Ford may have had a monster hit on its hands with the First Generation Mustang, but it wasn’t resting on its laurels. The company released a range of special packages designed to lure potential customers into showrooms with the promise of a bargain. One of these was the Sprint Package, available in two forms. This 1968 Mustang features the rarer Sprint B and is a genuine survivor that presents extremely well. It has no cosmetic or structural issues and is ready for a new owner who will enjoy everything it offers. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Mustang listed here on Craigslist in Granite Falls, Washington. The seller set their price at $23,900 for a classic that is a turnkey proposition.
Introduced in 1967, Ford refreshed its Sprint Package for the 1968 model year. Buyers could choose from two versions, with Sprint A available to buyers selecting either a six or a V8 under the hood. Sprint B was V8-only territory. Sprint A featured side “C” stripes, a pop-open fuel cap, wheel lip moldings, and full wheel covers. Sprint B retained most of those items. However, styled steel wheels replaced the wheel covers, and the grille featured integrated fog lights. The first owner ordered this ’68 Sprint B in Royal Maroon, and the Gold stripes give the car a sophisticated air. The seller indicates that most of the paint is original, and its condition suggests this Mustang has led a sheltered existence. The paint shines richly, the stripes appear crisp, and there are no significant panel imperfections or evidence of rust. The chrome and tinted glass are in good order, and while this classic sits on Cragar wheels, the seller will swap them for the original styled steel items if the buyer prefers authenticity.
As a Sprint B, lifting this Mustang’s hood reveals a 289ci V8. It is the C-Code variant, delivering a factory-claimed 195hp and 288 ft/lbs of torque. The 1968 model year marked the final year for the 289, and this car’s first owner paired it with a three-speed automatic transmission. There is no power assistance for the steering or front disc brakes, although this would only become truly apparent when maneuvering the vehicle in confined spaces. Purists will welcome the news that the originality of this classic extends to the motor, which is numbers-matching. The seller confirms that this Sprint runs and drives perfectly, which makes it possible for the new owner to fly in and drive it home.
The positive vibes continue inside this Mustang. The interior condition is consistent with a well-preserved survivor. The Black vinyl is free from issues, and the carpet is excellent. The dash is spotless, and the pad hasn’t warped. Aftermarket additions include a radio/cassette player and a wheel wrap. The first owner equipped this Mustang with air conditioning and a console, although the seller states that the A/C is inoperative. Overall, the interior won’t embarrass the new owner should they rock up to a Cars & Coffee behind the wheel of this gem.
Rarity is a relative term, and some readers may argue that with a production total of 40,118 vehicles in 1968, the Sprint Package doesn’t fall into that category. However, only 15,106 buyers selected the “B” option, representing under 5% of Mustang sales for that model year. The rarest of the breed are the Convertible and Fastback variants, with both failing to achieve double figures. This ’68 Sprint B is a gem, and the seller’s price looks competitive. It hasn’t been on the market long, and I suspect that it will quickly find a new home. Could it be yours?
When I was 18 in ‘79 I bought a’68 with the sprint A package for $700. It was candy apple red with black stripes, a 200 six, auto and AM radio. Someone had replaced the wheels with aluminum slots. My mom was upset because it had rusted out rear quarters and floors being a Wisconsin car. I had fun with it for a while and then sold to a friend. This car would be the perfect replacement.
Personally, while the car presents very well cosmetically, I wouldn’t have opted for the gold stripe, and if I wanted aftermarket wheels I’d go for mags, not the chromes. I’d reinstall the stock wheels on this car. Again, it’s pretty nice but I think, at that price, the seller is going to wait awhile to make the sale.
Informative write up, never knew these packages were out there. Considering the prices on junk cars these daze, seems like a good price for a cream puff.