Restoration from the ground up? That may well be the case with this 1968 Ford Mustang convertible. It has undergone quite a bit of refurbishment so far and the seller has decided to move it on as is – that could be a difficult task, let’s see what’s been completed and what still needs attention. Located in Franklin, Ohio, this Mustang is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $7,300 with ten bids tendered so far.

I locked up on this pony because of how it’s equipped, and the fact that it’s a convertible. It’s a first-year 302 engine-equipped model, an impressive powerplant in its own right, though hardly an asphalt shredder but the car wears a restrained look about itself. It seems that by ’69 or ’70, tape stripes, scoops, spoilers and every other gee-gaw one can conjure became the norm for cars of a sporting intention and that was not the case with a ’68 Mustang convertible.

The detail around the body/underside repairs is very specific. The floors and firewall have been replaced but the car is claimed to, “structurally (be) in excellent condition. The torque boxes, rear frame rails, shock towers, long front frame rails, trunk floors and rockers are all very nice“.  The metalwork performed appears to be well executed. The seller does advise that the lower quarters will probably need to be replaced and the newly installed floor still needs to be welded in place as it’s only secured with screws at this point. Also mentioned is a rusty trunk lid but two replacements are included in the sale.

Ten to twelve years ago, this Mustang’s 230 gross HP, 302 CI V8 was rebuilt and the seller claims that the engine does turn over and is in possession of most of its original and correct parts though the distributor’s internals are missing – two additional distributors are included. The automatic transmission, however, sounds like it’s going to need a rebuild. The seller adds NOTE: There is no suspension or steering on the car. I have a straight axle on the front to facilitate loading”. The suspensions parts, all listed as new, are included but they’ll need to be installed.

Things inside are a little misleading as the image shows the interior before dismantling.  Obviously, the upholstery is split in places and there is a center console but it’s not possible to make any other determination regarding how it was outfitted. The most important issue at this point will be to know what’s available and what may be missing. Mentioned is the fact that the power top does operate smoothly so obviously, all of its parts are included. The seller adds, “The parts that I know are missing: under dash and engine feed wiring harnesses, front stone guard, front and rear valances. There are probably some other small parts also.”

Selling out on a project of this nature is always a curious approach to take, curious as in why not finish it? There could be many different reasons; nevertheless, the challenge at this point will be convincing potential buyers that the resto work performed has been done correctly and all of the necessary parts are included. That could be a tall order but nine different bidders have stepped up to the plate so this no reserve auction will send this Ford convertible to a new owner. The next owner will still have their work cut out for them but this is certainly a subject worthy of full completion, wouldn’t you agree?