1966 Mustang Coupe
Many collectors prefer the 1966 model coupe, despite the high
number that were produced. The refinements made that year, although
subtle, gave the car a more classic look. The GT option continued
with some of the items in the package available individually.
The Hi-Po, or High Performance, engine option continued to be
available for the 1966 model year. Any model could be ordered
with the Hi-Po for added power and performance. When fitted
out with a 289 Hi-Po engine, four speed transmission, and limited-slip
differential, the Mustang became a hot street machine. Added
to that, a special handling package inclduding stiffer front
and rear springs, larger front and rear shock absorbers, 22:1
steering ratio, and a larger-diameter front stabilizer bar transformed
the Mustang into the ultimate road racer.(Patrick Covert, Ultimate
Mustang)
289 Hi-Po Engine
Ford offered several engine options for the Mustang in 1965,
but the true lovers of speed and muscle opted for a 289cid,
V-8 Hi-Po powerplant. This engine, which came equipped with
a 600 cfm Autolite four-barrel carburetor, delivered a neck-snapping
271 hp. It is easily identified by its chrome air cleaner and
valve covers. "Hi-Po" was Ford's own nickname for
"High Performance," and the name appears on the side
of all Mustangs that were endowed with the more powerful engine.
(Patrick Covert, Ultimate Mustang)
1966 Mustang Fastback
The last production year for the original Mustang fastback
was 1966. This would prove to be an excellent year for the coupe
but fastback sales would drop nearly 50 percent. In its first
two annual runs from its introduction in April 1964 through
the end of 1965 Ford sold nearly 700,000 Mustangs. In 1966 Ford
not only broke the 1 million sales mark with the Mustang, but
also sold a record-setting 607,568 units. Because only a little
more than 35,000 of these were fastbacks this model is highly
collectible today. It was a banner year for the Mustang, but
it was also the last year ford would solely own the pony-car
podium. General Motors was readying the Chevrolet Camaro and
Pontiac Firebird for launch the following year. Chrysler and
American Motors would follow with similar pony-models. By the
end of 1966, the stage was set for battles to come. (Patrick
Covert, Ultimate Mustang)
