$3k V8/4-Speed: 1968 Ford Mustang

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OK, so it’s a ’68 Ford Mustang, check; four speed manual transmission, double check; Hyland Green, triple check; it’s a coupe! Wait a minute, no check. Well not really, it’s just in this season of $3.4 million dollar ’68 Mustangs we can have a tendency to get carried away with anything that starts to resemble a famous, and now very expensive, ’68 Mustang. This non-famous Mustang, located in Mountain View, California, is still a very desirable model and is available here on craigslist for $3,399. Thanks to local_sheriff for the tip!

While the ’68 fastback Mustang has stolen the show recently in terms of attention, the reality is that the coupe or notchback model is much more common having comprised 78.6% of ’68 production (249,447 out of 317,404 units in total). These coupes were offered with a large array of options and various powertrain configurations; there were some pretty interesting combinations put together and they warrant a close look.

This example features the new for ’68 302 CI V8 engine sporting 230 gross HP. The new 302 motor was of the “Windsor” architecture like the 289 CI V8 which continued on as the standard V8 for ’68. So, how’s it run? It doesn’t according to the seller and the fact that the keys are missing adds to the equation – not getting off to a great start here. The original four-barrel carburetor has been replaced with a Holley 600 CFM unit and placed onto the original intake manifold. Other than that not visible change, the engine appears to be stock with what the seller states is 108,000 miles on its clock. What is visible is the missing A/C compressor. Backing up the 302 engine is a very desirable four-speed manual transmission.

Delving into this Ford’s overall condition, there are several notable items. First and most obvious is the missing vinyl top covering and the underlying roof condition which the seller describes as light surface oxidation. I’d call it surface rust but it doesn’t appear as if the steel has been compromised so that’s positive. The seller adds that there is rust in the lower left fender and some surface rust in the trunk – none of this presents a big problem. Beyond that, the seller claims that the, “body looks to be in very good condition.” This is a life-long California car, built at Ford’s San Jose plant, so that should bode well for overall integrity.

The interior, besides those cool, fuzzy seat covers, has some problems. The interior is in tact but is tagged as being in “poor condition”. The aforementioned seats, headliner, dash pad and dash surface will all need attention. Apparently, the window cranks don’t work either so at disassembly, a decision can be made regarding the door cards. A clear, comprehensive view of the floor isn’t available but what can be spied looks OK.

The seller informs potential buyers that this Mustang was stored in a barn since the ’80’s but now that it is out and available, he has been, “overwhelmed with responses and am guessing that it will definitely sell over the asking price”. No doubt on the responses part, this vintage Mustang is hot, coupe or not, and the price of this example coupled with the powertrain combination will ensure a sale. Will it go for more than asking price? I guess it could or it might be a way for the seller to push the price northward without actually changing the posted price – hard to say. Considering what this Mustang is, I think it’s a reasonable deal, how about you?

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Neil GMember

    Gone 10 seconds after you posted this article…

    Like 4
  2. Classic Steel

    Gone in 60 Seconds 👍

    A reasonable priced item sells….

    This looked like a great starter car to a collector plus added reproduction parts are cheap to restore makes its a win win situation.

    I still like my deep blue 289 powered 67 mustang convertible with black interior and white top. I restored it from ground up (welding, body panels, torque boxes, rails work, rebuilt engine, interior and top) as a labor of love over 15 years back taking a rustang back to weekend car show cruiser that still grabs trophies ….

    Like 12
  3. Paul

    I am a early mustang fan!
    68 Mustangs are fairly common, what is rare….is to find the kind of fool that would spend 3.4 million on one!
    Now that is a rare fool, one you can’t seem to find every day when you are trying to sell your rusty dented 68 mustang.

    Like 3
  4. Little_Cars

    This one looks a lot lighter in hue than the Bullitt fastback. Maybe its just the photo exposure. Judging by the color combo, Hyland Green with white vinyl top and interior, this car screams “secretary car” were it not for the 4 on the floor.

    Like 1
  5. Bob_in_TN Bob_in_TNMember

    Not a bad starting point. It went fast.

    It will be interesting to see what impact, if any, the Bullitt sale has on 68 Mustangs, or fastback Mustangs, or green Mustangs, or …… Probably in the real world, not much. Because, …..

    As Jim notes, that car was famous, an American icon, a one-of-a-kind collectible. More like a piece of art. Whoever bought it (I have not seen that information revealed) had the money to spend and wanted to own this special piece of Americana. More power to them, in my opinion.

    Like 1
  6. Bob C.

    It was very reasonable, no wonder it went fast. Back in the mid 70s, a girl across the street from me bought a 67 Mustang convertible for 600 dollars. It wasn’t bad at all, and it was a 200 six. The top and body were ok and the driver side floor was fixed. She got frustrated because of nickel and dime things kept going on it. I would have stuck it out longer.

    Like 0
  7. TimM

    Never fast enough for the real deals!!!

    Like 0

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