Description
Following its introduction in April 1964, the Mustang played a significant role in Ford’s ‘Total Performance’ motorsport programme.
Launched as a ‘notchback’ hardtop or a convertible – with the ‘fastback’ model following a few months later – it was offered with a range of engines, transmissions and optional extras. The entry-level model was powered by a 170-cubic-inch straight-six, while the most powerful option was the 271bhp ‘high-performance’ 289-cubic-inch V8, which came with an all-synchromesh four-speed manual gearbox. Other transmissions throughout the range included a three-speed manual and an auto.
Drum brakes were used all round, but front discs became an option from 1965 and were standard as part of the ‘GT Equipment Package’. Front suspension was via upper wishbones and lower control arms, plus coilover dampers, and at the rear there was a live axle and leaf springs.
More than 400, 000 Mustangs were sold during the model’s first 12 months, and the one-million mark was reached in only two years. It was a runaway sales success and has become a landmark in automotive history, thanks not only to cultural highlights such as Steve McQueen’s epic Bullitt car chase, but also an impressive competition pedigree.
The Mustang enjoyed success in rallying, circuit racing and criterium-style events such as the Tour de France. In the 1964 running of that gruelling long-distance event, three Mustangs were entered by Alan Mann Racing for Bo Ljungfeldt, Peter Procter and Peter Harper, and a fourth car was entered by Ford France for Henri Greder. Despite a strong field that included multiple winner Bernard Consten in his Jaguar, Procter and Harper finished first and second in the Touring category.
Alan Mann Racing won the 1965 British Saloon Car Championship with a Mustang driven by Roy Pierpoint, and Henri Greder took victory in that year’s Marathon de la Route at the Nürburgring. The Frenchman also won his class on the 1965 Rallye des Routes du Nord, while future Formula 1 star and multiple Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx raced a Mustang in the 1967 Spa 24 Hours.
The 1966 Ford Mustang convertible being offered for sale here was acquired for its owner by RPS in 2017 as a standard road car. We then converted it into a long-distance historic rally car so that he could take part in the Endurance Rally Association’s Trans-America Challenge.
For the rally car build a new 289-cubic-inch (4. 7-litre) V8 engine was fitted, and the automatic gearbox was reconditioned. Upgrades to the brakes throughout included Willwood front discs, callipers and master cylinder and uprated linings at the rear. Also at the rear of the car the rear axle was upgraded. Uprated shock absorbers were installed alongside underbody protection for those rough roads.
The interior has been retrimmed with a leather finished steering wheel, RPS specification Recaro seats matched with our chosen TRS competition harnesses being installed. A roll cage was fitted, and also inside the car some navigators’ storage and a Monit trip meter were part of the build specification. Subsequent work has included the fitment of twin fuel pumps.
The paintwork has been protected with a ceramic coating, and the soft-top has been replaced,
The Mustang has been maintained throughout and has successfully completed each of the events on which it has taken part. After the Trans-America Challenge, it was entered for Rally The Globe events including the Carrera Espana, Carrera Italia and Carrera Bavaria, as well as Rally Round’s Paris-Biarritz Rally.
Bought by a novice crew who wanted a strong, solid car for which spare parts would be readily available, this Mustang would make a superb entry-level historic endurance rally car. Well-sorted and easy to run, it’s eligible for a wide range of events and is perfect for newcomers and experienced crews alike.
The car is currently with Rally Preparation Services sister Company, the RPS storage facility and available for inspection. All viewings and test drives welcomed through direct contact with Rally Preparation Services.
All viewings and test drives welcomed by appointment at Rally Preparation Services.
All enquiries please contact us on using the button below or telephone +44(0)the details below
