1966 Ford Mustang 289 Group 2
1966 Ford Mustang 289 Group 2
Brand
Ford
Year
1966
Country
United States
Generation
Mustang I
1966 Ford Mustang 289 Group 2
Brand
Ford
Year
1966
Country
United States
Generation
Mustang I
About this car
Discover the history
The 1966 Ford Mustang 289 Group 2 holds a special place in racing history, particularly for its involvement in the SCCA Trans-Am series, where Ford sought to make a mark with its Mustang in competition against other muscle cars. These Group 2 Mustangs were specially built by Shelby American, using the high-performance K-code 289 cubic inch V8 engine. Initially, 16 cars were prepared for competition, designed with significant weight reduction and race-specific enhancements such as heavy-duty suspensions, improved braking systems, and high-capacity fuel tanks.
This racing program was intended to push the Mustang into professional racing, leveraging the experience Shelby had gained with the GT350. However, the Mustang fastback, which was Shelby’s preferred platform, did not comply with the Trans-Am rules for the A-Sedan class, as it was classified as a two-seater. This led to the development of notchback models that would comply with the SCCA’s specifications. The cars were stripped down to their essential components, focusing on maximizing performance within the regulatory constraints.
One of the most famous of these cars was prepared for Ken Miles, a legendary driver known for his association with Ford’s GT40 program. Unfortunately, Miles passed away in 1966 before he could race the car, but it went on to achieve success under the ownership of John McComb. McComb raced the car in various SCCA events, securing victories at Green Valley Raceway in Texas and Continental Divide in Colorado, helping Ford clinch the manufacturers’ championship that year.
The Group 2 Mustang was not only competitive on American tracks but also made its mark internationally. In Europe, the Mustang entered the fiercely competitive ETCC, where it went head-to-head with the likes of Alfa Romeos, BMWs, and Ford Escorts. Despite its relatively larger size and weight compared to the smaller European cars, the Mustang’s raw power and reliability allowed it to challenge for victories.
The Mustang’s presence in the ETCC solidified its international racing reputation, especially on iconic circuits like the Nürburgring and Spa-Francorchamps. It also participated in endurance events such as the 24 Hours of Daytona and Sebring, proving its durability and engineering under extreme racing conditions. The Ford Mustang 289 Group 2 became a favorite among privateer racers due to its affordability, ease of modification, and competitive nature, which allowed it to be used in various national and international events well into the 1970s.
Some of these cars were built to compete in European FIA rallies, further showcasing their versatility. The design and build quality of the Group 2 Mustangs set a standard for how muscle cars could be adapted to road racing, particularly through their use of Shelby’s GT350 components and race-proven technologies.
After their racing careers, many of these cars became valuable collectors’ items due to their rarity and significance in Ford’s racing history. Some, like the car originally built for Ken Miles, underwent detailed restorations to preserve their historical integrity while maintaining their original specifications. These cars are now celebrated as some of the most important race-prepared Mustangs ever built, remembered for their contributions to Ford’s motorsport legacy during the 1960s.
