The Mustang sold so quickly that the investment in tooling and production lines was more than paid for within the first six months. The classic long-hood, short rear-deck combined with a forward-leaning grille, elegant blade bumpers, sculptured body sides, fully exposed wheel openings and restrained use of bright trim, gave the car a unique look that belied its affordability. Its looks were backed up with power, providing three optional V8 engines with up to 271 horsepower. Other options included automatic transmission, power steering and brakes, styled chrome wheels and air conditioning. Not surprisingly, the entry-level models were a minority of the production.  

 

Production figures: 1964 to 1970

1964	121,538
1965	559,451
1966	607,568
1967	472,121
1968	317,404
1969	299,824
1970	190,727

 

History of JKE190D

 

This car is in extremely good condition having been repainted about 5 years ago. It still sports its original interior in cream vinyl (leather was an option but was fitted to very few cars) with contrasting dark blue carpets. It has seat belts in the front only and these are just lap belts (3 point belts were not standard in the USA in 1966). The car does not have a tachometer (rev counter) – this was another optional extra together with a clock as part of the ‘Rally-Pac’ option.  

 

For 1966 vents were installed in the rear quarter panel behind the doors to allow air to flow through and out of the car. Although these improved ventilation they do mean there is a large blind spot in each rear quarter.  

 

Price in 1966 was $2,607 for the standard car although all the options available could easily take the price of the car over $4,000.  

 

Technical:  

 

• Length 15ft 1in (4.60m), width 5ft 8in (1.72m), height 4ft 3in (1.30m), weight 2,550 lbs (1,157 kg).  
• Engine 289 cu in (4,727cc) ‘small block’ V8 engine with overhead valves.  
• Four barrel Edelbrock carburettor breathing through a K&N Sports filter.  
• Develops 271 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 314 lb ft of torque at 3,400 rpm.  
• 3 speed automatic gearbox.  
• Un-Servo-ed brakes with drums front and rear.  
• Front suspension: independent, double wishbones, coil springs and anti-roll bar.  
• Rear suspension: live axle with semi-elliptic springs and Panhard rod.  
• Re-circulating ball steering – with 3.7 turns lock to lock and no power steering.  
• Wheels: bolt on 14 inch ‘Rostyle’ steel wheels with 205/70 whitewall radial tyres.  
• Tyre pressures (pounds per square inch): Front 24, Rear 24. 0-60 in 8.3 secs.  
• Top speed 115 mph.  
• Fuel consumption – 18 to 22 miles per gallon with a 13 gallon (60 litre) petrol tank giving it a range of about 200 to 250 miles per tank.