Some Barn Finds readers, especially those with leanings towards classics wearing the Blue-Oval badge, will look at this 1968 Ford Mustang GT and believe that it is about as good as it gets. It presents superbly, but that is only part of the story. Its engine bay houses the 428 Cobra Jet V8, placing enormous power and torque at the driver’s disposal. It is ideal for anyone seeking the best that money can buy, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the GT listed here on eBay in Jacksonville, Florida. Of course, classics of this type are rarely cheap, with the seller setting their price at $115,000 OBO.
After a banner year in 1966, Ford introduced the first major upgrade to the Mustang in 1967. It wasn’t reinventing the wheel, but it was interested in expanding the engine range to cater to buyers with high-performance leanings. This Mustang GT rolled off the line in 1968 and, as we will see, its first owner took advantage of Ford’s latest strategy. The seller confirms that it underwent a rotisserie restoration in 2014, and its presentation remains superb. The Highland Green paint shines beautifully, and the Gold stripes add a classy touch that is impossible to ignore. The laser-straight panels and tight gaps indicate that the builder focused on fine details to achieve a high-end result. The seller supplies several underside shots confirming not only that the GT is rust-free, but also that the floors wear the correct Red oxide paint. The trim and glass are spotless, and the deal includes a set of Magnum 500 wheels and the original GT rims the car wore when it left the lot.
Lifting this Mustang’s hood reveals why Ford updated the Mustang in 1967. The aim was to increase space in the engine bay. Previously, the 289ci K-Code V8 was the most potent motor available, but that changed dramatically following the update. This GT is mouthwatering, featuring the 428 Cobra Jet V8, placing 335hp and 445 ft/lbs of torque beneath the driver’s right foot. The first owner teamed that brutal motor with a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. I have often considered that classics like this blur the line between pony and muscle cars, because it would certainly give vehicles like the Pontiac GTO a run for their money. The seller confirms that this GT is numbers-matching, an important factor for those considering the car’s long-term investment potential. Although not stated specifically, it appears that this Mustang is a turnkey proposition.
Considering the overall presentation of the exterior and the fact that this Mustang has accumulated a selection of show trophies, it is unsurprising that its interior appears flawless. Trimmed in Black, there is no evidence of wear or other shortcomings. The builder focused on authenticity, with no visible aftermarket additions. It features an AM radio and a console, making life inside this classic feel quite luxurious. If the buyer lands at a Cars & Coffee with this GT, its interior should earn nothing but praise.
I often ponder whether there is such a thing as motoring perfection, and that term will mean different things to different people. This 1968 Mustang GT will come close in the eyes of many, thanks to its condition and mechanical package. It has generated plenty of interest since hitting the market, which is unsurprising. The seller’s price is at the top end of the market, but it will only take one enthusiast whose heart rules their head for it to find a new home. Do you think it will happen?
I love everything about this car except those hideous exhaust tips. Easily changed though. Guess I better get those lottery tickets.
Yes sweet and nice, but that price.
Nice car, expensive for a reason. Anyone that decides to enter the VIN into Google will find several feature stories on this car.
Steve R
Those exhaust tips are factory stock,they just hang too low.Some new clamps would fix that.
The author picks the coolest cars, and this is no exception. To be clear, this was NOT the norm. The main reason we even see these today, is someone had the initiative to know, someday this car would be extremely collectible. We never saw one. Of the 317,000 Mustangs sold in ’68, only a scant 1299 had the 428. It was a monster with a “claimed” HP of 335,,pfft,,when everyone knew it was well over 400. Just couldn’t let “Flo” know about it. This car cost just around $3grand, the 428 CJ added a whopping $420 bucks! It could do 0-60 in under 6 sec.( 5.9) and 1/4 mile mid 13s@105mph( traction permitting) right out of the box. Naturally, I feel the automatic enhances the appeal, you got the coin, this was the most awesome car you could get, for a very limited time. What a time, hey?
I owned a 68 1/2 R-code coupe for forty years so I have a decent idea on value and that’s more like like a top fastback number not coupe. Even though they just produced over a couple hundred CJ coupes in 68 so they are rare they are not particularly desirable when compared the the fastbacks.
Couldn’t let “Flo” know about it! 🤣That was good Howard
Talk about kicking yourself … in Chicago in the early 70s (ok- my memory is lapsing) I had a ’55 TBird for sale for $1,955 … guy drove up in a ’68 Cobra Jet 428 and wanted to trade even … wife said she didn’t want another Mustang, especially one from the South Side – it had fuzzy dice, a furry steering wheel, and curb feelers … don’t let your wife influence your car trade decisions …
Open diff and 3.50 gear be a recipe for not leaving the line well in this dandy.🏁 What a machine 👍 Beautiful Ford.
What’s not to like? Well, maybe those exhaust tips but that’s like criticizing Jennifer Anniston’s figure. Sweet ride.
I am dizzy with envy!
Need to go buy some lottery tickets or drain part of the retirement account.
If I had that kind of cash I would still buy that 66 Plymouth Satellite with the Hemi and 4 speed for 55 grand. Get almost a 100 more horsepower and enough left over cash to build a nice shop to put it in!
Were any of these 428s available with 4speeds? The ones ive been seen advertised all had automatics, Just wondering .. I would have ordered a 4speed with the 428
Yes a 1968 Mustang with the R code 428 was available with a 4 speed. Kevin Marti’s book Mustang By The Numbers would tell you how many were produced. I do not have a copy of that book or I would post the number. On a related note there were 64 1968 Cougars built with the 428 and a 4 speed.
I had the same color combo back in the day, 1968, same green with the tan factory stripe and black interior, but mine was 6cyl, stick. Bought it in 1974 for $750 and sold it ten years later for $1400. I went everywhere in that car and learned how to drive stick shift real good.