1966 MUSTANG

The 1966 Mustangs were only slightly restyled. The most noticeable change wasthe floating horse in the front grille. Other changes included a redesigned gas cap, bright hood lip molding on all models, standard rocker panel moldings (except on the 2+2), standard back-up lights, redesigned side chrome spires (deleted on the GTs and those with accent pinstripes) and the optional styled steel wheels were revised. A chrome trim ring was used on the wheel, which now had only the center section chromed.

In the interior, different upholstery patterns and colors were used but otherwise the most noteworthy improvement was the use of the five dial instrument cluster. Padded visors were now standard equipment.

The standard engine continued to be the 200 c.i. six cylinder with the three speed manual transmission. The optional Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission was now available with the optional 271 hp. 289 V-8 as well. You'll often find enthusiasts talking about "K' engine equipped Mustangs- this is the letter used to designate the 271hp engine on the Mustang's I.D. number. Fewer Mustangs were equipped with this engine in 1966, only 5,469.

The GT Equipment Group option still used the horizontal and vertical grille bars found on 1965s, but did use a redesigned gas cap. The popularity of the GT option increased as 25,517 Mustangs were thusly equipped.

To commemorate the one millionth Mustang sold, Ford released the Sprint 200 Option Group on all three body styles. The package featured the standard inline 200 c.i. six cylinder engine, wire wheel covers, pinstripes, center console and a chrome air cleaner with a Sprint 200 decal. The Sprint 200 Mustang was also a way for Ford to sell more six cylinder Mustangs, as for a time, there was a shortage of 289 c.i. V-8s. Many magazine advertisements promoted the Sprint 200- most targeting young women- for example, one lead line read "Six and the Single Girl."

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