Vehicle Description
1968 Ford Mustang Coupe
The Mustang created the category of the 'pony' car, a reference to
its distinctive horse logo. The name encompassed all the competitor
cars that were built to try and match the Mustang's success. An
example is the Chevrolet Camaro, which also cemented the image of a
sporty vehicle with a sleek style. Even Ford couldn't have
predicted how successful the car would be. On the opening day,
22,000 units were sold, and dealerships were taking waiting lists
for several days after.
For consignment, a Mustang showing off a recent paint job, clean
interior and all around good looks. It has the standard 302ci V8,
but it is not original to the car. Interior is black vinyl and has
a few areas of creasing and shows some wear. A fine running car
though just needs a little extra TLC to finish it off.
Exterior
Bathed in a nicely applied Highland Green, straight steel abounds,
and the gaps are consistent and straight. But we do note a few
touched-up chips on various panels. The iconic hockey stick cove is
present in the rear quarters, and it flows into the doors. From the
new front bumper, grille galloping horse and rocker trim all chrome
is very nice with no dimpling or dulling including the new rear
bumper as well. For 1968 styling becomes slightly more aggressive
on a simpler grille and deeper headlights, and on the back the
former outward V shaped sergeant stripe taillights have now been
inverted to inward, but still using 6 individual lights. Original
wheels have been replaced with 14-inch styled steel wheels, wrapped
in raised white lettered BFG tires. A black vinyl top is on and
showing as overall very nice but does have a repair area on the
right rear of the roof. This is the dollop of whipped cream on top
if you will.
Interior
Black vinyl covers most surfaces including the door panels which
show in good condition. The front buckets have a nice tuck and roll
insert and smooth bolsters. Also, there are some creases in the
vinyl which has a nice patina. A rear 2 plus 2 matching bench
stretches from side to side and is in good condition. Occupying the
hump between the seats is a black console with a brushed aluminum
inlay. This holds the seat belt receivers and the new shifter
assembly before swooping up to meet the dash and showing off a roll
up door cubby. The dash is appearing like it did in 1968 but has an
aftermarket stereo replacing the original, but otherwise it's just
the way that Ford made it with wood applique, textured black
plastic and body matching green steel. Also, an ivory LeCarra rally
style padded steering wheel has replaced the original. The black
carpet remains nice but does show with a few areas of light fade
and a new black headliner hangs above.
Drivetrain
Under the signal marker equipped hood, in the lightly patinaed
engine bay, is a consignor-stated 302ci V8. Under the chrome air
cleaner and between the "Powered By Ford" ribbed valve covers is a
Edelbrock 4bbl carb that feeds precise amounts of fuel and air to
the engine via a Holley intake manifold. An upgrade in the form of
an AOD 4-speed automatic transmission is in back with a Ford 9-inch
2.79 TrakLok rear axle. As per our consignor, a new starter was
recently installed, and a Mallory electronic ignition lights the
fire.
Undercarriage
A slight coating of surface rust is seen on some usual suspects,
(suspension and brake components but structurally rust free for the
unibody, floor pans and rockers. We do note some invasive rust in
the rear of the driver's shock tower but all else remains solid. We
see independent coil springs for the front suspension and in the
rear are traditional leaf springs along with a rear sway bar. The
whoah factor is handled by drum brakes on all 4 corners with the
benefit of a new master cylinder. Snaking headers drop down from
the blue mill and feed back through a pair of Turbo mufflers before
ending with chrome tips under the rear valance panel.
Drive-Ability
This car fired right up, and after a bit of a warm up period, ran
very smoothly, drove beautifully, and had good acceleration and
handling. It is a good highway cruiser as well. It is also noted it
has a nice engine sound emanating from the exhaust. Overall, our
drive was pleasant but a few frowns crept up. The horn didn't blow,
the radio didn't turn on, the heater blower moved no air, and the
reverse lights would not illuminate.
Well done and not like your steak, a driveable restoration that is
90% finished, just a bit more TLC will bring this well running
example up to snuff. It's all there in our South mallway, ready to
be driven away into the sunset.
VIN DECODE
8T01C138226
8-1968
T-Metuchen, NJ Assy Plant
01-2 Door Hardtop
C-289ci V8 2bbl
138226-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 65A-Mustang Hardtop, Standard Bucket Seats
COLOR R-Highland Green
TRIM 2A-Black Vinyl
DATE 27M-December 27th Build
DSO 13-New York
AXLE 2-Ford 8" 2.79 Conventional
TRANS W-C4 Automatic
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
