The 1966 Ford Mustang is universally recognized as one of the most successful and iconic American cars. This particular 1966 Ford Mustang Resto Mod takes that classic coupe design and integrates superior modern engineering. The result is a vehicle that delivers exhilarating performance and handling on par with contemporary sports cars. This build seamlessly combines the timeless aesthetics of the original with comprehensive safety and comfort upgrades. It stands as a true example of a thoughtfully executed high-performance classic.
Exterior and Styling Enhancements
The body is finished in a striking Midnight Blue Metallic paint, contrasted sharply by bold silver racing stripes. This color combination emphasizes the aggressive styling modifications. The car features a fiberglass front bumper and a Shelby GT 350-styled fiberglass hood. These additions provide an aggressive, race-inspired look. DOT-legal Vision-X 7 VXLED headlights update the lighting technology greatly. The engine bay itself is a work of art, featuring hidden wiring and stainless-steel bracket supports.
Chassis and Suspension Engineering
The most significant performance upgrades are found beneath the skin, focusing on the chassis. Extensive components from Chris Alston Chassisworks TCP ensure track-ready handling. These include fully adjustable front coilovers, tubular control arms, and forged spindles. Rack and pinion steering with a KRC pump provides precise, modern feel. Furthermore, subframe connectors and adjustable Varishock rear shocks stiffen the chassis considerably.
Braking and Wheel Setup
Stopping performance has been vastly improved with the installation of Wilwood front and rear disc brakes. These powerful brakes are paired with a Wilwood master cylinder for confident and reliable deceleration. The Mustang rides on classic yet aggressive Torque Thrust II wheels. The staggered setup, 16×7 front and 17×8 rear, gives the car a muscular stance. The braking and handling components create a truly capable vehicle.
Custom Interior and Modern Comfort
The interior perfectly matches the exterior’s high standard of customization and comfort. It features Procar Elite Series bucket seats for excellent support during spirited driving. The cabin also includes modern necessities like Vintage A/C for comfortable operation in any weather. A TMI suede headliner enhances the premium feel inside the coupe. The overall aesthetic is one of refined, performance-focused comfort.
Driver’s Interface and Technology
The driver interacts with a Corso Feroce 14 black leather Shelby GT-350 steering wheel. It is mounted on a Flaming River tilt column, improving adjustability and access. A custom JME cluster houses accurate Auto Meter Phantom gauges. For entertainment, there is a modern Kenwood media receiver with Bluetooth and Sirius tuner. The audio system includes a Pioneer 2000-watt amp, a subwoofer, and premium speakers. Safety is significantly enhanced with the addition of 3-point seatbelts for all four seating positions.
Power, Engine Specs, and Performance
Under the custom hood sits a powerful Ford Racing Performance 5.0L/302 GT-40 aluminum head crate engine. This V8 produces an exhilarating 340 horsepower, a huge leap over the original. Fuel delivery is handled precisely by a Holley Sniper electronic fuel injection system. Cooling is ensured by dual electric fans and a new aluminum radiator. Power is transferred via a Tremec TKO600 5-speed manual transmission with a hydraulic clutch. This combination ensures maximum driver engagement and reliability. The rear axle is an 8.8 limited-slip unit with 3.73 gears.
Summary of the Mustang Resto Mod
This 1966 Ford Mustang Resto Mod is an exceptional build that successfully blends classic looks with modern, high-end components. Its 5.0L/340 HP V8 engine and Tremec TKO600 manual transmission provide exhilarating performance. The Wilwood brakes, full TCP chassis, and Vintage A/C make it a comfortable and capable machine. This Mustang offers stunning aesthetics and genuine track-ready capabilities for the discerning enthusiast.
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Source: motorcarclassics.com
