This 1968 Mustang Hardtop would seem to offer a golden opportunity for some lucky buyer. Not only is this a one-owner classic, but it is said to be rust-free. It could be driven and enjoyed as it currently stands, although a light cosmetic restoration could potentially have it shining like a new penny. The Mustang is located in Lynnwood, Washington, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $6,500 at the time of writing. Making it all the more attractive is the fact that it is being offered for sale in a No Reserve auction.
The Mustang is finished in Wimbledon White with a Black vinyl top. The car isn’t perfect, with plenty of small marks and chips to be seen across the car’s original paint. The owner states that it has never suffered any accident damage, and the tightness of the panel gaps would seem to support this claim. Rust is claimed not to be an issue with this vehicle. The owner admits that an inspection will reveal surface corrosion across various areas of the car. However, there is said to be no penetrating rust to be found anywhere. With this thought in mind, I would probably be inclined to address the surface corrosion sooner rather than later. The last thing that you want is for this to deteriorate to the point where major repairs become necessary. One thing that does concern me is the fact that there appears to be some bubbling under the vinyl top. It isn’t clear what is causing this, but I would probably strip away the vinyl to make sure that there are no problems hidden under there. I’m also not sure if there is some rust beginning to develop below the rear window, along with the bottoms of the rear quarter panels. The saving grace here is the fact that the owner is encouraging potential buyers to undertake a personal inspection of the Mustang. At least that will allow them to check things out for themselves. The trim and chrome seem to be pretty good for an original survivor, and I can’t spot any problems with the glass.
Under the hood of the Mustang, we find a C-Code 289ci V8. The car also features an automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The 289 should be producing 195hp, which is enough to propel the vehicle through the ¼ mile in 16.7 seconds. The good news here is the fact that the Mustang is generally in sound mechanical health. The only issue that the owner identifies is the brake booster, which he believes will require replacement. Otherwise, he does use the car for weekend outings, and it is said to run and drive nicely. There are no unwanted rattles and no signs of any smoke. The owner provides this YouTube video of the car running at freeway speed, and this seems to confirm the lack of squeaks and rattles. This additional YouTube clip gives a walk-around with the engine running, and the little 289 sounds sweet.
The interior of the Mustang is all original, and once again, it presents well as an original survivor. Some of the painted surfaces are beginning to show their age, and the carpet might be slightly faded. However, that’s about all there is to criticize. The upholstery is in good order, with no signs of any rips or splits. There are no aftermarket additions, and even the original Ford factory sticker for the air conditioning remains in place on the dash. As well as A/C, the Mustang comes equipped with an AM radio.
There appears to be a lot of potential locked away in this 1968 Mustang, but I would still want to subject the car to a personal inspection. I do have concerns about the bubbling under the vinyl top. It could be nothing, but it could also be the indications of some potentially significant problems. If it is as clean as the owner claims in the listing, this vehicle could represent a good option for a classic car first-timer. I’ve always made it a hard-and-fast rule to perform personal inspections on any car that I have been considering buying. It has saved me from a few potential disasters in the past. Those bubbles could be nothing, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
Bubbling under a vinyl roof always concerns me. I had a 1974 Buick Regal coupe (green with white vinyl top), and there was bubbling under its vinyl top. Still wish I didn’t sell the car tho
I find it very odd that the 289 was to offered as a left over engine in 1968 and most clears offered if the ‘68 variety seem to have the 289 lately. I would love one of these with a J code 392 and no vinyl top.
I find it very odd that the 289 was suposed to be offered as a left over engine in 1968 and most cars offered if the ‘68 variety seem to have the 289 lately. I would love one of these with a J code 302 without the vinyl top.
What?
The prettiest girls in High School drove cars like this.
Were they built with 289’s? This is the first I’m hearing about it.
Absolutely. My grandmother owned a blue one with a two tone blue interior and a 289. It was going to be my first car until she got T-boned by a teenager, hard enough to bend the frame. She was thankfully fine, but the car…..not so much.
Well its got A/C , so that should get 97 % of the guys here excited anyway !
At this price so far it’s a great project for someone!! All the parts are there minimal rust and I’m sure with some go fast parts and a refrigeration change you can have a pretty cool ride!!
1968 was when the 289 was superceded by the 302. I had one with 289 badges and sticker on the air filter and the numbers on the build sheet matched the engine and everything else was there from the factory. I drove that car for ten years as a daily driver. The people that bought it from me went to build the engine and found out they had a 302 when the 289 stuff didn’t fit.