Occasionally, a classic appears on our desks at Barn Finds, where identifying its strongest attribute is challenging. Such is the case with this 1968 Mustang GT. It features one of the most desirable engines offered that year, has a long-term ownership history, and has an exceptionally low odometer reading. After fifty years as part of the same family, the time has come for this Mustang to move on to fresh pastures. Therefore, the seller has listed it here on eBay in Paris, Ohio. Bidding sits below the reserve at $35,100, with time remaining for interested parties to stake their claim on this beauty.
The original owner ordered this Mustang in June 1968, selecting the color combination of Lime Gold with a Black vinyl top. It retains that combination, with the seller stating the spotless vinyl is original. There is a question mark hanging over the paint’s originality, and there is some indication the car may have undergone a cosmetic refresh. It isn’t perfect because the seller admits there are minor marks and imperfections. However, the panels are straight, there are no bumps or bruises, and the GT is claimed to be rock-solid. The seller has been its custodian for over fifty years, and it spends its idle time squirreled away in a warm and dry garage. That helps explain its rust-free status and impressive preservation level. The trim condition is as spotless as the rest of the exterior, the tinted glass is flawless, and the Mustang rolls on a correct set of wheels wrapped in narrow whitewalls.
Lifting the hood reveals one of the attributes that makes this Mustang genuinely special. It features its numbers-matching drivetrain, consisting of the legendary 428 Cobra Jet V8 and three-speed C6 automatic transmission. This beautiful V8 delivers 335hp and 445 ft/lbs of torque, allowing the GT to scorch through the ¼-mile in 14.3 seconds on its way to 129mph. That level of performance makes the original owner’s decision to specify power front disc brakes look pretty wise. The seller admits the engine is missing some of its original air cleaner components, but that seems to be the only notable shortcoming. It has been appropriately maintained during the past five decades and has a claimed 27,000 genuine miles on the clock. There is no mention of verifying evidence, but the ownership history makes its presence possible. Disappointingly, there is no information regarding how the GT runs or drives. However, the seller seems approachable, meaning they may be willing to clarify that question.
If the seller’s claims are valid, this Mustang’s interior is another aspect that sets it apart from many of its peers. It is common for these cars to receive at least a partial retrim as items deteriorate, but the seller states everything inside this GT is original. The exception is the column-mounted tach, which is the only aftermarket addition. The Black upholstered surfaces show only minor stretching on the driver’s seat. There are no signs of wear or abuse, and the pad has avoided the rigors of age and UV exposure. Some black dash items exhibit minor wear, and there appears to be slight fading on the carpet behind the shifter. Overall, this interior is easily acceptable for a survivor-grade classic.
This 1968 Mustang GT has attracted fifteen bids so far, and the only surprise for me is that the figure isn’t higher. There is little to criticize about this classic and plenty to like. A recent bounce in the market has seen buyer interest grow following a disturbing slump. However, there remains some uncertainty when assessing the potential value of some vehicles. Therefore, the ball is in your court with this GT. I will be fascinated to read your take on the possible reserve and what you think the price will be when the hammer falls. If you hit the mark, maybe a career in vehicle valuation is awaiting you!
Paint on the door tag hmmm and sellers rating suspect – that’s why bidding is muted IMO
Also, inside the trunk, the wiring harness has been painted. Some kind of history here. Cool
Car, but I’d want to inspect it in person.
I recall that these big engines fit so tight that you could not change a couple of the spark plugs without some special “lift” of the block.
Yeah, you could but it was difficult around the master cyl. and booster…
yes….these FE motors were tight – I had to do one or two from the bottom…
My 390 Mustang’s engine had the rear two spark plugs canted frontwards toward the shock tower; and the front two spark plugs were canted rearwards toward the shock tower on both sides of the engine. Yes, it took me a long time to figure out how to change the plugs, but I did it by having a sparkplug socket (with rubber insert to hold the plug in the socket) attached to a u-joint, that was attached to a couple of extensions, then the ratchet wrench. I had to use a long screwdriver to guide the dangling socket with the plug into the hole.
I got quite good at changing the plugs, and could do it in maybe ten minutes longer than an engine with easily changed sparkplugs. No need to lift the engine block (although I had considered that early on).
It must be a beast to steer with that behemoth under the hood!
And I wonder how rare a GT coupe is?
Especially if there’s no power steering (& you need to parallel park!) – can’t tell for sure here.
Put on a regular hood, wider whitewalls, wheel covers – & what a sleeper.
I thought the 428 stangs turned 13s, not 14s.
Slicks would probably put it in the 13s,but I’m sure traction was an issue, with all that torque, and light ass end!
Odd that this has the big 428. I associate that engine with the fastback. But, you could order what you wanted in ’68. The proof is in the Marti Report. That is a great document to have to prove the pedigree.
I see the seller has a negative feedback – buyer left no comments on a harmonic balancer.
Of course, an in person inspection is always the right decision.
It’s not that you could order what you wanted, but the CJ was available for the fastback, coupe, and convertible.
Big_Fun tell me if I am goofy, but it seems strange there’s only 2 little GT badges on the fenders and that is the only ones normally they are on the door panels also. Same way with glove box and the steering wheel. That’s in sad shape look like rat chewed on it. And no factory Tach and console. I believe they are included on GT trim.
It has the GT gas cap and the grille lights. I don’t recall ever seeing emblems on the doors.
The only GT emblems is n a 68
Were on the fenders, gas cap, and wheel centers.
The tachometer cluster was an option.
Every GT I’ve seen had a center console, but it’s possible you could delete it when ordering. Years ago I had a ‘68 Shelby GT500KR that was a console delete car. That was the one thing that really bothered me about it.
Even odder is that the straight 6 was available in the fastback thru at least ’69!
& possibly through ’73?
Bit of a sleeper. 🏁
Is the hood scoop factory?
Yes. With an R code
As a past owner of a “plain jane” dark green 390 4-speed notchback 1968 Mustang (like McQueen’s car w/o the fastback), I can attest to the fact that the GT’s had only “GT” on the front fenders (as seen in these photos) rather than a engine displacement badge. Mine was not a GT, so mine had 390 emblems where this one has the GT emblems. Yes, this one should have the GT gas cap and hubcaps.
But what I find interesting is that all the big-engined Mustangs (390’s and larger) ALL came with tachometers in the right full-sized binnacle. Why does this one not have it? And putting that after-market tachometer on the column? I say “tachy.”
Seen the Mardi report and it says it was ordered with the GT trim, but what all does that trim consist of. I thought it might have the GT badge on the inside door trim. Sameway with a console
Even the brochure shows the tach was not standard with the GT package.
http://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/ford/68stang/bilder/10.jpg
Tach was not included with the GT package.
http://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/ford/68stang/bilder/10.jpg
Note there it says “available with any V8” without any reference to the GT package.
http://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/ford/68stang/bilder/9.jpg
Trey, interesting that the 10.jpg pic link mentions the 427 motor – that was also available in non fastbacks for ’68?!
There were zero 1968 Mustangs factory built with a 427 engine in them.
OK Camaro guy here so bear with me, I thought it would say GTA on the automatics? As a kid I lost a race to a 390 coupe I thought said GTA on fender?
For 1967s
Thanks Trey I thought the car I raced was a 68. Many moons ago!
You are correct! I forgot to mention that if a GT Mustang had an automatic transmission, then the fender emblems read: GT-A.
BTW: I beat many Camaros with my 390! It was a true sleeper!
I’m gonna be positive here guys. This is a true classic if all is true. Like Big_Fun said, “the proof is in the Mardi Report.” You’d think being the original owner for past 55 yrs. this seller would provide it. That would settle most doubts. Once again, well written article Adam.
How did you miss the Mardi report, Ricki? And four of your friends!
Idk Boatman. Maybe u should be Wiseman. Lol. Posting on ebay he states he has it. So I stand behind my opening sentences then.
Rickirick, the Marti was posted in the auction listing plain as day.
The seller does not claim to be the original owner. Their claim is that the car has been owned by the same family for 50 years and they make no claim of being a part of that family. My guess is that the seller is a flipper and has only owned the car for a short period of time.
No underside photos of a car from the rust belt?
No mention of this car’s rarity? 1299 428 Mustang GTs were built for 1968. Only 221 were coupes, and of those 119 had automatic transmissions. To find a coupe with its original engine is exceptionally unusual. Many were lost to abuse or to a project thought to be more worthy.
The toploader I have for my 70 Boss project decodes from a 68 428 Stang
How many 4spd’s for 1968 428 Mustangs?
Someone with that same handle was banned from a site I frequent.
This sellers feedback seems to coincide……………..
But the Marti report says everything is up and up about this car
Feedback rating is there for a reason. At least go see it in person.
83% is pretty sad
Having a new 67 GTA 390 coupe in high school I can tell you mine had no GT badges inside and no factory tach. I did add a Shelby tach and horn trim.