'66 Mustang Convertible
'66 Mustang convertible
6T08C246271
Factory Nightmist Blue with white top and
standard blue interior. 289 two barrel engine, C4 automatic
transmission, power steering, power top, console, deluxe seat belts,
factory pin stripe, GT exhaust, converted to dual master
cylinder.
Three adult owners. Purchased new on April
21, 1966 by Edmund "Ted" Harvey of Pocopson, PA as a 25th wedding
anniversary present for his wife, Jeanne. The dealer invoice,
owner's manual and warranty card remain with the car. The price new
was $3439.65. Following expiration of the factory warranty, the
Harveys kept record of their service and repair receipts for the
car. These survive and document the mileage from 1969 through August
1982, by which time it had accumulated 69,171 miles. The Harveys
kept the car for a total of seventeen years, until about early 1983,
when it was sold to Dorothy Strayer of Wilmington,
Delaware.
The car saw little use by Ms. Strayer, who
sold it on April 22, 1988 through George H. Hoffecker, Inc. a
dealer in Smyrna, Delaware. The buyer was Dennis J. and Lucy C.
Stephens of Wilmington, Delaware, The mileage was recorded on that
date as being 71,170 and the purchase price $7200. Ironically, the
sale date was only one day removed from the date it was sold new 22
years before.
Lucy Stephens is the mother of Doug
Richmond, a Shelby enthusiast and owner of Richmond's Automotive, a
high line body shop in Wilmington, Delaware. Being an automotive
professional, he managed the care and maintenance of the Mustang for
her. During her ownership, several upgrades were made to the car,
including conversion to a dual master cylinder and addition of a
factory GT style dual exhaust system. Doug relates that he purchased
the GT rear valence, painted it in his shop, and wrapped it up as a
Christmas present to his mom.
Mrs. Stephens drove the
car less during the early 2000's and by 2003 the registration
lapsed. Doug then took over housing the car at his shop. He drove it
periodically to keep it in running shape, but it mostly sat unused.
A decision was eventually made in 2009 to sell it.
I
learned of the car's availability through a mutual friend and Shelby
enthusiast. I purchased it from Mrs Stephens on March 11, 2010 and
returned it to Pennsylvania. A full safety and mechanical check has
been performed and any required repairs have been done. The car is
now being cosmetically freshened. Mileage is presently about
83,000.
This Mustang was always the "second car" or
"pleasure car" for its three owners, all of whom were adult women.
It was never a "daily driver". It has therefore received easy use,
has been well maintained and spared the rough treatment accorded
many such Mustangs at their value low point in the early 1970's. It
therefore has the solid feel of a highly original car, and is a joy
to drive.
The car was repainted in 1980. The finish has
endured well but has some flaws consistent with thirty years of use.
The factory pin stripe was repainted at the same time. The body
metal is original throughout, with no rust or accident damage. The
engine and driveline are original. The transmission was rebuilt at
78,159 miles in 1993. The interior is presently all original. While
some freshening is planned, the factory seat upholstery is in good
condition and will be retained.
This convertible has
high integrity, a fully known history and is very intact. Overall it
is more of a driver than a show car, but does present itself well in
person. The wire spinner wheel covers in conjunction with the
factory pin stripe impart a formal look, in keeping with its history
of responsible adult ownership.
Offered at $23,900.
|
|
|
|
