Restored 1 of 102 Mustang GT 428 Cobra Jet V8 4 Speed

When you ask most Ford enthusiasts what their favorite Mustang is, the '67-'68 Stangs are always at the top of the list. It was the car that officially buried the “secretary car” stigma and left a pile of rubber on its grave. Sure it was restyled but the big news came in April of '68 with the addition of the brutal 428 Cobra Jet to the options list. This 1968 Mustang coupe left the factory as a true 428-equipped Cobra Jet and is one of just 102 that is backed by a Toploader 4-speed. The current owner purchased the car in 2010, with a older restoration, however in 2013 it was restored at the highest level by renowned engine builder Kenny Masiano of MASCAR Auto Body. If you're looking for the perfect first generation capable of cleaning up at any big event, this is your dream '68.

Before we get too far let's take a look at the original window sticker, Marti Report that is included in the sale and the door tag to get a better idea how rare this '68 Mustang really is.

• Mustang Hardtop - $2601.78
• Base 289 2V 8-cyl engine - $105.63
• Raven Black
Total base vehicle - $2,707.41

• 428 4v Cobra Jet 8 cyl engine - $420.96
• GT equipment group – 146.71
• Four speed manual transmission $233.18
• Traction-lok differential - $63.51
• F70X14 BSW BLTD TRCTN Tires NC
• Console - $53.71
• Power disc brakes - $64.77
• AM radio - $61.40
• Deluxe Belts - $15.59
• Total options - $1059.83
• Transportation charges - $55.00
Total - $3,822.24

According to the Marti Report that comes with the sale of the vehicle, of the 317,423 mustangs that were produced in 1968 only 221 came with the feared 428 Cobra Jet engines. From there just take a look at how extremely rare this vehicle gets:

• 102 of those rare 221 came with 4-speed manual transmissions
• 10 of them were painted in Raven Black, of which 7 were equipped with black bucket seats
• Those 7 were also equipped with the GT equipment upgrade
• 2 of them came with the 3.50 Traction-lok rear axles
• 1 was produced with manual steering

The high-powered pony car was actually produced on May 21st 1968 – 7 days ahead of schedule. From Dearborn, it headed straight to Jack Thrasher Ford in Terre Haute, Indiana where it was introduced to its first owner. Thanks to the extensive restoration by the folks at MASCAR, the body which is covered in a fresh coat of Raven Black, presents well from virtually every angle and panel gaps are even all around – far better than any assembly line work of the 1960s.

Paint aside, there are some impressive details in place that not only help make a first strong impression but also differentiate the car from its 1967 model siblings. The front end was cleaned up thanks to the deletion of the horizontal bars on either side of the Mustang emblem. It was replaced with a single band of trim surrounding the grille opening which, on this car, also houses the driving lights. Above the correct blue/grey GT grille, a factory hood features a single functioning version 2 Ram Air, but no Ford lettering as found on the prior year. On the sides of the scoops, 428 emblems are pronounced enough to warn anyone what lies in wait under the hood. Along the sides, clean GT badges hang on the front fenders while dent-free stainless rocker trim runs between the wheel arches. Behind the doors, a 1968 update added chrome trim to the scoops while the C-stripe does a great job highlighting the area. At both ends of the car, chrome-accented marker lights remain the easiest way to find a '68 in a crowd. Below the roofline, show-quality stainless and chrome edge flaw-free glasswork. Follow the coupe lines and the chrome-wrapped rear features triple taillights, a GT-badged gas cap and a showroom clean rear bumper affixed above round reverse lights and quad exhaust tips.

Introduced in April 1, 1968, Ford's 428 Cobra jet was rated to leave the factory with 335hp. However, actual horsepower numbers were closer to 410. Pop the glossy black hood and you'll find the original 428ci Cobra Jet V8 resting in the engine bay. The engine is coming off a recent rebuild by Kenny Masiano himself in 2013. At the top of the block, the FoMoCo blue air filter is outfitted with the rubber seal for the version 2 Ram Air and correct for 68 ½ only Snorkel. Below the air filter is the original C80F AA Holley, while the spark is supplied by the original C80F 12127 D distributor. In front of the engine a re-cored radiator is responsible for cooling the massive power plant. 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 washer tank, is fully-sorted and ready to show.

Bolted to the powerful 428 is the original Toploader 4-speed manual transmission that wears the correct 68 Ford Mustang 428 close ratio RUG AE tag. From there power travels down the driveshaft to the Ford 9” that is equipped with a 3.50 Traction-Lok differential and 31 spline axles. Holding that drivetrain off the ground is a factory-accurate suspension, which left the factory with traditional manual steering, however during the restoration factory style power steering was added. At the corners of the floors, correct power front disc and rear drum brakes prove a worthy match for the big engine's thrust. Between those brakes, reproduction Concourse correct Ford Licensed exhaust by Scott Fuller Reproductions creates a fantastic sound from the 428. At the sides of those pipes, original Styled Steel wheels roll power through F70-14 Goodyear Wide Tread tires.

Inside the car, a comfortable black interior should make any Mustang fan feel at home. Step over the Ford-branded door sill plates onto fresh black carpet protected by Mustang-branded floor mats. A pair of factory black standard bucket seats provide front row seating and enough support to back spirited driving. Control over the car is offered through the trio of a chrome shifter, two-spoke steering wheel, and clean pedals below. There is no center console, but an overhead wood grain console was added during the restoration. From the driver seat, a 120mph speedometer pairs with an 8k rpm tachometer while smaller gauges keep tabs on temperature and fuel. The plainspoken black dash also makes room for a Philco stereo should you ever grow tired of the 428's rumble (you won't). The dash shows no signs of wear while all trim throughout the cabin remains in showroom condition. Take a look inside the trunk to find a full-size spare and roadside tools placed on top of a correct trunk mat.

Included in the sale of this Mustang is a plaque containing the extensive Marti Report, and a stack of receipts from the extensive restoration.

The fit and finish on this correct example is excellent and sure to impress even those familiar with these cars and with discerning taste. Don't miss out on your chance to own a legitimate 68 ½ Cobra Jet Coupe 4 speed in Raven Black. For Mustang fans, it does not get much more exclusive!