1966 Ford Mustang — Coupe, GT350H Hertz

A 1966 Ford Mustang It is the model year with the highest production volume for the first generation: 607,568 units sold in just 12 months—a record no American car would ever match. Visually almost identical to the 1965 model, the 1966 model features subtle refinements and introduces the The Legendary Shelby GT350H from Hertz — 1,000 units painted black with gold stripes for the rental company Hertz, creating the “Rent-a-Racer” program. In 2026, European prices for a 1966 Mustang range between 32 000 € (Base 6-cyl coupe) and more than 400,000 € (GT350H Hertz, numbers-matching).

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Photo: Wikimedia Commons — CC BY 2.0 — Jeremy from Sydney

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What Changed in 1966 Compared to 1965

The differences are subtle yet distinctive (important for authentication):

Front grille: 5 thin horizontal bars (instead of the large 1965 "corral" bars). The central Mustang logo now floats on the grille (it doesn't have the metal frame).
Fake side scoops on the sides: now there is 3 metal slats instead of the two thin ones from 1965 (1966 visual signature)
Redesigned instrument panel: five round gauges instead of the rectangular five-gauge cluster. Considered the most attractive design of the first generation.
3-pronged plug (1965 had two roots)
AM/FM Radio optional for the first time
Expanded color options (including the famous "Sahara Beige")

Mechanically, the engines are the same as those in the standard 1965 models (starting in August 1965, Ford standardized the lineup). The 260 V8 engine It has been discontinued.

Engines available in 1966

Engine	Engine capacity	Power	Version
200 ci I6	3.3 L	120 cv	6-cyl engine
289 ci 2V V8 (“C-code”)	4.7 L	200 cv	Base V8
289 ci 4V V8 (“A-code”)	4.7 L	225 cv	V8 Performance
289 ci K-code HP	4.7 L	271 cv	High-Performance V8
289 ci Shelby GT350	4.7 L	306 cv	Shelby (2,380 units)

GT350H Hertz — the most iconic Mustang of 1966

A Hertz Shelby GT350H It is the most sought-after and most historic 1966 Mustang:

1,000 units manufactured exclusively for Hertz Rent-a-Car
Almost all of them in black with gold side stripes (some Wimbledon White and other rare colors)
Program “Rent-a-Racer”: For $17 per day plus 17 cents per mile, any driver with a license could rent a Shelby GT350H. Many were raced and returned on Sunday night. Stories of cars that came back from the track over the weekend and were rented out as usual on Monday.
Hertz sold them at the end of the program (1966–1967) for $2 500 each. Today, they are worth 250 000-400 000 €.
Initially, all of them had automatic transmissions (Shelby insisted they be manual, but Hertz preferred automatics for non-experts). 80 % automatics, 20 % manuals (the latter are worth more).

The documentation SAAC Registry It's critical for the GT350H. There are replicas and "tributes" on the market. Autozilla does not sell the GT350H without SAAC confirmation.

2026 Prices in Europe

Version	Average Price in the EU in 2026	Great price, in excellent condition
1966 6-Cylinder Coupe 200	32,000–45,000 €	60 000 €
1966 V8 289 C-code Coupe	45,000 – 65,000 €	85 000 €
1966 Fastback V8 289	55,000 – 80,000 €	105 000 €
1966 V8 289 Convertible	60,000 – 95,000 €	130 000 €
1966 K-code 289 (271 cv)	70,000 – 110,000 €	150 000 €
1966 Shelby GT350	180,000 – 280,000 €	380 000 €
1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Automatic	250,000 – 380,000 €	500 000 €
1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz (manual transmission)	300,000 – 430,000 €	600 000 €+

Prices include import + EU VAT + Portuguese registration.

The 1966 Mustang as an Investment

The 1966 Mustang has unique investment qualities:

Highest production ever (607,568) → more options on the market, more stable prices (they don't fluctuate based on a single car sold)
A style considered the most elegant first generation (round five-gauge instrument panel)
Mature mechanics: third model year, all initial defects corrected
GT350H Hertz: a unique combination of rarity (1,000 units) + history (the Rent-a-Racer program) + public recognition = 80% appreciation from Q1 to Q3 between 2018 and 2026 (Hagerty Price Guide)

The base 1966 V8 Coupé is the best starter kit for a beginner collector With a budget of 45,000–65,000 €. For a serious investment, consider the GT350 or GT350H.

How to Import a 1966 Mustang into Portugal

The 1966 Mustang has 60 years in 2026, classical regime HS Code 9705 guaranteed:

EU Customs: 0 %
VAT23 % in Portugal, due upon arrival at customs.
Portuguese ISVISV (Vehicle Tax) calculated based on engine displacement; indicative values, to be confirmed with the Tax Authority.
IMT Approval: €1,200–2,200, 2–4 months
Maritime transport: 1 800-2 500 €

Savings: €30,000-€100,000.

What Autozilla Does for You

Sourcing a 1966 Mustang + Hertz Shelby GT350H specialty networks (officially registered with the Hertz Sports Car Club)
Marti Report Elite + SAAC Registry To Shelby
Pre-purchase inspection On-site in the USA — on request, paid service.
Safe maritime transport in a container
Flexible EU Dispatch (VAT tax optimization)
IMT Approval complete

Request a custom simulation for a 1966 Mustang →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will a 1966 Ford Mustang cost in Portugal in 2026? In 2026, a 1966 Mustang V8 289 Coupe in good condition costs 45,000–65,000 € in Portugal. V8 Fastback: 55,000–80,000 €. V8 Convertible: €60,000–95,000. Shelby GT350H Hertz: €250,000–430,000 depending on the transmission (manual transmission adds +30 %). Prices include import duties + ISV + registration.

What is a Hertz Shelby GT350H? It is a special version of the Shelby GT350 produced in 1,000 units Exclusively for the Hertz Rent-a-Car rental company in 1966. “Rent-a-Racer” program — any driver's license holder could rent a Shelby for $17/day. Characteristic cars: black with gold Hertz side stripes. Value 2026: €250,000-€430,000.

What is the visual difference between the 1965 and 1966 Mustangs? The 1966 model has: a front grille with 5 horizontal bars (not the 1965 "corral"), 3 metal slats on the false side intakes (not 2), an instrument panel with five round gauges (not rectangular), and a 3-spoke steering wheel (not 2). Mechanically, it features a discontinued 260 ci V8 engine.

Which 1966 Mustang is the most sought-after? In ascending order of value: Coupé 6-cyl Shelby GT350H Hertz manual. The GT350H Hertz manual has a unique combination of rarity and history — resulting in faster appreciation.

How many 1966 Mustangs were produced? Ford produced 607,568 Mustangs in 1966 — the model year with the highest production volume for the first generation and one of the highest in American history. Breakdown: Hardtop Coupe ~75 %, Cabriolet ~15 %, Fastback ~10 %.

Can I find a manual Hertz GT350H today? Difficult, but not impossible. Of the original 1,000 units, only about 200 were manual (Hertz preferred automatic transmissions.) Approximately 600–700 GT350Hs remain in existence, of which perhaps 100–150 are SAAC-certified manual models. Annual market: 5–10 units come up for sale worldwide. Prices in 2026: €300,000–430,000.

Is the 1966 Mustang a good fit for the Hertz Sports Car Club? Yes, any Hertz GT350H with original documentation can be registered with the Hertz Sports Car Club (owners' organization). Benefits: official certification, exclusive events, access to Hertz historical documentation. Increases resale value by 10–15 %.

Is the 1966 Mustang more valuable than the 1965? It depends on the version. For the base Coupé and Fastback, 1965 is worth slightly more (first generation, historical value). For Shelby, 1966 is worth more (The GT350 is rarer; the GT350H Hertz exists.) The difference in market value is generally 5–10 %.

See also: 1965 Ford Mustang · 1967 Ford Mustang · 1969 Ford Mustang · Ford Mustang Shelby · Guide to Importing a Car from the U.S. · Available stock