THE STORY

In April 1964, Ford introduced the Mustang, the most successful model launch for Ford since the Model A. All sales records were smashed with 22,000 cars being sold on the first day. Within a year, 418,812 Mustangs were sitting in driveways throughout North America.

The car created the “Pony Car” class of American muscle cars, affordable sporty cars with long hoods and short rear decks. Buyers could choose from a number of different options including engine size, transmission type, various interior upgrades, power steering, power brakes and air conditioning.

The Shelby GT350 Mustang variant for 1965 and 1966 has gone down in legend as one of the most desirable muscle cars ever built.

Only four GT350 convertibles were produced at the end of the model run in 1966, one was sold and the other three were used as “test” vehicles.

THE CAR

The car presented here is a beautiful 1966 convertible Shelby-GT350 replica. It is based on the earliest of the four original GT350s, serial number 6S2375, which was Ivy Green with black interior, white convertible top and automatic transmission.

Finished in sparkling Dark Moss Green Metallic paint, this car sports also sports a powered white convertible top with black vinyl trim and matching  black parade boot to cover the convertible top with when in the down position.

This Mustang is rare in that it has its original books which show the car was originally sold by the Alexander Motor Co. Inc in Durham, North Carolina on 24^th August 1966, to a Mr J R Spencer also of Durham, North Carolina.

Since that time, all subsequent ownership has been documented right through to the present day. The 74,740 miles on the odometer are believed to be original.

The C Code 289ci engine is fitted with a Holley, 4V carburettor and after-market Edelbrock intake manifold. Cobra “Powered by Ford” aluminium valve covers have been added to dress up the engine bay.

Power is put to the road by the original 3-speed, C4 automatic transmission and the car has boosted front disc brakes and rear drums.

Engine power is strong, the transmission shifts easily, the car handles very well, the ride is compliant and the exhaust note is perfect and turns heads wherever it goes.

At some stage the car has been fitted with air conditioning and the compressor and condensor are still in situ but the evaporator is missing.

The car has a GT350 wooden steering wheel, gas cap, side air scoops, double white hood and trunk stripes, minimalist front grill and completing the GT350 look is a set of American Racing wheels clad in BF Goodrich Radial T/A tyres.

A Mustang digital radio has replaced the original unit and an after-market tachometer has been added to the steering column.

The data plate decodes as follows:

Body: 76A = Convertible with Standard Interior

Color: Y7 = Dark Moss Green Metallic

Trim: 26A = Black Crinkle Vinyl

Date: 22G = 22 July 1966

DSO: 22 = Charlotte

Axle: 6 = 2.80 : Conventional

Trans: 6 = C4 Automatic