If a buyer seeks a 100% original First Generation Mustang, they can be spoiled for choice with stunning restorations or original survivors. However, there is a lot to be said for considering the middle ground. That is what this 1968 Fastback seems to represent. It isn’t as it left the factory, but it is a spotless classic that could be driven and enjoyed immediately without the stress of preserving a survivor or a meticulously restored example. It appears to have few needs beyond a new home, and this is the chance to make it yours. Located in Santa Ana, California, you will find the Mustang listed for sale here on Craigslist. All you need to do is hand the owner $63,500, and it can be yours.
If ever a classic car could be said to possess the “wow” factor, these early Mustang Fastbacks fit that description. Ford designers got the styling right on the money, making it easy to see why they have remained a timeless vehicle. This one presents superbly in Lime Gold. The paint holds an impressive depth of color and shine, and if there are any imperfections, they are too insignificant to be visible in the supplied photos. The panels are laser straight, with consistent gaps. Learning that this Fastback has spent its life in California is nothing but good news for potential buyers. That makes the owner’s claim that it is rust-free very plausible. We’ve seen plenty of First Generation Mustangs through the years at Barn Finds, but spotting one that doesn’t require the attention of a grinder and welder is never a bad thing. The exterior trim is as nice as the paint, while the tinted glass appears flawless. Rounding out the package, the owner has just fitted a shiny new set of American Racing wheels wrapped in the best that the good people at BF Goodrich can supply.
This Mustang rolled off the line equipped with a J-Code 302ci V8 that produced 230hp. Bolted to that sweet V8 was a four-speed manual transmission, with this combination capable of launching the Fastback through the ¼ mile in 15.6 seconds. This is the point where purists may need to brace themselves because this classic isn’t numbers-matching. It seems that the original motor is long gone, and in its place is a 302ci Crate Motor. Its specifications are unclear, but the glimpse of a set of aftermarket headers suggests that there might be a few additional ponies set to find their way to the rear wheels. The owner has added a few cosmetic upgrades, but swapping these would be easy if they aren’t to the buyer’s taste. Regardless of the truth behind its power output, the owner indicates that not only does this Mustang run and drive well, but he would have no hesitation driving it anywhere. That counts as a strong endorsement in my book, suggesting that the car is ready to provide immediate enjoyment to its new owner.
While the overall impression made by the interior is positive, it does have a couple of shortcomings worth noting. The carpet shows fading and color inconsistency, and the pad is missing from the clutch pedal. A replacement pad will cost under $30 and represents money well spent. If you’ve ever driven a car missing this item, you will know how easy it is for your foot to slip off the pedal if wet. In this case, it would lead to some unnecessary and unpleasant grinding noises that would attract attention for the wrong reasons! The carpet issue will cost a bit more, although a new carpet set in the correct shade is a snip at $220. Otherwise, the remaining interior components and the upholstery look great for a driver-grade car. The factory radio has given way to a Pioneer radio/cassette player with speakers mounted in the kick panels and rear trims, but that appears to be the extent of the modifications. With those couple of minor issues addressed, the next owner could slip behind the wheel and hold their head high.
There’s no denying that this 1968 Mustang Fastback is not a cheap classic at the asking price. Its price is close to the top end of what you might expect for a spotless and original example. However, it is not unprecedented, even for a car that isn’t 100% original. The other saving grace for anyone considering a First Generation Mustang purchase is that they keep increasing in desirability and value. Neither trend shows any signs of easing, so if the next owner continues to treat this Fastback with respect, there’s a good chance that it will continue to appreciate and represent a sound financial investment. Leaving the financial considerations aside, it appears that it is a vehicle that could easily turn heads and provide an enjoyable and rewarding motoring experience. After all, isn’t that what owning a classic car is supposed to be all about?
This is all a mustang really needs to be. Beautiful, and the new owner is likely to leave their money in a safe investment while having the option of spanking it hard.
I remember when this was Shelby Mustang money. Guess that makes me old
I would have bet (and lost) that a 1968 Mustang had a 289 CI engine.
Frank, you are not wrong. One could get a 289 or 302 in 1968.
With a 302-crate motor 100% original
All the cleaning and waxing and couldn’t afford rubber brake and clutch pedals?
And for that price, spend a few hundred on some carpet. Geez
J code 250hp
Too much. Has had PS paint work. Door alignment issues tells me crash. Just not that desirable a car to justify this $.
$63,500, modified, and no power disc brake upgrade? The big value must be in the antique glass doorknob dipstick. You don’t see that every day. I also can’t figure out what tubing is that has been sealed with a rag and zip tied to the inner fender by the oil filter???
Good looking car, but hard to justify that price.
The doorknob really pulls it all together!
The tubing with the rag might be a power steering line.
Yes too much $$$, passenger seat missing the handle to flip forward to get to the back seat.
And the tailpipes are wrong, they look like an after thought.
Great looking fastback, my favorite body style and generation of Mustang! Good write-up, too but I have to disagree about the panel gaps. A little fine tuning would be first on my to-do list. Other than that and the clutch/brake pedal pads, this is one fine car. The price seems way too high but these are sought after and if money were no issue, I’d snag it!