1966 Ford Mustang Convertible - 289 - Factory AC

[msclassiccars]

1966 Ford Mustang Convertible - 289 - Factory AC

**THIS VEHICLE IS SELLING WITH NO RESERVE AT THE NEW ENGLAND AUTO AUCTION AT THE OWLS HEAD TRANSPORTATION MUSEUM LOCATED IN OWLS HEAD, ME ON AUGUST 22-23. IT'S SELLING ON SATURDAY AUGUST 23RD. LOT #88. IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING PLEASE REGISTER DIRECTLY WITH THE NEW ENGLAND AUTO AUCTION TO BID. YOU CAN BID IN PERSON, OVER THE PHONE OR ONLINE. PLEASE CALL WITH ANY QUESTIONS. DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!**

DEDICATED TO:

Peter Vender Veen (1936-2021)

Peter Robert Vander Veen was born in Grand Rapids, MI on January 3rd, 1936. Peter was united in marriage on June 30th, 1975 to Barbara Helder, who preceded him in death on September 23rd, 2015. He graduated from Ottawa Hills High School and attended Western Michigan University. He owned his own road construction company. He was a member of the Western Michigan Mustang Club where he and Barbara regularly went to car shows in their restored, vintage 1966 black Mustang convertible and won many awards. They valued the friendships they made with other members of the club over the years. Other hobbies included their flower garden and extensive John Deere collection, of which both were profiled in their local newspaper. He and Barbara enjoyed watching NASCAR and had their favorite drivers they rooted for. He loved spending time with friends and family including his 4-legged ones. Survivors include his three sons, stepdaughter, 11 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

This spectacular 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible 289 with factory air conditioning has been restored to the highest standards. It's known for being one of the most handsome '66 Mustang Convertibles on the show circuit. The 1966 Ford Mustang is a popular and iconic classic car representing the final year of the first-generation Mustangs initial design. It built upon the success of the 1964 ½ and 1965 models, offering refinements and customization options. Ford sold over 600,000 Mustangs in 1966, making it a sales success and a cultural phenomenon. As the VIN number and Data Plate indicate this example was built on April 29th in Dearborn, Michigan as a 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible with a Raven Black exterior, black interior, C-code 289 V8, C4 automatic and 2.80 standard differential with a Indianapolis district code. This car is equipped with the following options: white convertible power top, tinted windshield, visibility group, luggage rack, styled steel wheels, 6.95x14 WSW tires, Rally-Pac clock/tachometer, deluxe seat belt lights, Fordaire conditioning with heater, console with air conditioner, Radio AM-FM, power steering and power brakes. Dealer added options include matching right hand mirror, GT style fog lights, door edge guards, vanity mirror, rotunda compass, lights on buzzer, glove box light, engine and trunk compartment lights, remote control trunk release, emergency brake warning light, chrome engine dress up kit and dual exhaust system. From the information gathered this car was sold to Tony Betton and Sons Ford located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was purchased on August 20th, 1979 by Peter Vender Veen who lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Peter purchased the car to enjoy as a third vehicle with his wife Barbara. Eighteen years later in 1997, he decided to have the entire car professionally restored to factory standards. He sent the car to well-respected Van Cura's Classic Restorations located in Ferrysburg, Michigan. This company was known for high quality restorations and their clients paid the price. The entire vehicle was stripped to bare metal and accurately reassembled. The engine was sent to CD's Engine Service located in Hudsonville, Michigan in 1997 for a complete rebuild. The car was completed a few years later in 1999. Over the next 17 years, Peter meticulously improved the car including every nut and bolt. Upon completion he showed the car at Mustang Club of America events in the MCA Concours Trailered and Driven Class. He also showed it at the Lake Bluff Concours. Peter owned this car for 42 years before his passing in 2021. This car was truly his pride and joy which he enjoyed with his wife Barbara. In October of 2021, It was purchased by its previous owner who lives in Ferrysburg, Michigan. The previous owner treated the car with the best of care and showed it occasionally. In 2023, it was shown at the MCA Nationals in Indianapolis where it achieved a prestigious award. Judging sheets and the award are included. It was purchased by MS CLASSIC CARS in July of 2025. This vehicle has been completely serviced and detailed by MS CLASSIC CARS which is documented with an invoice that's included. A new binder with tons of receipts, registrations, appraisals dating back to 1979 are included. Original owner's manuals, instruction tags, Ford first aid kit and Rotunda dusting cloth container are also included.

The exterior is simply stunning with its stylish factory design and color combination. It's like the car slipped on a tuxedo for the red carpet. The body was completely stripped to bare metal, primed and refinished in its original color of Raven Black. The body is extremely straight and it has excellent body gaps throughout. The show quality paint was recently detailed by the team at MS CLASSIC CARS for a deep and glossy finish. It was outfitted with a new white convertible power top that fits like a glove. The top is fully operational and has a cover for when it's in the down position. Everything on the exterior was restored or replaced new during the restoration such as all the glass, trim, wiper arms, antenna, dual mirrors, hood trim, front grill, headlights, front bumper, parking lights, door handles, door edge guard, lower rocker moldings, quarter panel trim, luggage rack, rear taillights, gasp gas, rear bumper and emblems. As outlined above this car is decorated with many dealer add on accessories which separates it from the rest of the crowd. The car sits on 14” polished mag wheels with red Mustang center caps. The wheels are mounted to Hankook Optimo 195-75-14 white side wall tires. The glass has factory assembly stickers.

The interior is beautiful with its iconic appearance and attention to detail. It was restored in its original color of standard black. Everything in the interior was restored or replaced new such as the sun visors, rear view mirror, dash pad and fascia, knobs and controls, gauges, stereo, steering wheel, air conditioner, center console, shifter, door panels, vent window and door window cranks, bucket seats with seat belts, pedals and carpeting. As outlined above this car is decorated with many dealer add on accessories. It's even equipped with a Ford Mustang embossed tissue dispenser. The factory installed air conditioning is in excellent working order. The trunk compartment was nicely restored. It's equipped with a trunk mat, full spare and jack tools.

The engine compartment is highly detailed throughout with many correct parts. The backside of the hood was refinished in the body color. The firewall, inner fenders and radiator support was refinished in the correct shade of black. It's powered by the original C-code 289 2V V8 engine that was factory rated with 200hp. This engine was completely rebuilt and runs amazing. The blue engine is dressed with chrome valve covers and air cleaner which looks like jewelry. Everything in the engine bay was restored or replaced new such as the hinges, wiring, power brake booster and master cylinder, pulleys, brackets, carburetor, distributor, coil, regulator, spark plug wires, hoses, power steering, radiator, fan, washer fluid bag and correct style battery. The engine breathes through factory manifolds and a dual exhaust system that sounds perfect. The engine is coupled to the original C4 automatic transmission that was also rebuilt and shifts smoothly. The power is transferred to the original rear end differential with 2:80 gears. The engine compartment was decorated with factory assembly marks and stickers.

The undercarriage is also highly detailed throughout with many correct parts. The floors were refinished in the correct red oxide primer with some black overspray. Everything was restored or replaced new including the steering components, suspension parts, braking system and fuel system. The parts were decorated with factory assembly marks. This undercarriage should be displayed with mirrors if shown at a car show or if it's on display.

This vehicle has a clean Michigan title and being offered from the MS CLASSIC CARS Collection for the first time with NO RESERVE! This is definitely the carrot of the collection and a must have for any enthusiast. Don't miss this one!