1968 Ford Mustang GT

1968 & ½ Ford Mustang 428 Cobra Jet Fastback Four speed

Summary of the history (see pictures of previous documentation)

First owner from North Carolina bought it in 1968 to use a weekend race car at the drag strips. Luckily the car was spared of any major modifications, damage or changes. Things like the air cleaner assembly were set on a shelf and not thrown away like it happened way to often too many others. After its short career, it was parked in a garage by an ice cream shop and left to sit for 10+ years. The original issued window sticker expired in "1972" and still remains on the windshield.

After years of asking to buy from the original owner, the second owners bought the car in 1980. The car set for many years before deciding to do a complete disassembly and reassembly of the car. The vast majority of the car was so nice that the parts were simply cleaned and reinstalled. The availability of NOS parts were a lot better then and used where ever possible. Several of the normal wear items still have the original nos stickers visible. The car set in a covered garage until my purchase a few years ago.

It has (approximately) less than 40,000 ORIGINAL miles. The car was invited to the 40 anniversary of the Cobra Jet reunion shop in Carlisle, PA in 2008. It set as part of a select group in the front entrance enclosed showroom building (outside main gate building) along with a number of other featured legiondary Cobra Jet and Shelby Cobras.

1968.5 Ford Mustang Fastback

Factory R code “428”, four speed, GT, Repainted once in the original color – the original paint was worn and faded over time.

Same black and white color combination as the first 50 made by Ford for sponsored drag racers.

BASED on information from the two previous owners   - "Unusual" things the tail light black out panel was done by the factory (replicated during repaint but appeared that way since new) the other odd thing is the wood steering wheel which is again the factory installed one (usually black)  - There has been several emails stating that the black out rear was not factory done, I am NOT sure if it was potentially done at the dealer or by the first owner early in its life.

In addition to the non-original wheels, I have the original set of four painted rims that come with the car.

Drivetrain

·         Rebuilt 428, with approximately less than 3,000 miles on it, runs VERY-VERY well, TONS of power

·         Original block replaced by Ford when the car was only 2-3 months old (cracked block), it is the correct style "raised C" casting, which reportedly had to be pulled from the production line when replaced by Ford due to limited availability.

·         Heads and Carb are believed to be the factory installed originals. The intake is aluminum to save weight, painted blue to appear closer to stock.

·         Ram air intake with flapper & rubber sealing gasket (top part often stored in truck to keep nice while driving to show)

·         Cast Iron manifolds with tubes still installed, smog system partially installed (see pictures for non-installed items - MISSING air pump). "X" Carter Fuel Pump

·         Factory Starter Delay (intact, in place, not connected)

·         A new set of "Marti" reproduction spark plug wires and a black distributor cap are included.

·         Newer battery

·         Good master cylinder, booster, front disc brakes, wheel cylinders and hoses, rear brake cables, etc Runs and Drives well.

·         Newer 3 inch dual exhaust for better exhaust flow.

·         Rebuilt 4 spd Manual toploader transmission “RUG” (the toploader is considered by many to be the best manual transmission built),

·         Rebuilt “9 inch” Rear end (original) (3.50 limited slip) stagger shock.

·         Power steering

The underside of the car was extremely nice and "unmolested". Looking things like the springs, brackets, etc. it is easy to see the date code and factory stamps. Simply the nicest one I have seen in person. Not a concourse car or over restored car, but again very nice. 

Very nice chrome bumpers and door handles.

All lights appear to be working with no issues.

Interior
Nice mostly original black interior, carpet has been replaced, standard bucket seats, seat belts.

"wood" style steering wheel center(odd as noted above but confirmed original by the original owner and the owner for 20+ years).

All gauges believed to be original and appear to work (except clock goes on and off).

Original 8K RPM Tach (hard to find item)

Lock out "wood" shifter for the 4 speed toploader transmission

Glove box signed by and description sheet signed by famous cobra jet era drag racers and Tasca Ford representative.  Platt Joneic

Trunk - Black and white trunk mat and rare "space saver" tire with inflator, bracket and jack. The space saver tire would not be the original spare for a 1968.5 but it is a hard to find item that has been with the car for 20+ years.

Marti Report
The Marti Report confirms this car to be an original R code 428, 4 spd, GT fastback. Registered in the Cobra Jet Registry. 
The present condition is virtually "stock" in appearance to the car as originally ordered.

Delaware inspected with no issues, clear title in hand. The car gets a LOT of attention and has tons of power! No games allowed, no joy rides. The car may be listed locally.

No payment scams. There are ONLY two forms of payment accepted - CASH when the car is physically picked up and the title signed over OR money WIRED directly.

VIN tag information decoded

Vehicle Warranty Plate Information:
VIN: 8F02R20XXXX

Body: 63A
Color: M
Trim: 2A
Date: 14F
DSO: 17
Axle: H
Trans: 5

Options:
Power Steering: 1
Power Disk Brakes: 1
GT: 1
AM Radio: 1
Tachometer: 1
Optional Axle: 1
Traction-Lok: 1
Tinted Glass: 1

Option Confirmation Source: Marti

Comments:
The car reported came originally with a wood grain steering wheel center but it is the standard black wheel. Not sure if this was an assembly line mistake or what happened.

OVER 100 Pictures HERE ------  http://s497.photobucket.com/albums/rr339/hyghlndr/?albumview=slideshow