1966 Ford Mustang

1966 Ford Mustang Convertible — Emberglo Copper, 302 V8, Custom Build

The 1966 Ford Mustang convertible is one of the most recognized automobiles in American history, and for good reason. Ford sold over 607,000 Mustangs in calendar year 1966, making it the best-selling model year of the first-generation run. Of those, convertibles accounted for roughly 72,000 units — a meaningful slice, but a fraction of the total production. When you factor in the color, the engine, and the level of custom work on this particular car, you're looking at a configuration that would not have been easy to find even the day it rolled off the Dearborn line.

The VIN on this car decodes to confirm it was assembled at the San Jose, California plant — the "T" in the sixth position of the sequence identifies that facility. San Jose-built first-generation Mustangs are well-documented among collectors, and the California assembly origin adds a layer of regional history that enthusiasts appreciate. The body style code confirms the convertible body, and the sequence number places this car solidly within the 1966 model year production run.

The color is Emberglo, Ford's factory copper-brown metallic that was offered during this period and has a warmth to it that photographs do not fully capture in person. It is a less common choice compared to the period's reds and blacks, which makes this car easy to identify in a crowd of first-generation Mustangs. Paired with a red and parchment two-tone vinyl interior and a white convertible top, the color combination is cohesive and period-correct in spirit, even as the car has been thoroughly updated mechanically and cosmetically.

This 1966 Ford Mustang convertible has been built as a driver — one that can be used regularly, driven confidently, and enjoyed without the anxiety that comes with a numbers-matching show car. The owner invested in a long list of practical upgrades: modern ignition, upgraded cooling, better braking, and a Magnaflow dual exhaust system, all while keeping the car's proportions and character true to the original design.

Key details
Exterior: Emberglo Copper
Interior: Red And Parchment
Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic
VIN / chassis: 6T08T144028

Offered by Skyway Classics, 10420 Portal Crossing, Bradenton, FL 34212. Taxes, title and fees not included.

Photos courtesy of Skyway Classics.