Award Winning Restored Mustang GT 428 Cobra Jet V8 C6

In the world of classic Detroit muscle there are great cars, and then there are cars that are destined for greatness. Great cars feature a solid history, fun mechanicals and a roster of desirable options. Cars that are destined for greatness combine solid history, fun mechanicals and a roster of desirable options with exclusive awards and incredible stories. Bought, raced to a national record and owned for more than 40 years by one family, this 1968 Mustang GT wraps an original Cobra Jet drivetrain in all-original, Kenny Maisano-massaged sheetmetal. In fact, after a thorough inspection by Kerry Wortman of the Cobra Jet Den, this pony was deemed so true to form that it's now considered reference grade. And, better still; the car is completely documented from its original purchase all the way to its 2014 freshening. If you're looking for a mind blowing classic that's every bit as impressive as it is unique, this investment grade Ford is just your style!

In addition to being listed in the Mustang 428 Cobra Jet Registry, this striking coupe has been thoroughly documented by Kevin Marti of Marti Auto Works. Here's a thorough breakdown of the car's original door data, optional equipment and registry stats:

DOOR DATA

SERIAL NUMBER: 8F02RXXXXXX
* 8 – 1968 model year
* F – Built in Dearborn, Michigan
* 02 – Mustang Fastback
* R – 428 cubic inch, 4V Cobra Jet engine
* XXX, XXXth Ford vehicle scheduled for production at Dearborn
* 63A – Mustang Fastback
* R – Ford #3067-A Highland Green paint
* 2A – Black, Standard bucket seats
* 17F – Scheduled for build on June 17th, 1968
* 38 – Pittsburgh Ordering District
* Y – Traction-Lok axle that's complete with 4.30 gears
* U – C6 Select Shift Cruise-O-Matic transmission

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

* GT Equipment Group
* C6 Select Shift Cruise-O-Matic transmission
* High ratio axle
* Traction-Lok differential
* F70x14 belted traction tires
* Power disc brakes
* AM radio

REGISTRY STATS

* 1 of 1,044 “R” code Fastbacks produced for the 1968 model year
* 1 of 338 “R” code Fastbacks equipped with an automatic transmission
* 1 of 83 “R” code Fastbacks equipped with a 4.30 axle ratio
* 1 of 380 1968 “R” code Fastbacks listed in the Mustang Cobra Jet Registry
* 1 of 5 Highland Green 1968 “R” code Fastbacks listed in the Mustang Cobra Jet Registry
* 1 of 3 Highland Green on Black 1968 “R” code Fastbacks listed in the Mustang Cobra Jet Registry

Ordered as a factory race car by Glen Nestor of Grafton, West Virginia, this awesome pony is a strong example of meticulous maintenance, professional restoration and fantastic luck. After a 13.51 second record at Pittsburgh International Dragway, and roughly 20 years of racing, the car hit the streets with new 3.00 gears and less than 20K original miles. In early 2014, on the heels of the Nestor family selling their beloved fastback, the professionals at MASCAR Auto Body conducted a detailed rotisserie restoration. And today, this Sikkens-covered stormer is a revered collection of well-aligned panels and ridged character lines that presents a better-than-factory appearance.

Excellent paint and fitment aside, this classic features superb detailing that helps create an unforgettable first impression. At the front of the car, a correct GT grille anchors a corralled horse between traditional Ford headlights, a bright chrome bumper and bullet-style parking lamps. Above that grille, a scooped hood leads the eye to pristine glass that's sealed beneath small silver wipers and straight stainless frames. At the sides of that hood, dent-free rocker guards lay the groundwork for new “GT” emblems, classy door handles and a correct driver's mirror. And at the back of the car, a stainless-trimmed, “M U S T A N G” branded valence centers fresh tail lights and a detailed fuel filler above a second chrome bumper, small reverse lamps and polished stainless exhaust tips.

Naturally, this all-American blue oval is a lot more than just a pretty body. Under the car's war striped hood you'll find 428 cubic inches of original V8 that's been mechanically and aesthetically restored by Kenny Maisano of MASCAR Auto Body. A thorough update to one of the most iconic Ford mills ever created, the Ford Blue FE utilizes a strengthened medium block, heavy duty rods, a nodular crankshaft and a Comp cam to twist stout 10 to 1 compression into roughly 400 horsepower. At the top of the engine, original ram air induction centers a correctly decaled air cleaner over an original, Joe Bunetic-tweaked Holley. At the sides of that carburetor, cast iron heads hang stamped “POWER BY FORD” valve covers over fully restored exhaust manifolds. Fire is provided by a familiar points distributor, which sequences spark between a fresh coil and new Autolite Radio Resistance plug wires. And cooling is provided by a stock radiator and pliable Autolite hoses. Aesthetically, the clean engine bay appears very close to original, featuring Satin Black paint, appropriate stamps and factory-spec decals. And everything, from the car's strong Autolite battery to its tidy Ford washer tank, is fully-sorted and ready to show.

Given its ground-up restoration, the bottom of this fastback looks exactly how you'd expect a well-maintained show car to look. The monstrous motor twists torque to an original C6 3-speed that's equipped with an “R” code servo. That transmission spins a rebuilt Ford pumpkin that, thanks to J&S Gear Co., features a Traction-Lok differential, original, 31-spline axles and pleasant 3.50 gears. Holding that drivetrain off the ground is a factory-accurate suspension, which makes good use of traditional manual steering. Above that suspension, solid floorpans wear fresh, Satin Black paint. At the corners of those floors, correct power front disc and rear drum brakes prove a worthy match for the big engine's thrust. Between those brakes, roasted dinosaurs are jettisoned via concours-correct Scott Fuller Reproductions exhaust. At the sides of those pipes, original Styled Steel wheels roll power through F70-14 Goodyear Wide Tread tires. And, if the car's new owner wants to experience the 428 in all its big-bore glory, a set of correct 4.30 gears is included with our sale.

Inside this Ford, a correct Black interior wraps fresh bucket seats in a cocoon of vintage style. Everything, from the door panels and headliner to the carpet and pony-branded floor mats, appears trim shop-fresh. The dash is loaded with factory telemetry, featuring a crack-free façade that's as vivid as the day it left the showroom. At the center of that façade, a correct Philco radio floats above a small chrome shifter. In front of the driver, you'll find a simple, wood-trimmed steering wheel. Behind the passengers, a completely restored trunk features a correct mat and full-size spare tire. And, like most first generation Mustangs, this GT's impressive detailing is solid proof that Ford employed some of the best designers in the business.

Not only is this record-setting thoroughbred rare, it's also fully documented. Here's a chronological list of what's included with our sale:

* An original sales brochure
* The car's original sales invoice from Toothman Ford in Grafton, West Virginia
* Bank information from the car's original purchase
* An original Promissory Note
* Documentation for a West Virginia plate transfer
* An original Owner's Manual
* An original warranty card
* An original Maintenance Folio
* The car's original title
* Vintage time slips
* A certificate for the car's track record
* A picture of the car and Glen Nestor celebrating the car's track record
* Vintage newspaper clippings about the car's track record
* Ownership history
* Restoration receipts
* The aforementioned Deluxe Marti Auto Works Report

There's no question this is a very special car and that its existence has raised bar for authentic restorations everywhere. If you're the sort of person who wants to own only the best, and understands that quality doesn't compromise, you're already familiar with what this Mustang has to offer. Stunning to look at, thrilling to drive, and exceptional to show, it's a storied classic that preserves a golden era in American muscle. Buy it today, and in 20 years, you'll still be drawing crowds!