By: Robert Tate, award-winning automotive historian and researcher
Images courtesy of Henry Ford Media Archives.
In 1966, Ford Motor Company had a great year. Sales continued to climb, fueled by the tremendous success of the Ford Mustang and a lineup of stylish, innovative new models.
One of the most significant introductions of the year was the Ford Bronco, a completely new four-wheel-drive utility vehicle. The Bronco was designed under the leadership of the late Mr. McKinley Thompson Jr. (November 8, 1922–March 8, 2006), who became Ford's first African American automotive designer and played an important role in the vehicle's development. The Bronco was created to compete with the popular Willys Jeep CJ models and the International Harvester Scout. With a starting price of approximately $2,355, the Bronco quickly became a strong seller and established itself as a capable and versatile vehicle.
Mr. McKinley Thompson Jr.
1966 Ford Bronco advertising.
Ford also gained worldwide attention in 1966 with the GT40 Mark II. After years of development, the GT40 achieved a historic 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, giving Ford its first overall victory in the legendary endurance race and solidifying the company's reputation in international motorsports.
That same year, Ford's advertising campaign proudly proclaimed the new lineup as "66 Fords—America's Total Performance Cars," reflecting the company's commitment to combining style, performance, and innovation. The 1966 Ford lineup was among the most exciting ever offered to American consumers. It included the Ford Thunderbird, Ford Mustang, Ford Galaxie, Ford Fairlane, Ford Falcon, Ford Bronco, and a wide variety of popular Ford trucks.
The Ford Mustang continued to be one of America's favorite automobiles. Buyers could choose from economical six-cylinder engines or powerful V-8 options, while the popular Mustang convertible carried a starting price of approximately $2,750. High-performance Shelby GT350 fastback models also remained in high demand, attracting driving enthusiasts and many younger buyers who appreciated their performance and distinctive styling.
1966 Ford Mustang advertising.
The 1966 Ford models did not feature a major styling change from the previous 1965 model lineup. However, they offered refinements that included richer interior appointments, improved stereo sound system options, redesigned safety features, and convenience options such as automatic door locks, all of which many consumers admired and enjoyed.
The Galaxie 500 XL Hardtop carried a starting price of approximately $3,230, while the Custom 500 models began at about $2,640. The Country Squire wagon remained Ford's top-of-the-line full-size station wagon and sold for approximately $3,350.
1966 Ford advertising.
1966 Ford Fairlane advertising.
Another popular Ford model in 1966 was the Fairlane, which many consumers appreciated for its combination of style, comfort, and performance. The Fairlane served as Ford's intermediate-size automobile and was offered in a wide variety of body styles, including the Fairlane 500 XL, Fairlane 500 Squire wagon, Fairlane GT convertible, Fairlane 500 Club Coupe, and the Fairlane 500 four-door station wagon. This diverse lineup gave buyers plenty of choices to fit their needs and lifestyles.
For 1966, Ford continued the Falcon lineup with refreshed styling and a number of attractive features. The sporty Falcon Futura Sports Coupe carried a starting price of approximately $2,330 and featured bucket seats, deluxe wheel covers, and sporty accent trim. Ford also discontinued the Falcon convertible after the 1965 model year, making 1965 the final year that body style was offered.
The 1966 Falcon lineup also included two-door and four-door sedans, as well as practical station wagon models that appealed to families and budget-conscious buyers. As part of its commitment to quality and innovation, Ford's marketing proudly stated, "Every 1966 Ford-built car was designed step by step to be a safer, more convenient, economical and enjoyable automobile."
1966 Ford Thunderbird advertising.
The 1966 Ford Thunderbird also continued to be a strong seller, attracting buyers who appreciated its combination of luxury, comfort, and performance.
Today, Ford's 1966 lineup remains highly respected among collector car enthusiasts around the world. With its blend of refined styling, improved comfort, and dependable performance, the 1966 Ford lineup occupies an important place in American automotive history and will continue to be admired for generations to come.
Bibliography
Dammann H. George. “Illustrated History of Ford” Crestline Publishing 1971.
Sorensen Lorin. “The Ford Road 75th Anniversary-Ford Motor Company 1903-1978 Silverado Publishing Company 1978.
Ford Automotive Sales Material. “66 Fords America’s Total Performance Cars” Ford Motor Company 1966.