Henry Ford II’s 1966 Ford Mustang GT Convertible
When a classic car is offered for sale, the question of a famous former owner is sure to ignite debate amongst enthusiasts. Some will claim that this history will significantly impact potential values, while others will argue that the impact is negligible. This 1966 Mustang GT Convertible is one such car. Its original owner was none other than Henry Ford II, and it is a genuine 1-of-1 vehicle. However, the time has come for it to head to a new home, so if you’d like to own the Convertible that Henry did, you will find it listed for sale here at Barrett-Jackson. It is set to go under the hammer in Las Vegas, Nevada, from June 17th to 19th, and it is being offered for sale with No Reserve. I have to say a huge thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for referring this unique Mustang to us.
When it’s your name on the product badges at a car company, that status offers you access to vehicles that we mere mortals could never hope to see. That is the case with this Raven Black GT Convertible. From a distance, it looks like your average classic that is in spotless condition. However, when you start examining the details, it becomes clear that this Mustang is unique. Ford France commissioned the car for use by Henry II during his visits to that country. Detailed attention went into the fit and finish of the panels to endure that they were perfect, while the Raven Black paint received a similar level of attention to ensure a mirror finish far above the production examples. The White power top is made from leather, which you won’t see on your average Mustang. Overall, the condition of this classic is flawless, with no chips or marks in the paint, panels that remain laser straight, and not a speck of rust to be found anywhere. The styled chrome wheels shine spectacularly, while this theme continues with the remaining trim. Ford France equipped the GT with tinted glass, and it is no surprise to find that this is spotlessly clean.
As well as glaringly apparent features, this Mustang offers some more minor details that make it stand out. You probably won’t find another Mustang equipped with “HFII” logos. You will see these adorning both doors, along with the horn ring and the seatbelt buckles. They’re subtle, but they add an air of exclusivity to this car.
The last thing that a man like Henry Ford II would’ve wanted was for his keys to become confused with someone else’s. The company ensured this couldn’t happen by having the same “HFII” logos embossed on the Mustang’s keys. It is another excellent touch that adds to the unique aura that this car produces, and the keys alone would provide a talking point amongst enthusiasts.
It was always inevitable that any Mustang commissioned to transport the company’s “numero uno” was never going to hide a six under the hood. Instead, this Convertible featured a drivetrain that was about as good as it got in 1966. The engine bay houses the numbers-matching K-Code 289ci V8. This sweet little engine would be pumping out 271hp, which found its way to the 3.89 rear end via a 4-speed manual transmission. History shows that Henry II liked his cars to be effortless to drive, so the company produced this Mustang with quicker ratio power steering and power front disc brakes. This package should be capable of launching the GT down the ¼ mile in 15 seconds and on to a top speed of 129mph. Whether the great man ever tested this has not been revealed. The engine bay presents superbly, with no evidence of any leaks or issues. The listing indicates an odometer reading of a genuine 68,000 miles, and given this car’s history, that figure seems plausible. The seller doesn’t mention how well the Convertible runs or drives, but it would be fair to expect it to be in sound mechanical health.
The “red carpet” treatment continues when we examine this GT’s interior. The bucket seats were effectively prototypes that would find their way into the 1967 Cougar. These buckets and the back seat are upholstered in Tan leather, while this material also finds its way onto the door trims, console, and sections of the dash. The seats wear the sorts of wrinkles that form part of the character of aged leather, but it still looks invitingly soft and free from defects. The door trims are a story in themselves, and you won’t find a similar set in any other Mustang. Once again, these are prototypes. The production versions would eventually find their way into the 1968 Cougar but without the benefit of leather. The interior comes as fully loaded as you might expect, with features like air conditioning, a console, and an AM/FM radio/8-track player.
When you swing the bucket seats forward, you get a clear look at the back seat. Once again, the leather displays age wrinkles, but it is otherwise perfect. The same is true of the rear trim and carpets, and you can’t help but wonder whether anyone has ever sat back there.
It seems that Ford was determined that Henry II would stay informed about his car’s mechanical health when he was on the move. They decided to fit the car with a comprehensive set of gauges that included the regulation speedometer and fuel gauge, along with gauges for oil pressure, water temperature, and battery charge. A separate binnacle above the dash houses a tachometer and oil temperature gauge, while a clock is mounted in the console. Once again, we are looking at perfection. The markings on all dials are crisp and sharp, while the lenses are clear and free from any apparent flaws.
This 1966 Mustang GT Convertible is a stunning car, and there is no arguing that it is unique. Even without the ownership history, its overall condition means that it should command a six-figure price when it hits the auction blocks. How much the special features and the fact that Ford produced the car specifically for Henry II will add to the value is impossible to determine. However, if you would like to own the Boss’ Mustang, this could be your only chance. It is an auction that would be well worth watching.
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Comments
I guess this is a 1966 “Deuce” coupe?
Not a coupe if the top goes down.
I think that was a play on “Hank the Deuce”
Seeing so many Mustang’s here on BF, they don’t get the WOW factor from me. This one is one of the few exceptions. My first car was a 67 convertible and my first new car was a 87 GT. This car is truly breathtaking, what a gorgeous vehicle. From the dash, to the engine, to the interior, it’s just perfect. Sorry for the drooling.
I agree 💯. One of the first cars I drove back in 1976 was a silver blue 65 or 66 Mustang. It had the 289 (not sure what version) and the C4 (or 6) transmission. It also had a severe case of rust rot, and the owner (not me) smashed it up in a drunken stupor not long after I drove it. I have been looking for a similar one (not rusty crusty, or totalled) since (although my bank account would not cover the expected price). This is one of the reasons that I buy lottery tickets. It is a cheap way to dream.
This one-off will probably bring $250K.
Likely built at Dearborn Assembly and delivered to Ford’s Experimental Garage at the Dearborn proving grounds for modifications and installation of the prototype Cougar items. I used to love taking a walk through the Experimental Garage when I worked as an engineer for Ford. I never knew what I’d see – prototypes of future Fords (sometimes so secret that they were fully disguised and hidden from Ford employees), competitors’ vehicles (sometimes JDM examples of vehicles that weren’t yet available in the US), international Fords (RHD Australian Falcon), older models being tested due to reported defects, pre-production cars being prepped for press events, etc, etc. It was a fascinating place.
This Mustang is a beautiful example. Its color combination is striking. And some of the unique features it has which regular production Mustangs didn’t have is something the new owner can really be proud of. Not to mention all of the items on the car or with the car that have the HFII logos on them. Wow!
I am shocked the car has been driven 68k miles.
A leather convertable top? Wow!
Wow, for sure if you are a cow or a pig. They might see it differently.
Only if they were skinned alive. The leather is a byproduct, not the reason for their existence.
Steve R
No reserve, nice interior.
No air conditioning that I can see in the pix. Cleverly hidden or non existant?
Nope, no A/C. Of course, A/C was not very common back then, especially on convertibles. There are still some people even today who feel A/C is not necessary on a convertible. Take it from someone who has owned a lot of them, it IS necessary to have it such as when you are stopped at traffic lights/stop signs.
It says it DOES have air conditioning.
It says it has AC, but if you look carefully, no AC components are visible in any picture.
Only here on the BF listing does it say a/c, on the BJ listing it does not say a/c that i can see.
A beautiful car, whoever owned it. You would have though The Deuce gave it it one of his kids to drive around.
nice
Price goes up if his a$$ grove is still on driver’s seat.
BFD. Just because this car belonged to someone who never earned his position in life, we are supposed to pay more for it? Beautiful car, I will give you that, but I will never pay extra because someone is famous without effort. Kind of like buying a car owned by a useless Kardashian.
Not sure about your opinion of HF2, but you are spot on about the Kardashians.
Edsel Ford’s death in 1943 put Henry Ford back in charge of the company, and by all accounts, he was no longer fit for the role. Henry Ford II was discharged from the Navy in the hope that he could turn around a company that was critical to the war effort. In 1945, he became president and CEO of Ford at the age of 28. By surrounding himself with bright, young executives known as the “Whiz Kids,” HF II is widely credited with saving the company. So, yes, he was born into affluence, but he earned his place in automotive history.
Okay, a will give him a little credit, but please don’t tell me I am wrong about the Kardashians too.
An interesting side note on Henry Ford’s funeral in 1947;
In the late 1970s I met a retired Detroit police officer who was living in Baltimore with his son & family. At the time I had a 1942 Henney Packard hearse, so he told me this story;
He was performing his official duties as a Detroit police officer at Mr. Ford’s funeral. He was standing about 10 feet from the driver’s door of the 1942 Henney-Packard hearse, keeping people away from the vehicle as they brought ‘ol Henry down the steps to the waiting hearse.
As the pall-bearers began to slide the coffin into the open rear door of the hearse, the vehicle began to slowly move forward, keeping pace with the pall-bearers.
The officer, realizing what was happening, opened the driver’s door and yanked up hard on the emergency brake, and the hearse came to a stop. He said everyone acted as if nothing had happened, and they pushed Henry Ford all the way into the hearse.
I always thought it was a good story, but nothing more. That is, until a couple of years ago, while watching a YouTube video of the funeral, taken from a high rooftop vantage point across the street from the Cathedral, I could clearly see the hearse and the pall-bearers as they approached the rear of the hearse. I watched carefully, and it was easy to see the hearse begin to creep forward.
And just as the man said, I could see this Detroit police officer lunge forward & open the driver’s door, then pull the emergency brake handle!
Here’s the link to see the video, watch carefully as the hearse drifts forward while Henry slides in!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBjDNu3zP1o
And yes, Henry Ford’s last ride was in a Packard, not a Lincoln.
My Dad worked at Ford (Philco) BITD and was on the employee purchase program, my brother & I convinced Dad he should buy a Mustang when they were introduced. I’m happy to see HFII car was spec’d out in very similar fashion to our family car (including 289 & 4 speed), we somehow missed the Leather opton on our convertible! I’d love to own this example, but I prefer the Caspian Blue color of our car, wish we still had it! LD71 :D
Sold for $330K