"Why settle for an 'also ran' or second choice, when the front
runner, the original, can give you exactly what you're looking for?
Even in its lowest priced version, Mustang hardtop, you get a very
sporty automobile. Bucket front seats are standard. And they're
individually adjustable for driver and passenger, for the most
comfortable seating. Start something exciting for yourself, Mustang
makes it happen the moment you grab the wheel." From the 1968
Mustang brochure.
For consignment, a 1968 Ford Mustang hardtop showing 75,927 miles,
but the true miles are unknown due to a title exemption. Despite
the brochure touting the standard bucket seats, this particular
example was ordered with a bench seat and delivered to the
Philadelphia District Sales Office when new. Our consignor states
the second owner had it since the 70's and other than some panel
patches, floor replacement and respray, it's mostly original.
Exterior
If the color rings a bell, it is of course, Highland Green, here in
two stage application, and the color of the most famous Mustang of
them all, the '68 fastback used in Bullitt. Movie or not, it's
still a desirable color and looks great on this hardtop. The side
body line defined by stripes on some versions, is subtle here and
capped with a modest faux duct while rocker trim spans the width
between 14-inch wheels and 215/75R14 tires, here with narrow white
walls and traditional covers. In front, the running horse is
contained by a coral and out back, the fascia is trimmed in
polished stainless and underscored by the chrome bumper and other
than some scratches on the fuel filler, presents very nicely.
Imperfections include some chips on the top side of a fender, paint
runs on a side body line, light paint coverage on the rear valance
seam, and one other touched up chip.
Interior
Black vinyl door panels are stylish and standard, showing just a
touch of age but presentable. Up front, it's a split bench seat and
the comfort weave pattern insert on the driver's side shows a touch
of wear and a tear, while the passenger side and rear bench are in
nice shape. Back up front, the dash is cast with a haze of use with
some dulling of the colors and a general patina, beginning with the
steering wheel, the rim of which does have several cracks. The
instrument cluster is very original and has two main gauges up
front flanked by smaller ones and featuring an AM radio. Ford's
familiar T-shifter is on the transmission tunnel and over black
carpet that covers the floor in fine fashion. Our headliner
however, is loose and droopy and will benefit from a refit while
the barren trunk presents cleanly.
Drivetrain
We were wowed by the engine bay which is clean and bright and
features a period correct and Ford blue 289ci V8, rated at 195
horsepower and fueled via a 2-barrel carburetor. It is mated to the
C4 3-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the Ford 8"
rear with 2.79 gears.
Undercarriage
A combination of clean components and road witnessed conditions
exist underneath, minimal surface rust and evidence of floor and
quarter panel repairs. The second half of the single exhaust is
newer and retains a stock style muffler after which it snakes its
way to the back. Drum brakes are at all four wheels and suspension
consists of coil springs up front and leaf springs in back.
Drive-Ability
The stout 289 starts up without issue and we slide this green
machine onto the test loop to check functionality which ends up
being a battle between left and right and the left loses. The left
front turn signal, left headlight, and left hood turn signal are
not working plus the car pulls to the left upon braking. The horn
and radio are also inoperable. All remaining functions work as they
should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions
were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee
these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Not only does this example retain much of its originality, but it
comes to you with a build sheet which you can frame and hang in
your garage! Or laminate it and bring it to car shows for display.
This is a nice example in a great color sporting a clean engine and
complete interior, notable for its split bench seat. Saddle up,
this Mustang is ready to ride!
8T01C118887
8-1968
T-Metuchen, NJ Assy Plant
01-Mustang Hardtop
C-289c 2bbl V8
118887-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 65C-Mustang Hardtop, Standard Bench Seat
COLOR R-Highland Green
TRIM 8A-Black Comfortweave Bench
DATE 30L-November 30th
DSO 16-Philadelphia
AXLE 2-Ford 8" 2.79 Conventional
TRANS W-C4 Automatic
BUCK TAG
224-Rotation Number
09-Welding Bay
04M-December 4th
65C-Mustang Hardtop, Standard Bench Seat
8A-Black Comfortweave Bench
8T01C118887-VIN
R-Highland Green
GREEN METALLIC
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
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