1966 Ford Mustang GT K-Code

Description

While some of you might remember when early Mustangs were cheap entry-level classics, your kids will never know that cars like this uber-cool and very rare 1966 Ford Mustang GT K-Code coupe were nothing short of cherished heirlooms. Yes, this in fact a real-deal K-Code coupe, complete with the prerequisite 'K-Code' VIN and numbers-matching 289 Hi-Po V8 and 4-speed manual drivetrain, making it the ideal for both Mustang purists and fair-weather fans of motoring alike. With a slick Ivy Green Metallic paint job, that powerful and rare high-performance drivetrain, and a beautiful black Pony interior, this is one of the nicest Mustang coupes we've ever come across – and it's got an extremely desirable pedigree to boot.

Code R Ivy Green Metallic was indeed this car's original color, so when it was time to restore this GT the builder's made the right choice and paid homage to the past. A modern urethane finish results in miles-deep luster and an incredibly reflective shine, and although the paint job isn't quite show-quality, it's pretty darn close. Only very minor imperfections can be seen, which are typical of a dark-colored car that's been driven a little bit and lovingly washed on the weekends, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a whole lot to complain about on this beauty. And whatever minor flaws you might find could be remedied with a professional cut-and-buff. If you've ever painted a dark-colored car before you know the bodywork has to be darn-near exquisite or every little ripple and imperfection will show, and thankfully the builders of this GT really nailed the livery. It's a laser-straight car with precise gaps and even panel alignment, with body lines so smooth and exact you could set your watch to them. White GT rocker panel stripes between the wheels are the perfect complement to the sophisticated color, breaking up the shade just enough. Correct GT specs include the lack of lower body molding and quarter trim, GT badges on the fenders, fog lamps in the front grille, a GT racing gas cap, and the trumpeted exhaust that exits through the rear valance. Of course, when the paint looks that good, the trim needs to be up to the same levels, so the bumpers wear bright plating, the stainless was polished, and all the remaining brightwork was restored or replaced to look equally sharp.

Sure, the optional luxury Pony interior always looks great, but somehow this green-over-black combination is especially appealing, reminiscent of all those gorgeous British Racing Green roadsters across the pond that seemed to have nothing but black interiors throughout the years. And better yet, everything inside looks new. The seat covers have that soft shine that only comes from correct materials, and the embossed running ponies on the seatbacks are crisp and vivid, the sign of the high-dollar stuff, not the cheap covers. A full-length center console adorned with woodgrain is a great addition to any Mustang, as is the quick-shifting 4-speed gearbox transmission that's always ready to rock. Plush black carpets are protected by correct Mustang floor mats, there's a taut headliner up top, and the Deluxe door panels and imperfection-free black dash pad finish off the elegant cabin perfectly. GT-spec, Rally-Pac gauges look like restored originals and are in excellent shape, framed by a woodgrained instrument panel, matching glove box door, and original 3-spoke steering wheel – all indicative of the upscale Deluxe Interior. The factory fog light toggle switch to the left of the wheel is yet another GT-only option, as is the special DISC-BRAKE pedal below, and although the factory options list is relatively light, you do get a working AM radio that appears to be the original unit, seatbelts, and a working heater. The Deluxe backseat looks completely untouched, and the trunk is finished with plaid mats and a matching full-size spare.

The engine is a K-code 289 Windsor Hi-Po V8, and although we'd typically state that there's no such thing as numbers matching because Ford practically never stamped VINs on their blocks, this small block does in fact have a matching VIN stamp, date-code (1/5/66), and correct casting. It's obvious that the drivetrain was fully restored, and the feisty small block cranks instantly, idles smoothly, and runs and drives just like it did (if not better) in 1966. The snarky small block sounds awesome thanks to an H-pipe dual exhaust and really moves the coupe with authority. Polished valve covers and a matching air cleaner complete with correct decals dominate the engine bay, and the satin black inner fenders, firewall, and other polished components are in awesome condition. Even the oversized master cylinder, reproduction battery, and FoMoCo waterbag are all 100% correct for a GT – proof that nothing was overlooked during the restoration. This Mustang carries front disc brakes, which were standard on the GT, making it the kind of car that you'll appreciate and savor on you drive home. The responsive 4-speed manual transmission shifts cleanly as the Hi-Po motor's ultimate dance partner, and the 9-inch limited-slip rear end is full of gears for easy cruising, while the GT-spec sway bar up front and fresh shocks and bushing throughout give this Mustang fantastic road manners. The undercarriage is incredibly clean and has been painted in show-ready Red Oxide primer just like when it was new, and with all those fresh components underneath be sure to bring your mirrors to the car show. Styled steel wheels are the perfect endcap for this GT, and they all come wrapped in correct 205/70/14 dual-stripe redline Firestone radials with plenty of grip.

Beautifully finished, this Mustang GT covers all the bases: fast, comfortable, stylish, and extremely entertaining. Offered with a reproduction window sticker, this K-Code 1966 Mustang GT is a very special Pony that won't last long. Call today!