The '66 Mustang With Aston Martin Vibes
I can’t say I’ve ever thought of a vintage Ford Mustang as having James Bond Aston Martin vibes, but the stunning Silver Frost 1966 convertible I had the pleasure of riding around in recently changed that. Owned by local car guy (and fellow University of New Hampshire alum!) Ian Henry, this particular Mustang jumps out for several reasons, but the silver finish hit me hardest.
The Silver Frost Shade Is Strong
Ford built a whole lot of Mustangs in 1966, but from what I can tell, they’re all red, white, or blue. So to see this one in its factory shade of Silver Frost - including one repaint - was pretty neat. Yes, I know, a ‘60s Mustang is not likely to be mistaken for a period Aston DB5 were they sitting side-by-side. But I’m telling you, on a sunny day, with that shimmering silver sheen from the three-quarter angle, there’s a resemblance.
Which has nothing to do with the story behind this car. Though we didn’t discuss it, I don’t believe Ian has any burning desire to drive James Bond’s car from back in the day. He has, however, possessed that need with another car for the better part of 15 years. That’s how long Ian has been saving up to buy his dream ride, a vintage Ford Mustang.
A Lifelong Ford Mustang Passion
The Mustang love goes as far back as he can remember, from his days of playing with Micro Machines and Hot Wheels. Interestingly, Ian’s dyed-in-the-wool car enthusiasm is out of the blue. Unlike so many gearheads out there, he does not have a family member or friend who showed him The Way of The Car. Instead, he’s just always loved them and the Mustang in particular.
So, when close friend and podcast co-host Brendan found this ‘66 convertible for sale from an older gentleman, he pressed Ian to buy it. Though it took him a few months to pull the trigger on a car that is purely for fair-weather fun, the planets were truly aligned. A longtime skier and keen observer of the winter solstice, Ian learned this Mustang was built either on or within a day of the 1966 astronomical event. The Silver Frost paint seemed to be the universe talking to him…”Buyyyy thisss carrrr.”
Six Degrees Of New Jersey
Sidebar: This Mustang was built at the old Ford plant in Metuchen, New Jersey. Not far from where I grew up and a place I remember clearly. When Ian mentioned this, he delivered an…unusual pronunciation of Metuchen. Now, I’m from the Garden State, so I fully understand why it would seem outrageous pour moi to question anyone else’s accents. BUT, I offered Ian my thoughts on how locals would pronounce Metuchen, which he seemed pleased to find out, as he might be the only person I’ve ever met without a connection to NJ. I’m joking…sort of.
How To Kick Ass With A Classic Mustang
Anyway, Ian’s ‘66 Mustang convertible is nothing short of kick ass. It has 148,000 original miles, the factory 289 V8, and a factory-optional power-operated soft top. The chrome side strakes were offered in 1966 only - and definitely bring the vintage Aston vibes - while touches of chrome set off that Silver Frost finish just so.
Modifications have been sparingly, but tastefully applied, and dial up the car’s usability immensely. Like the electronic ignition that fires the Mustang up as though it is not six decades old. Or the upgraded cooling system that makes regular driving in the summer a breeze.
All that said, the MagnaFlow glasspack mufflers are what really get the gearhead blood flowing. Rumbling with a just-right growl on start-up and delivering a glorious aural symphony of vintage V8 goodness when pushed, this old Mustang had me grinning from ear to ear.
Dear Ford - I Would Like A Vintage Mustang Please
Ian took us for a spin on a warm summer day, with the top down of course, to get a feel for how fun his Mustang really is. My Mazda6 seems low to the ground compared to the typical modern crossover. But sitting in Ian’s old Ford felt like sitting on the pavement. Ultra-thin pillars, a wide-open view, and little to nothing in the cabin to get in the way.
Without a doubt, modern cars are safer and objectively better across the board than their 1960s predecessors. However, there is no denying the freeing sensation of cruising around in a 100% analog ride like Ian Henry’s 1966 Ford Mustang convertible.
Did I mention the sound of that V8? Hot dog! Putting his foot into it, the car gets up and GOES. The truth is, it had me scouring the listings for classic Mustangs. Not that I would buy one of course, but hey, you never know.
Be sure to check out Ian’s Life + Cars podcast for more automotive fun!
Photo Credits: Ian Henry