This multi-colored painted pony might have been someone’s dream, a labor-intensive project to make a 428-powered weapon from a discarded pile of parts. Though still in parts, this 1968 Ford Mustang fastback has enjoyed enough work to help buyers approach a potential deal with some questions answered. The fender apron wears the all-important “R” in position five, designating the mid-year option of a 428 V8, more motor than original Mustang creators likely ever imagined. The born-with engine is long gone, and this roller comes with engine parts including a claimed 1969 428 Cobra Jet block and a correct ’68 intake manifold. The pleasure of finishing this Manahawkin, New Jersey project costs $42,000 and a click of Buy It Now here on eBay, and open bidding by at least nine suitors has the market value over $17,500 without meeting the seller’s Reserve.

Here’s where the magic happened… once. We’ve seen worse, and nothing here suggests the body is too far gone. Is there supposed to be a giant hole in the left strut tower brace? Many killer engines in the classic muscle car era came with more horsepower than advertised, 335 HP in this case according to RMW. This dyno video saw a near-to-stock 428 pull over 450 HP. That, to paraphrase the late Keith Jackson, will wreck your parlor.

How much of this metal came with this ride in ’68 is anyone’s guess, but few cars offer as many options from the restoration aftermarket. You can 1-800-Hot-Rod most of this, though assembling everything correctly takes more patience and skill than you might think after 30-minute episodes of wrench-throwing garage apes pranking their way through a multi-year project.

The seller states that pictures were shot in multiple years, so take your best guess when it comes to the car’s current state. Those floors show some daylight peeking through, but overall not bad!

Traction Bars found their way onto every leaf spring ride back in the day from Dad’s van to Grandma’s Mustang, offering some control of leaf spring axle wrap and wheel hop. Plus they look super-cool and tell everyone that you mean business.

Act quickly and you could spend Christmas Eve in the garage building your new toy. Insert Piston A into Block B. Battery not included… or maybe there’s one in there somewhere. That loaded master cylinder looks like an artifact from Raise the Titanic. Sledgehammer-sized counterweights on that crankshaft and pistons like stew cans give some indication of the 428’s might. I’ve probably shared this at least 17 times but turn up your speakers and check out the 428-powered Mustang busting butt down the 1320 in this vintage Ford Drag Racing video. How far do you think the “R Factor” will drive bidding on this once-potent pony?