This is a very rare 1966 Ford Mustang convertible with a retractable hardtop built by designer Ben J. Smith. Mr. Smith is well-known for the concept and designing of the famed 1957-59 Ford Skyliner. While still at Ford, in 1966, he was asked to build a prototype retractable hardtop Mustang convertible that ended up costing Ford $250,000, quite a lofty sum for the time. The retractable Mustang was to be a 1967 model, but when Ben Smith reported back to Ford, it was found that the motorization of the top added too much weight and eventually the project was cancelled and the prototype was destroyed.

Ben Smith did not give up on the idea and after he retired, he built one for himself. He then formed the Retractables Unlimited Company in 1994 to market the retractable hardtops for 1965 to 1968 era Mustangs. The owner reports that from his research, he has determined that there are only 10 to 15 original Ben J. Smith retractable hardtop Ford Mustangs in existence, with this being one of them. After the originals were built, the fledgling company soon went out of business.

This Mustang registers only 30,000 miles on the odometer and runs with a 289-cid V-8 engine with a floor-shift automatic transmission. Among the equipment on-board is a red “Pony” interior, factory styled steel wheels, vinyl on the retractable top, air conditioning, wood-like deluxe steering wheel, power steering and power brakes.