Incredible resto-mod that seamlessly blends old and new. Ford Motorsports 302 crate motor, cold A/C, power windows, power top, A-arm front suspension with rack-and-pinion. Everything is new. Spectacular!
There’s no disguising the basic good looks of the early Mustang convertible, and smart tuners know to leave the good stuff alone. That’s why this lovely Springtime Yellow ragtop still looks very much as it would have in 1966. Thanks to a comprehensive rotisserie restoration, it looks spectacular from any angle, offering laser-straight bodywork and a deep gloss that the original finishes probably couldn’t match. Modifications are few and don’t alter the basic design but rather give it a slightly different look that will stand out. Note the Shelby-style grille up front, the subtle pinstripes that highlight the fenderline, and LED parking lights and taillights that are a worthwhile safety upgrade. Other details include a GT-style rear valence with exhaust trumpets, accessory chrome inserts in the C-scoop, and subtle ‘302 Hi-Performance’ emblems on the front fenders, which reflect the car’s current spec (this is an original C-code V8 car). All the chrome is new and really sparkles against the yellow paint, and all the glass was replaced.
There’s a slightly longer list of upgrades inside, seamlessly integrated into the original stuff to make this a Mustang that will delight just about anyone. There’s a tan Deluxe “Pony” interior, but look closely: the seats have been subtly resculpted to increase support and the center console is an exact match for color. It’s also fitted with power windows and a tilt steering column, the latter of which is topped by a wood-rimmed steering wheel (the aftermarket power window setup is also why the rear windows don’t quite retract into the body all the way). Brand-new factory gauges are all fully operational and a modern A/C system has been neatly integrated into the dashboard, eliminating the slightly clunky original-style under-dash unit. Everything inside the car is new, from the dash pad to the carpets, all looking quite correct in the vintage pony. There’s an aftermarket AM/FM radio in the dash that also does a great impression of the original unit and you’ll find a somewhat rare factory remote driver’s mirror. Overhead there’s a beautifully fitted tan canvas top (not vinyl) and it, too, is power actuated and comes with a matching tan vinyl boot. The trunk is beautifully upholstered in black carpet, which is a big step up from the original plastic mat.
A fresh Ford Motorsports 302 cubic inch V8 slots neatly into the Mustang’s engine bay, seeing as the block is virtually identical to the original 289. It’s fortified with an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor on a matching Performer RPM intake and an electronic ignition system. Engine dress includes an open-element air cleaner with a proper ‘302’ decal, as well as a set of finned aluminum valve covers. A custom accessory drive system with a serpentine belt comes from a late-model Mustang and there’s a giant aluminum radiator with a big electric fan to keep it cool. A few chrome pieces add some sparkle, including the Monte Carlo bar which really makes a difference in chassis stiffness. Look a little closer and you’ll also see a modern master cylinder and power brake booster, and the whole engine bay is finished in satin black to make the fresh engine look especially brilliant.
Underneath, it’s every bit as nice, thanks to that rotisserie restoration. The transmission is a fresh TCI C4 3-speed automatic feeding the original 8-inch rear end with tall 2.80 gears inside, making this a fantastic highway car. Perhaps more significant is the all-new front suspension, which includes A-arms and coil-over shocks, plus a power rack-and-pinion setup that gives this Mustang the kind of steering precision the original designers could only have dreamed about. There are also big disc brakes up front, a new Flowmaster dual exhaust system that sounds awesome through those trumpets and a set of subframe connectors reinforce the tub in a way that you can really feel. New shocks, fresh bushings in the suspension, rebuilt rear brakes, and a new gas tank out back round out the list of restored components. Spectacular 15-inch Tru-Spoke chrome wire wheels look remarkably right on the early Mustang, and carry brand new 205/70/15 whitewall radials.
This car includes some manuals and a massive file of restoration receipts.
There’s obviously an enormous amount of money invested in this beautiful Mustang, turning into one of the best resto-mods we’ve ever seen. It’s everything you want your Mustang to be, only with more of it. It drives beautifully, everything works properly, it’s jaw-droppingly pretty, and only the purists will fail to fall in love. Everyone else? They’ll only envy the person behind the wheel. Call today!
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