🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Ford Model: Mustang Year: 1966 Body Style: Convertible (Cabrio) Generation Generation Name: First Generation Generation Years: 1964.5-1973 Codes Vin Code Year: 6 👋 Introduction Market Position Automotive Era: Mid-1960s American Muscle Car and Pony Car segment. Vehicle Concept: Affordable, stylish, and sporty compact car that created the 'Pony Car' segment. Competitive Analysis Direct Competitors 1966: Chevrolet Camaro (introduced 1967, but competitor in spirit), Plymouth Barracuda, AMC Javelin (introduced later). Segment Creation: The Mustang's success defined and dominated the Pony Car segment for years. Key Features Styling Iconography: Long hood, short deck, distinctive grille, and iconic Mustang side scoops. Convertible Appeal: Open-air driving experience, popular body style for the era. Customization Potential: Offered a wide range of factory options and aftermarket parts, allowing for significant personalization. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Digital 3D Model with Texture Maps Language: N/A (Model data) Page Count Page Count: N/A (Digital Model) Format Primary Format: .3ds Secondary Formats: .ms3d, .obj, Bryce6.3 (.obp) Texture Support: Yes Material Support: Yes Licensing License Agreement: No License 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Visual Representation: Complete exterior and interior visual representation of the 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible. Component Breakdown: Detailed polygonal mesh representing body panels, chassis components, interior elements, and potentially engine bay details. Procedures Included Assembly Disassembly Visualization: Enables visualization of part placement and assembly/disassembly sequences. Design Analysis: Facilitates analysis of the vehicle's design, proportions, and component integration. Customization Planning: Aids in planning customization projects by providing a detailed 3D reference. Technical Depth Level Of Detail: High (24 Meshes, 30748 Faces, 21687 Vertices indicates significant detail). Application: Primarily for 3D rendering, visualization, game development, historical reconstruction, and automotive design studies. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Supported 3D Formats: .3ds, .ms3d, .obj Rendering Software Compatibility: Bryce6.3 (.obp) Print Quality Print Readability: N/A (Digital 3D Model, not a print manual) Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital File) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital File) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Options 1966 Engine 1: 200 cu in (3.3L) Inline-6 Engine 2: 289 cu in (4.7L) V8 (2-barrel carburetor) Engine 3: 289 cu in (4.7L) V8 Hi-Po (4-barrel carburetor) Engine 4: 289 cu in (4.7L) V8 GT (High Performance, 4-barrel carburetor) Performance Horsepower Range: 120 hp (Inline-6) to 225 hp (289 Hi-Po/GT). Torque Range: 190 lb-ft (Inline-6) to 302 lb-ft (289 Hi-Po/GT). Fuel System Carburetion Options: Single-barrel (Inline-6, 289 2V) or Four-barrel (289 Hi-Po/GT) carburetors. Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (typical for the era, though leaded was common). 🔧 Transmission Standard Standard Transmission: 3-Speed Manual Transmission Optional Optional Transmission 1: 4-Speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission 2: 3-Speed Cruise-O-Matic Automatic Transmission Features Clutch Type: Dry single plate (manual transmissions). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 108 inches (2743 mm) Length: 183.6 inches (4663 mm) Width: 69.1 inches (1755 mm) Height Convertible: 51.6 inches (1311 mm) Weights Curb Weight Range: Approx. 2,500 - 2,900 lbs (1134 - 1315 kg), depending on engine and options. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 3,700 lbs (1678 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rating 1966: N/A (No standardized crash testing by NHTSA in 1966 as we know it today). Active Features Brakes: Hydraulic drum brakes all around. Optional front disc brakes were available on some models (especially GT). Steering: Recirculating ball steering. Power steering was an option. Passive Features Seatbelts: Optional front seat belts were standard on early models by late 1965, but rear belts were not standard. Lap belts. Body Construction: Unibody construction with a separate steel frame under the floor pan. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Radio Options: AM radio, AM/FM radio (optional). Speaker Configuration: Single dashboard speaker typical, optional rear speakers. Driver Assistance ABS Availability: N/A (ABS was not available). Cruise Control Availability: N/A Connectivity Bluetooth Availability: N/A Usb Ports Availability: N/A 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or 6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil quality used). Tune Up Interval: Every 12,000 to 24,000 miles (includes spark plugs, points, condenser). Transmission Fluid Change: Every 24,000 to 36,000 miles for automatic transmissions, manual clutch fluid inspection. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: API Service SF/CD rated oil, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (consult owner's manual for specific viscosity based on temperature). Coolant Type: Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water). Transmission Fluid Automatic: Ford ESSEX Type-AH (or Dexron II/III as modern equivalents). Brake Fluid Type: DOT 3 heavy-duty hydraulic brake fluid. Known Issues Rust Prone Areas: Wheel wells, rocker panels, floor pans, trunk floor, rear quarter panels, door bottoms. Engine Carburetor Issues: Carburetor adjustment, fuel leaks, vacuum leaks common with age and wear. Electrical System Ageing: Fraying wires, corrosion, failing switches, generator output issues. Suspension Wear: Worn ball joints, tie rods, bushings, shock absorbers contribute to poor handling. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Ford Legacy: Ford Motor Company, established in 1903, has a long history of...
Worn ball joints, tie rods, bushings, shock absorbers contribute to poor handling.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Ford Legacy:
Ford Motor Company, established in 1903, has a long history of automotive innovation and mass production.
Ford Philosophy:
Focus on accessible, reliable, and performance-oriented vehicles.
Model Evolution
Mustang Introduction:
Launched on April 17, 1964, as a 1964.5 model. Became an instant sensation.
1965 Vs 1966 Differences:
1966 models received minor styling updates: grille opening wider, horizontal bars in grille, side ornamentation changes, more engine options available across more trims.
Production
Production Location:
Dearborn, Michigan; San Jose, California; and Lorain, Ohio.
Production Volume 1966:
Over 607,000 Mustangs produced in the 1966 model year.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Motoring Icon Status:
Widely recognized as a definitive automotive icon and a pioneer of the Pony Car class.
Sales Success:
Record-breaking sales figures in its initial years cemented its success.
Ratings
Critical Acclaim 1966:
Received widespread positive reviews for styling, performance (with V8 options), and affordability.
Certifications
Historic Vehicle Designation:
Many early Mustangs are now considered historic vehicles by various automotive clubs and organizations.
Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.