Cars

A Pristine 1966 Ford Mustang in Candy Apple Red: A True Pony Car Icon

This feature delves into a remarkably preserved 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible, currently offered for sale on Exotic Car Trader. This classic American icon has undergone a stunning restoration, showcased by its gleaming Candy Apple Red exterior and meticulously maintained original components. More than just a showpiece, this pony car is equipped with a robust 289 cubic inch V8 power plant, producing an impressive 271 horsepower and emitting the distinctive roar that defined a generation of automotive performance. Its timeless design, coupled with thoughtful modern enhancements in the interior, makes it an exceptionally appealing find for car aficionados.

The Ford Mustang's debut in 1964 revolutionized the automotive landscape, carving out the 'Pony Car' segment that inspired numerous imitations. The origin of its name is a subject of historical debate; while Ford officially credits designer John Najjar with the name, inspired by the WWII P-51 Mustang fighter plane, another account suggests marketing manager Robert J. Eggert, a horse breeder, proposed the name, among others like 'Cougar' and 'Torino.' Regardless of its naming genesis, the Mustang quickly became a legend, cementing its place in automotive history. Its profound influence spurred competitors such as the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, and Pontiac Firebird, yet none ever surpassed the Mustang's initial sales success or enduring popularity.

This particular 1966 model exemplifies the Mustang's iconic appeal, presented in a fresh coat of Candy Apple Red. This vibrant hue perfectly complements the car's classic lines, exuding a distinctly American charm. Subtle rocker stripes offer a touch of contrast and individuality, harmonizing with the gleaming chrome trim found on the rear fender vents. The front bumper features a sleek, rounded chrome design, while the rear bumper presents a more substantial, squared-off chrome aesthetic, with upturned ends forming a unique clasping motif. The vehicle's long front end, housing a generously sized engine bay, and its compact, abbreviated rear trunk are characteristic elements of the Pony Car design. A modest grille proudly displays bold Ford lettering in chrome, flanked by widely spaced headlights. The car's visual allure is further enhanced by aftermarket Torq Thrust five-spoke wheels in bright chrome, shod with BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires, completing a look that is both authentic and striking.

Stepping inside, the interior is dominated by a classic black scheme, punctuated by bright silver accents and controls. Two wooden panels, which perfectly complement the tri-spoke steering wheel's trim, add a touch of vintage elegance. The steering wheel itself features spokes bored with progressively smaller holes, leading to the outer ring. Both the front bucket seats and the rear bench are upholstered in ribbed black vinyl, suggesting either an expert reupholstering or exceptional preservation over the years. The single-line instrument cluster is a highlight, with a prominent speedometer at its center and two auxiliary gauges on either side. A period-correct radio is nestled between the wooden panels. Modern conveniences have been subtly integrated, including a pair of cupholders in the center console and a contemporary air-conditioning system discreetly placed under the dashboard. A playful touch comes in the form of two fuzzy red dice, though their inclusion with the purchase is a detail to be confirmed with the seller.

Powering this first-generation Mustang is a meticulously maintained 289 cubic inch (4.7-liter) V8 engine. Equipped with a four-barrel carburetor, it ensures optimal fuel delivery for high-end performance. This powertrain generates a robust 271 horsepower and 312 pound-feet of torque, channeled through a three-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels. The vehicle's iconic dual exhaust system is responsible for the characteristic rumble that has become synonymous with the Mustang name. Under the hood, a chrome air cleaner and valve covers add a dazzling touch to the engine bay. Further mechanical enhancements include front disc brakes and power steering, improving both safety and driving comfort. While the odometer currently displays 2,727 miles, the vehicle's true mileage remains unverified.

This iconic 1966 Ford Mustang, presented in a dazzling Candy Apple Red, remains a true automotive masterpiece. Its enduring appeal lies in its classic styling, whether through meticulous preservation of original components or expertly executed replacements, ensuring every detail from bumper to bumper is visually stunning. This exceptional example of American muscle is an opportunity not to be missed by any discerning collector or enthusiast.

SPOFEC Transforms Rolls-Royce Spectre with Elegant Customizations

SPOFEC, a renowned German tuner, has meticulously transformed the Rolls-Royce Spectre, proving that sophisticated vehicle enhancements can be achieved without resorting to flashy alterations. This endeavor showcases a delicate balance between luxury and bespoke design, setting a new standard for high-end automotive customization. The modifications introduce a blend of aesthetic refinement and functional improvements, ensuring the Spectre maintains its regal presence while offering a distinct, personalized touch.

SPOFEC's Masterful Refinement of the Rolls-Royce Spectre

In a world where some automotive tuners push the boundaries of flamboyance, SPOFEC has taken a different route with the Rolls-Royce Spectre. This electric marvel, already a pinnacle of modern luxury and power, particularly in its Black Badge iteration, has been elevated with an understated elegance. SPOFEC’s approach focuses on subtle yet impactful changes that enhance the Spectre's inherent grandeur. The exterior now features custom-fitted, visible carbon body panels. These panels, finished with a high-gloss clear coat, accentuate the vehicle's lines with a luminous sheen, a detail that reveals itself upon closer inspection, inviting admiration rather than demanding it. Complementing these bodywork enhancements are the striking 22x10.5-inch SPOFEC SP4 high-end wheels, meticulously designed in partnership with Vossen. These wheels integrate seamlessly with the Spectre's aesthetic, adding a touch of contemporary allure without detracting from its classic dignity. A significant engineering feat is the inclusion of a suspension-lowering kit, which subtly reduces the ride height by 35 millimeters. Remarkably, SPOFEC guarantees that this modification preserves the Rolls-Royce's legendary 'magic carpet ride' comfort. Furthermore, the front bumper now incorporates a meticulously crafted chin spoiler, while a rear diffuser and a discreet spoiler grace the vehicle's rear. These visible carbon fiber additions are not merely decorative; they are aerodynamically optimized to enhance the Spectre's efficiency, a crucial consideration for an electric vehicle. Another innovative touch is the integration of LED inserts into the iconic grille, providing a soft illumination that highlights its distinctive design. For the interior, SPOFEC offers extensive bespoke customization, allowing owners to infuse their personal style into every detail. This comprehensive package from SPOFEC transforms the Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge into an even more exclusive and distinctive electric luxury coupe, a testament to thoughtful design and engineering excellence.

SPOFEC's work on the Rolls-Royce Spectre offers a compelling vision of what happens when customization respects and elevates existing excellence. It reminds us that true luxury often lies in the details and the harmonious integration of enhancements, rather than ostentatious displays. This project serves as an inspiration for the automotive industry, highlighting the potential for tasteful modification to create a vehicle that is both uniquely personal and universally admired, without compromising its core identity or performance.

See More

Mitsubishi Plans Significant U.S. Market Expansion

Mitsubishi is poised for a significant transformation in the U.S. automotive market, with its North American CEO, Mark Chaffin, outlining a bold strategy to double the company's vehicle offerings by the close of the decade. This ambitious initiative aims to reverse recent sales declines and address a shrinking product portfolio, signaling a renewed commitment to the American consumer. The plan includes the introduction of an electric crossover and a more robust Outlander model within the next two years, with additional vehicles slated for development.

The automotive manufacturer's U.S. lineup has recently dwindled to just four models following the discontinuation of the Mirage, which has also contributed to an over 11% drop in sales during the first three quarters of the current year. This reduction, coupled with the absence of domestic manufacturing and an aging product range, has placed Mitsubishi at a disadvantage in a competitive market influenced by tariff pressures. In response, Chaffin conveyed to retailers that a "strategic shift" is on the horizon, promising to "significantly strengthen" the brand's standing in the U.S. market and emphasizing North America's continued importance.

Central to this revitalization are two confirmed new models. The first is an electric crossover, expected to debut in mid-2026, which will leverage technology from the redesigned Nissan LEAF. This model is anticipated to feature a 75-kWh battery and a 214-horsepower front-motor configuration, with a smaller 52-kWh option also planned, highlighting Mitsubishi's increasing collaboration with Nissan. Following this, late 2026 will see the arrival of a toughened-up Outlander variant, designed with distinctive styling and an enhanced off-road capability, positioning it within the burgeoning adventure-crossover segment.

Beyond these two imminent releases, Mitsubishi has two additional vehicles in its development pipeline, though specifics remain under wraps. Dealers have expressed a strong desire for the return of a sedan and the introduction of a pickup truck. The prospect of a new sedan has reignited discussions about a potential revival of the Lancer Evolution, hinting at either a traditional or an electrified sporty model. Concurrently, Mitsubishi and Nissan are exploring the joint development of a midsize pickup, potentially offered with hybrid or electric powertrains, which could draw inspiration from the Nissan Frontier. While earlier plans considered manufacturing in Mexico, tariff considerations might shift production to the U.S. if the project advances.

This aggressive product expansion, driven by a strategic alliance with Nissan and a focus on electric and ruggedized vehicles, represents Mitsubishi's commitment to rebuilding its market share and offering a more diverse and competitive range of automobiles to American consumers.

See More