1966 Ford Mustang

Convertible Convertible

6 - Cyl.

Automatic

6R07T126064

Gasoline

You are looking at a very rare 1966 Mustang Retractable Hardtop Convertible. This car is only one of six known to exist for this model year. It is the only 1966 Mustang in existence with the Wilhelm Motor Works' retractable conversion, containing their kit #1. While this car is very rare, it is not show quality (but it gets beaucoup attention when I take it to a show). I would describe it as a very good "daily driver" in condition. It looks great from 20 feet, but the paint and interior could use some more work to make it show quality. The Wimbledon White paint though not perfect is fresh and very shiny. A show car of this nature would typically sell for six figures, so it is reasonably priced with no reserve. The retractable features of this car are the best I've ever seen, and I've seen several vintage Mustang retractables. The styling cues come from Shelby. Wilhelm Motor Works was a Shelby licensee that had the rights to build these cars from Mustang coupes after they began to run out of Fastbacks while building the Eleanors (G.T.500E). Shelby eventually pulled out of the program before the first retractable was completed. This model was to be called the "G.T.350CR" (Convertible Retracatable). Wilhelm Motor Works designed the retractable kit to have more of a Shelby spoiler look in the back (resembling the 67/68 Shelby rear end spoiler on the trunk). This look allowed them to put more space in the trunk to accommodate the extra room needed for the folding hard top. This system looks like it should be on a Mustang, and it didn't require the car to be lengthened to get the top in the trunk. The top was re-designed to look more like a convertible. The first prototype WMW vehicle is appraised for multiple six figures, so this car has some amazing potential. I am including (as the last photo) a picture of the blue and orange WMW prototype vehicle to show you what potential this vehicle has. That car started out as a six-cylinder vehicle too. Again, the car up for sale is the Wimbledon White car, WMW kit #1! You can see the top going up and down by going to YouTube and searching for "66 Mustang Retractable" or by clicking on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhQQbK-uKMM and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPqqCekBlqw. This car has a carbon fiber top for added strength and less weight (maneuvering the top is done manually). The trunk is fiberglass and has gas-powered lifting rods for ease of use. One person can easily operate the top and trunk (it requires about 10 to 15 pounds in lifting strength). It has the patented Wilhelm Motor Works rear hinge in stainless steel. The top hinges are billet aluminum, and the 2 top latches are substantial metal latches built especially for this application (most vintage Mustang retractables have 4 luggage latches that are not designed to hold down a retractable top). It is my opinion that mechanically, this is the best retractable system on a vintage Mustang. I've never seen a better one in terms of styling and mechanics, and I've never found a Mustang retractable for sale that had a carbon fiber top. This car has had rust work done to it. It has new rear quarter panels and outer rear wheel wells. It looks like the floor pans have been replaced. All of these major repairs were done well, and the rust problems that they addressed have been fixed. It seems like major rust has been avoided or repaired. I am very wary of vehicles from humid or salty environments, but this car is a good one that has avoided cancer pretty well. It obviously spent most of its life indoors. The car was originally an aqua color. It was professionally painted Wimbledon White with decent body work skills applied. If you were to spend the money to have additional work done on the paint, this car would be a real show stopper. I have found no evidence of a major accident. The engine area has been freshened up well, and it is certainly worthy of keeping the hood open at a car show. The engine compartment is interesting for the fact that it has a fairly stock appearance -- something you don't see too often with the original 6-cylinder engines. The engine is an economical 6-cylinder that has less than 1,000 on the rebuild. The automatic transmission was rebuilt even more recently, Mechanically, this car is very sound. It has standard drum brakes, and a single exhaust system that are adequate for the car. It gets mid 20 MPG. I cannot verify the total mileage on the odometer, but it is not too high. It reads around 77K. The wear and tear does not make me think it is 177K miles, but I cannot verify the mileage. The car does not seem to be overly worn or fatigued. Other than the retractable conversion, it has had no other modifications. Some of the newer items I've noted are: Dash pad, sun visors, backup lights, torque boxes, frame strengthening, retractable parts, side emblems, front seat upholstery (rear seat is original and doesn't match front very well), interior door panels, front fender interior splash guards, windshield, chrome around windshield, gas cap, dash speaker, interior kick panels, brakes, exhaust, rear bumper, and tires. The car does not have a radio/stereo. It has the unmolested opening for the vintage radio, which is rare these days. Rather than putting in a newer stereo and messing up the dash, I've left it alone for the next owner to decide. While this car is not perfect, you can see from the photos that it is nonetheless a beautiful car. If I had a "thumbs up" meter, you can be sure that I'd be punching it a lot every time I drive it. The car gets a lot of notice and appreciation. It is a very good daily driver, and it is a pleasure to own and operate. Please email me if you have any further questions. Thanks for looking and reading clear to the end! - Jon Wilhelm