1966 Ford Mustang
First generation · Highest single model-year production of any Mustang. The one... · The year the Mustang hit one million
Highly Collectible
Production & Overview
Total Production
607,568
Original MSRP
$2,416
Assembly Plants
Dearborn, MI · Metuchen, NJ · San Jose, CA
Wheelbase
108 inches
Body Styles
Hardtop · Fastback · Convertible
Curb Weight
2,488 lbs
Notable Packages & Production
GT Equipment Group — GT
grille-mounted fog lamps, lower body GT stripes, chrome dual exhaust trumpet tips
289 High Performance (K-code) — K
271hp solid-lifter 289, special heavy-duty suspension, 9-inch rear axle
2-3x a comparable C-code car
5,469
produced
Available Engines
T 200ci — inline-6
Base six — by far the most common 1966 engine
120 hp
C 289ci — V8
289 two-barrel — most common V8
200 hp
A 289ci — V8
289 four-barrel
225 hp
K 289ci — V8
289 High Performance — solid lifters, rare. The K-code is the one collectors hunt.
271 hp
Buyer Checklist
⚠ Clone warning: A fake K-code or GT is the most common fraud — a C-code car dressed up as a GT or Hi-Po. Always verify with cowl tag, engine stamp, and registry before purchase.
Order a Marti Report — it confirms original engine, color and options straight from Ford data
Check VIN position 5 for the engine code — only K is a true Hi-Po
Inspect floor pans and torque boxes — the #1 Mustang rust area
Check cowl vents — rusted cowls leak water onto the floor
Look at the lower rear quarters, trunk floor and rear frame rails
Check shock towers for cracks, especially on V8 cars
GT cars: confirm fog lamps, disc brakes and GT gas cap are period-correct
Convertibles: inspect the top frame and rear seat area for water damage
Verify the door data plate matches the VIN body and paint code
Known Problem Areas
Cowl rust causing water leaks into the footwells
Floor pan and torque box rust
Shock tower cracking
Worn front suspension bushings and steering box play
Six-cylinder cars converted to V8 without documentation
Reproduction GT parts passed off as original
What Drives Value
↑ Increases Value
K-code 289 Hi-Po with Marti Report
Factory GT Equipment Group
Fastback body
Convertible with V8
4-speed manual
Original color confirmed by data plate
↓ Decreases Value
Six converted to V8 without documentation
Cowl or torque box rust
Non-original engine in a documented V8 car
Cloned GT or K-code
Restoration Overview
Difficulty
Low-Medium
Parts Availability
Excellent — nearly every part is reproduced
Driver Quality Cost
$15,000 – $35,000
Show Quality Cost
$45,000 – $90,000
Key Suppliers
National Parts Depot · Classic Industries · CJ Pony Parts
Pop Culture & Legacy
1966 was the Mustang's best single model year for production — more than 600,000 built
The one-millionth Mustang rolled off the line in March 1966
The '65-'66 body is still the most reproduced and restored pony car shape
Other Ford Mustang Years