Ford Mustang GT A-Code The Dutch most award-winning 1966 for sale

"Restore my Mustang to concours condition." A simple instruction, at least on paper. But what happens when the owner giving that instruction knows almost every nut, bolt and detail of a first-generation Mustang? Suddenly, "good" is no longer enough. Nor is "very good." In this case, there was really only one acceptable standard: as close to perfection as possible. And judging by the results, that instruction was taken rather seriously. This 1966 Ford Mustang GT A-code underwent a thorough restoration with one overriding goal: to return the car to original factory concours condition. Not approximately. Not with a few convenient modern interpretations. The intention was to recreate the car down to the smallest detail. The Ford Mustang needs no introduction. When Ford introduced the Mustang in 1964, it did not simply launch another new model. It effectively created an entirely new category of automobile. The long bonnet, the short rear deck, the low seating position, the bucket seats and the enormous choice of engines and equipment made the Mustang something America had never seen before. The formula was clever. Ford used proven mechanical components from models such as the Falcon, keeping development and production costs under control, while wrapping them in a completely new body. The result looked far more exotic and sporty than its price suggested. Buyers responded accordingly. The Mustang became an instant sensation, and the term "pony car" existed largely thanks to it. By 1966, the Mustang had already established itself as a cultural phenomenon. And among the many engine choices, the A-code occupied a particularly appealing position. Under the bonnet sits Ford's 289 cubic-inch V8, equipped in A-code specification with a four-barrel carburettor. Factory output was rated at 225 horsepower. It sat above the more modest two-barrel 289, while remaining slightly less uncompromising than the famous K-code Hi-Po engine. In many respects, this makes the A-code one of the most attractive specifications for an early-production Mustang: plenty of V8 character and performance, yet still wonderfully usable. But with this particular Mustang, the specification is only part of the story. The previous owner is extremely knowledgeable about Mustangs. This might seem like an advantage for the restoration company, although we suspect they sometimes saw it rather differently. When the person commissioning a restoration knows exactly which component belongs where, which finish is correct and how seemingly insignificant details should look, there is very little room for shortcuts. The instructions were clear: restore the Mustang to concours condition. And that is exactly what happened. The restoration was carried out thoroughly and with great attention to factory originality. Wherever possible, the aim was not simply to make something look new, but to make it look correct. There is an important difference. Anyone can make a restored classic shiny. Recreating the way a car actually left the factory requires research, patience, knowledge and a considerable amount of self-restraint. The result speaks for itself. This Mustang became the most award-winning Mustang in the Netherlands, an achievement that says far more than a freshly polished paint finish ever could. Concours judging is exactly where the smallest details begin to count, and where seemingly minor deviations suddenly become much less minor. The factory colour combination makes the car particularly attractive. The exterior is finished in Sauterne Gold, combined with an Ivy Gold interior. It is an unmistakably 1960s combination and one that suits the Mustang beautifully. On this car it works surprisingly well. Elegant, period-correct and far more distinctive than the familiar red, black or white alternatives. Open the door and the same philosophy continues. The interior does not look like someone's interpretation of a 1966 Mustang. It looks as though the intention was to turn back the clock. Materials, colours, fittings, controls, finishes — About the model — Launched in 1964, the Ford Mustang created the 'pony car' class and became an instant American icon.