The Soul of the Original Mustang!

In early 2001, I purchased a Time Machine- a Mustang GT with all the options. This beautiful vehicle transported me back in time to my High School years in the 60’s.

My first car was a 1966 Mustang 2+2 Fastback with four on the floor, a Rally Pac flanking the steering wheel, and a Hi Performance 289 V8 with 271 horsepower! I spent countless hours (and dollars) customizing, cruising, and drag racing that Mustang, adding layer upon layer of hand-rubbed black lacquer, one piece aluminum wheels, and engine mods that made the car virtually undriveable in the rain.

Over the years, I got the chance to drive many other Mustangs, from the soulless Mustang II, to the convertible I rented for my honeymoon. Each one was nice, but none approached the thrill of that original Mustang fastback I still had dreams about once every month.

That is until I spotted a laser red 2001 Mustang GT Premium, with what are now called Bullitt wheels, sitting right out front of the dealership where I had gone to pick up a rental car. One look and one test drive and I knew that this GT captured the essence of my beloved 66 fastback.

With a high revving 4.6L V8 (just under 281 cubic inches) and 260 hp, this car is probably faster to 60 mph. Hit about 4 grand and things really start happening. Top speed is apparently limited to around 140 mph by the engine computer, a speed that I would not recommend outside of a racetrack in an original Mustang. The GT feels smooth and safe even at top speed. The clean interior is done in gray leather and, with the 6-way power seat and power lumbar, a shorter driver such as myself, can find a comfortable position. However, tall or large drivers will probably find the seats uncomfortable.

As of October 2004, reliability has been good. During the past 3 1/2 years and 57,000 miles, the only repair was the replacement of the IAC idle valve assembly. Gas Mileage is way above my expectations, averaging a little over 20 mpg in Dallas traffic and just under 27 mpg on the highway. (My original fastback got 12.5 mpg, city or highway.) The only unfixed problem is an annoying intermittent squeak that emanates from the center A/C duct work on long highway trips. I can close the vent and it stops, but then I get hot.

Tire wear has been poor; the outside edges of the front tires keep balding. Several shops have said the alignment is in spec, yet the tires seem to suggest improper camber adjustment. But then I never got over 14,000 miles on any tire on my 66. From the original equipment Goodyear Eagle ZR45 245/45ZR17 to the current tires, BF Goodrich g-Force T/A KDWS W95, I have gone through 3 sets averaging 19,000 miles per set. Others have suggested that maybe I should actually brake for turns, but with front & rear anti-sway bars, the GT just begs to zip around turns. And with Traction Control turned off, massive 60’s style burnouts are still possible.

I still miss my 66 Mustang, but since the arrival of the 2001 GT Time Machine, I have not dreamt even once about my original Fastback!