It is undeniable that certain paint shades look inherently “right” when applied to particular classics. That is undoubtedly true when the vehicle is a first-generation Mustang, and the color in question is Candy Apple Red. This 1968 ‘Stang takes that a step further, with the seller claiming it is 1-of-46 Fastbacks produced with that shade teamed with Dark Red interior trim. Verification should be relatively easy, thanks to experts like Kevin Marti. This classic presents superbly, making it ideal for anyone seeking a high-end driver. The seller has listed the Ford here on eBay in Palmetto, Florida. Bidding sits below the reserve at $24,300 following strong action. There is also a BIN option of $68,995 for those wishing to bypass the cut and thrust of the auction scene.
The First Generation Mustang peaked in 1966, with 607,568 buyers giving one a new home. That figure plunged by almost 50% in 1968, although the tally of 317,404 placed it well ahead of its logical opposition. Interestingly, the Fastback variant only accounted for 13.4% of total sales, well below the Hardtop’s final figure. The seller provides no genuine information regarding this classic’s history, although the impressive presentation suggests it hasn’t seen much action since undergoing some form of restoration. The paint shines beautifully, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and the underside shots confirm that this Mustang is rust-free. The trim and glass are equally impressive, and although the 15″ Cragar wheels aren’t original, they suit this car’s character perfectly.
Ford introduced the 302ci V8 to the model range in 1968, with this Fastback featuring the more powerful J-Code variant. The first owner teamed this engine with a three-speed C4 automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The J-Code generates 230hp and 310hp, providing marginally better performance than buyers received from the previous A-Code 289ci powerplant. Sadly, the seller supplies no information regarding this car’s mechanical health. However, with the engine bay presenting as spotlessly as the rest of the car, I see no reason why the news should be anything but positive.
The seller describes this Mustang as being of show quality, and one quick glance at its interior seems to support their belief. The Deep Red vinyl trim is in fantastic condition and is said to form part of this Mustang’s claim to fame regarding its alleged rarity. The carpet is spotless, there is no evidence of UV deterioration, and the Sport Deck rear seat increases this classic’s desirability. Someone has added a retro-style stereo with speakers in the kick panels. However, reversal would be a piece of cake since the dash wasn’t cut during the installation.
This 1968 Mustang Fastback isn’t totally original, although any obvious changes could be easily reversed for those who prefer seeing the car in its factory form. The modifications haven’t dampened enthusiasm, with forty-two bids submitted at the time of writing. The Watch List and listing view totals are equally impressive, suggesting that the price could climb considerably before the hammer falls. We know the current high bid and BIN figures, but what do you believe will be the seller’s reserve?
Great looking car no matter where it falls on the list of rare Mustangs.
Would not have known it was a Ford if not for the Jegs air cleaner, also needs wider rear tire wheel combo iffen you going for that stance.. IMHO
Who cares if it’s 1 of 46 other than the dealer trying to suck more money from potential buyers. Big deal if if left the factory with a 302 4bbl, is a red over red fastback with an automatic, without a console and with disc brakes, none of those on their own makes the car anything special.
What matters is what condition is it in. Based on the amount of pitting on the rear end housing and sketchy looking undercarriage tucked up in the shadows, I’d be very concerned. As for the aftermarket wheels, carb and intake, that’s easily changed at a cost that would be insignificant if the car needs rust repairs.
Steve R
I’m with you Steve. The only way that the “Option Package” or “Option Combination” matters is if a buyer says “I’m shopping for a car with just that combo, and that combo only. I won’t settle for anything else.” That buyer is probably rarer than 1 of 46.
Steve it was a color no one wanted back then, now it gets pushed as a rare color, you have to love it
Muscle car royalty. Most beautiful car Ford ever made imo.
Nice 4×4!
I Love the stance on this! “Old School” awesome!
SECOND Generation, NOT First.
1968 was SECOND Generation, NOT First.
What year is 2nd Gen Mustang?
60 Years of Pony Power: Mustang (2nd Generation, 1971-1974)
The BIG change for 1968 was Side marker lights.
Second Generation was the 1974 Mustang II.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Mustang
As the owner of a true 1st Generation Mustang(1966) since 1994 when I inherited it from my grandmother, the original owner, I feel that generally first generation starts with the early 1965s and continues through the 1973 model year, but to each their own.
Certainly one can break down the 1965-1973 cars into ’65-’66, ’67-’68, ’69-’70, and ’71-’73 if desired, as Ford made significant changes every two year or so. Then again the Mustang had the same 108″ wheelbase from 1965-1970, then it got a one inch stretch for 1971-1973 before being chopped down over a foot for the 1974-1978 Mustang II.
My 69 was as beautiful and with $45.000…later we had 800 hp to the ground.
I agree with many of the previous comments, but I don’t agree with the writer saying the engine bay is “spotless”. I’d say it needs a fair amount of work to be called that.
But Ford never called them a Fastback?
Ford called it the Mustang 2 + 2
I don’t see how putting the original radio back in makes it anymore valuable. Especially because the job was done so well. those speakers in the kick panels look like they belong and they match the color. What was the original radio anyway, an AM with maybe an eight track? I need my tunes so unless the new owner just takes it to car shows on a trailer, it makes no sense.
Steve it was a color no one wanted back then, now it gets pushed as a rare color, you have to love it
$70K ?. Now admittedly I don’t know all there is to know about Mustang (or Ford in general) pricing, but isn’t this restored Cobra Jet money? What amounts to a pretty basic sort of everyday Mustang for what you could buy a pretty nice older Ford hot rod for. To the seller, good night and good luck, you will need it.
The reason that there were only 46 of this color combo built, is that the “dark red” really doesn’t go with the Candy Apple Red exterior.
In the late 80’s, when you could order what you wanted, we got a brand new pickup into the dealership that was blue and white with a green interior. I don’t remember getting any more money for it since it was 1 of 1.
And in addition, rare doesn’t always make it expensive as some have pointed out.
Re-sale red is what we called it – was there a Marti report somewhere in the Ebay pictures ? Man never seen such a crusty looking 9″ on a restored car..
One thing is for sure, it is LOUD with those chambered mufflers!
Looks to me that most of the bidders after $24,500 have (0) feedback.
I had that a few years ago when 3 bidders that were brand new pushed the bid to $20,000 more than the car was worth. Turns out the winning bidder was out on the ocean on an aircraft carrier and wanted me to pay the shipper with the extra money he was sending. Needless to say no deal.
I got my license in a 68, happiest day of my life!