rear seat is original
New carpets, headlining and door cards
The wiring loom has been reworked and relays for the dip and main lights, horn and fog lights have been added
Headlights, indicators, taillights, and reverse light bezels were all replaced

We’ve had a look through the vendor’s aforementioned “Mustang Build Story” document, and the sheer quality of the restoration work is apparent in every photograph and lengthy account of each job. Just about every component, panel, trim piece and fastening has undergone some form of restoration or replacement, and the Mustang’s overall condition is a testament to the vendor’s commitment, tenacity and skill.

Since completion, the car has been used sparingly, venturing out only in dry weather - which, in the UK, translates to covering just 2,821 miles. Therefore, the car continues to present beautifully, with no apparent deterioration, wear or any faults to report.

The Mechanics

289 cu in (4.7-litre) A-Code V8
Five-speed T5 manual gearbox replaces the original three-speed Cruise-O-Matic auto
Front suspension with Shelby drop
Front and rear springs, bushings and bearings and shock absorbers all replaced
All-new brakes, lines and hoses
New steering box and power steering components
Engine fully rebuilt: block has been bored +30" and the crank mains and ends ground +10"
New cam bearings, pistons, shells & mains
Pertronix ignition
Edelbrock carburettor replaces the original Autolite item
The vendor states that the car “wants for nothing its ready to go”
Fitted with a battery cut-off switch and tracker
Oil and filter last changed twelve months ago

We’ve saved the best until last. Once you’ve finished admiring how beautifully restored this car is, you can get down to the important business of driving, which we’re pleased to report is a similarly pleasurable experience thanks to its rebuilt A-Code V8 and T5 manual gearbox.

Besides the fact it left the factory with an automatic transmission, this Mustang was evidently specified by a driving enthusiast, as it boasts the converted ‘Rally-Pac’ and ‘Special Handling Package’. Following the restoration, which entailed a full mechanical rebuild, the fitment of a manual gearbox and the incorporation of several choice upgrades, the vendor demonstrates that the V8 readily roars into life and settles to an even idle. We’re informed that it drives beautifully, with no apparent faults whatsoever and the advisory-free MOT record since first tested post-restoration in 2016 is further reassurance that this car is in rude health.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com