Henry Ford II, better known as “Hank the Deuce,” had this 1966 Mustang GT convertible built to his specifications. And when you own and run Ford Motor Company, you get only the best. So this unique, custom-made ‘vert has some eye-popping details that make it extremely special. And extremely collectible.

Someone will have a chance to own Henry Ford II’s special 1966 Mustang

Now, someone will have a chance to own Henry Ford II’s special Mustang because it is hitting the Barrett Jackson auction in Las Vegas. Even without the custom flourishes, this is a special Mustang. But combined with them it is expected to sell for a lot of cha-cha. 

This was commissioned for Mr. Ford for his forays in France. Remember, this was in the days of the Ford GT 40 race cars winning the world championship. He opted for the top-of-the-line GT model with the performance K-code package. 

Being a K-code adds to the uniqueness and desirability of this 1966 Mustang

The K-code means the engine is the high-performance version of Ford’s 289 ci V8 small block. These were built with four-barrel carburetors, improved cylinder heads, solid lifters, beefier valve springs, and a hotter cam. Bigger rods and high-compression pistons completed the performance K-code package.

These engines spec’d out to 271 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a four-speed manual transmission, this was the most sporting of anything Ford made at the time. Only 13,200 K-code Mustangs were made, most being coupe versions.

Ford added two options normally not found on K-code Mustangs. He had both power steering and air conditioning installed. Rounding out the GT package was front disc brakes, dual exhaust, fog lights, and special mag-like chrome wheels. 

There are a lot of one-off custom touches designed into Henry Ford II’s Mustang

One-off touches included the lower white stripes over the Raven Black paint. The white leather top was matched to a tan leather interior. An Am radio and eight-track tape player rounded out the interior. 

But the seats and door panels were not stitched as typical 1966 Mustang production vehicles. The seats previewed those found on 1967 Mercury Cougars. And the door panels aped what would show up on 1968 Mustangs. HFII monograms can be found on the steering wheel horn ring, doors, seat belt buckles, and even the keys. 

Even one or two of these unique touches would make this a desirable find for Mustang collectors. Taken as a whole, and with the provenance of Ford’s ownership, this special, numbers matching, convertible won’t sell cheaply. No one will venture what the gavel price might be, but it will be worth watching. 

The auction runs from June 17-19, 2021, in Las Vegas.