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.
A marriage made in heaven with Highland Green Metallic on the
exterior, a shiny snazzy interior, all part of the cosmetic
restoration performed a number of years ago. I do, I do...really
love this car!
Exterior
Complete with the hockey stick vented panel in the front of the
rear quarter and extending into the doors and a stainless rocker
trim filling the space between the wheel wells, we are green with
envy of this wonderful example. Highland Green Metallic to be
exact, covers straight rust-free steel panels which mind their gaps
very well. The beneficiary of a restoration several years ago, it
still holds its own with only a few minor imperfections in the
finish. From the front bumper, grille galloping horse with outboard
mounted fog lamps and clean emblems as well as wonderful
brightwork, all chrome is very nice with no dimpling or dulling. A
black vinyl top encompasses the roof and presents as nearly new.
For 1968, styling becomes slightly more aggressive on a simpler
grille and deeper headlights, and out back the former outward V
shaped sergeant stripe taillights have now been inverted to inward,
but still using 6 individual lights. 17-inch Eleanor style wheels
are all around and are wrapped in nearly new black wall rubber.
Interior
A restored interior greets us with the swing of either door. Door
panels are black painted steel for the uppers and lowers, and vinyl
covered black panel in the middle with just a touch of chrome trim
surround. Front buckets continue with all black vinyl with
horizontal stitched inner panels, and smooth bolsters. This
continues into the clean back seat bench. The buckets flank the
center hump complete with a chrome T lever shifter. Fitting neatly
into the bottom center of the dash is a factory AM/FM stereo. The
chrome heater slider are to the driver's left, just below the
original instrument cluster, and steering wheel. Black carpet is in
good condition and floods all the floors. The headliner is slightly
wrinkled black vinyl. Looking way back into the trunk we see a very
good condition plaid trunk liner and the full size spare tire.
Drivetrain
Residing in the engine bay under the turn signal equipped hood is
the original 302ci V8. This isn't your ordinary run of the mill
302, this is a J code engine capable of making 230hp and has had
the benefit of a top end rebuild as well as the addition of a new
4bbl carburetor. The blue painted block, valve covers, and air
cleaner assembly provide the perfect contrast to the satin black
engine bay. A C4 3-speed automatic transmission is on the back of
this 302 and pushes power rearward to a Ford 8-inch 3.00 geared
conventional rear. The overall condition of the engine bay is clean
and original with a light patina.
Undercarriage
A spattering of surface rust is seen underneath which is
intermingled with the black undercoated flooring and unibody. We
note a few prior floor pan repairs as well as a replacement of the
torque boxes. Dual exhaust pipes are present along with Turbo
mufflers for this dual exhaust. Drum brakes are seen all around and
keeping this pony surefooted is an independent coil sprung front
suspension and leaf spring rear arrangement. We note a new fuel
tank was installed during the restoration.
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.
An older restored example still maintaining its luster, sporty
interior, and smooth-running power plant. Very nice paint, clean
tear free interior, sporty wheels, and shiny chrome and trim. I
feel we will be together at least until death do us part.
VIN DECODE
8T01J211196
8-1968
T-Metuchen, NJ Assy Plant
01-2 Door Hardtop
J-302ci V8 4bbl 230hp
211196-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 65A-Mustang 2 Door Hardtop, Standard Interior, Buckets
COLOR R-Highland Green
TRIM 2AA-Black Vinyl
DATE 07F-June 7th 1968 Build
DSO 13-New York
AXLE 5-Ford 8" 3.00 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.