The Timeless 1966 Mustang: A Perfect Blend of Classic Style and Electric Power

The Wilson Family’s 1966 ‘Stang Reimagined

The 1966 Ford Mustang stands as an enduring symbol of American automotive freedom and style. For John Wilson, it also became a canvas for an electrification project that superbly managed to merge sustainability with an uncompromising respect for authenticity. Unlike many EV conversions that prioritize modern technology and performance upgrades, John’s vision was clear: preserve the Mustang’s original look and feel, inside and out, while discreetly transforming it into a reliable, eco-friendly classic.

John’s EV adventure is not just burgeoning—it’s built on decades of innovation. As the owner of Presidential Mobility Inc., a business serving Arkansas’ disabled community for over 40 years, John’s unique expertise in adapting vehicles to improve lives made this project a natural evolution. His mission wasn’t just about electrifying a car but understanding and leading the charge in the future of automotive sustainability.

What’s Old is New Again

John’s journey began in April 2021, with a meticulous search for a donor car that embodied the Mustang’s legacy. Alongside his son-in-law, Arno Frugier, and brother, Laurent Frugier, he found the perfect candidate in Harrison, Arkansas: a 1966 coupe with a solid frame, minimal rust, and a near-pristine interior. “We wanted something as close to original as possible,” John explained. “While my project was to convert the Mustang, it had to absolutely honor its history.”

From the outset, John prioritized retaining the Mustang’s unmistakable character. The exterior was left untouched, with no LED lighting, modern trim, or flashy wheels to disrupt its iconic silhouette. Inside, the team worked meticulously to preserve the cabin’s vintage charm. The original analog gauges were repurposed to display EV metrics like power output and drive mode, maintaining the familiar aesthetic of the 1960s cockpit. Even the transmission was restored to a manual configuration, ensuring the driving experience felt every bit as authentic as the Mustang’s original inline-6 engine.

Engineering Elegance

To bring the Mustang into the modern age without compromising its authenticity, John partnered with his long-time friend Pete Storey, owner of Southern Street Machines (SSM) in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Together, they engineered a drivetrain powered by dual Netgain Hyper9 HV motors, delivering a combined 240 horsepower and 324 lb-ft of torque at 144 volts. The motors drew power from 10 Tesla Model S battery modules, providing a total capacity of 52kWh and an estimated range of over 140 miles.

The components were meticulously placed to maintain the car’s balance and driving dynamics. The batteries were split into two packs, with a 15.6kWh unit housed under the hood and a larger 36.4kWh pack at the rear, enclosed in custom battery boxes and managed by a Thunderstruck BMS. This strategic placement ensured near-perfect weight distribution while preserving the Mustang’s original layout.

Complementing the new powertrain, the car received a Mustang II front suspension, a modified Ford Explorer 8.8-inch rear axle, and a four-wheel disc braking system with regenerative braking. Cooling systems were upgraded with dual Derale Performance cooling kits for the batteries and motors, while a Vintage Air A/C system provided modern comfort without disrupting the Mustang’s timeless cabin design.

The meticulous attention to detail paid off when John’s Mustang won the “Best Interior” award at the Denver Electrify Expo in Colorado last summer. Judges praised the seamless integration of electric technology with the car’s original 1960s stock look, proving that sustainability and authenticity can go hand-in-hand.

Overcoming Challenges

Like any groundbreaking project, the Mustang’s conversion presented its challenges. Sourcing the right components and adapting modern technology to a vintage platform required creativity and collaboration. “Three years ago, there weren’t many kits available,” John noted. “We had to figure out a lot ourselves, from fuses to safety disconnects.”

Another challenge was ensuring the build progressed smoothly without compromising the car’s integrity. John and his family closely oversaw the project, visiting SSM at key milestones to ensure the Mustang remained visually indistinguishable from its original form. They also leaned on the Fuel2Electric community of EV enthusiasts, who provided invaluable guidance on motor mounting, battery management, and programming the Thunderstruck BMS.

Driving Into the Future

From the moment you see the Mustang, you can tell it’s a masterclass in understated transformation. Its retro exterior remains untouched, and its interior transports you straight back to 1966—until you start driving. Powered by instant torque from the dual Hyper9 motors, the Mustang accelerates smoothly and silently, delivering twice its original horsepower with none of the noise or emissions.

The driving experience feels remarkably authentic. “Even with the electric drivetrain, it feels like a classic Mustang,” John said proudly. “The analog gauges, the manual shifter—it’s all there. No one would know it’s electric unless they drove it.”

A Blueprint for Authentic EV Conversions

For John, the Mustang project was about more than just building an EV—it was about setting an example. “There are so many beautiful but unreliable classics sitting in garages, driven only on special occasions,” he explained. “This Mustang shows that you can preserve a car’s history while making it reliable and eco-friendly for daily use.”

As a co-founder of Fuel2Electric, John now shares his journey to inspire others to embrace sustainable restoration. His 1966 Mustang stands as proof that authenticity and innovation can coexist, offering a glimpse of a future where classic cars remain timeless and relevant in the electric age.

SPECS

Powertrain

Motors: Dual Netgain Hyper9 HV 144V
Inverters: 2 HyPer-Drive X144 controllers
Power Output: 240 hp (179kW) combined
Torque: 324 lb-ft (439Nm)
Transmission: 3-speed manual
Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive

Battery System

Configuration: 10 Tesla Model S battery modules in two packs
Front Pack: 15.6kWh
Rear Pack: 36.4kWh
Total Capacity: 52kWh
Estimated Range: ~150 miles
Charger: Elcon UHF 6.6kW w/ CANbus

Chassis and Suspension

Front Suspension: Mustang II setup
Rear Axle: Modified Ford Explorer 8.8-inch
Brakes: Four-wheel disc with regenerative braking

Cooling and Comfort

Cooling System: Dual Derale Performance cooling kits for motor and batteries
Air Conditioning: Vintage Air system

Interior Features

Instrumentation: Repurposed  SpeedHut EV gauges
Audio: USA-740 Bluetooth radio, JBL amplifier, coaxial front and rear speakers