Ground Up Restored Mustang GT Fastback 428CJ V8 4 speed Highland Green

When Ford introduced the 428 Cobra Jet in April 1968, it redefined what a Mustang could be. The car had evolved from a light sports coupe into a true performance machine capable of competing with anything from GM or Mopar. This restored 1968 Mustang GT fastback captures that moment perfectly. Factory-built as an R-code 428 Cobra Jet 4-speed and finished in Highland Green over black vinyl, it was assembled at Ford's Dearborn plant on June 21, 1968, and sold new at Berry Motors Inc. in Paramus, New Jersey. According to the Deluxe Marti Report, it was equipped with the GT Equipment Group, power front disc brakes, a limited-slip rear axle, Sport Deck rear seat, and AM radio. It is one of only 1,236 fastbacks built with this engine and transmission combination for 1968.

A full rotisserie restoration was completed in 2024 by Croll's Customs of Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, commissioned by the car's long-term owner, who has reportedly owned the Mustang since 2007. The car was stripped to bare metal, media blasted, epoxy primed, and refinished in its correct Highland Green with gold GT stripes. Production numbers for 1968 GTs in this color combination are believed to be low, especially with this drivetrain combination. The restoration process, as described by the owner, revealed clean original sheet metal that required minimal attention. New Dynacorn quarter panels, outer wheelhouses, and drop-offs were seamlessly welded for a factory fit. The floors remain largely original with only one small areas of correction, and a NOS decklid was sourced during reassembly. All brightwork, weatherstripping, and interior materials were replaced to factory specification, creating a presentation that looks showroom-fresh but not over-restored.

Power comes from a 428 Cobra Jet V8 that retains date-correct components consistent with the car's June build. The engine is said to have been bored .030 over and fully rebuilt by Doug Myers of Schwenksville, Pennsylvania. It uses a 1U crankshaft, rebuilt heads, a rebuilt distributor, and a re-cored radiator. The starter and alternator were restored by Dead Nuts On, and the car retains its correct exhaust manifolds and full dual exhaust system. The transmission is a correct RUG AE2 Toploader rebuilt by Ed Hartnett of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, and is the proper big in/out spline unit. A Ford 9-inch rear axle with 3.50 gears and Traction-Lok differential completes the drivetrain. The undercarriage retains factory-style suspension and brakes, with power front discs and rear drums. The car rides on 14-inch Styled Steel wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires sized 225/70R14.

Inside, the black standard interior remains faithful to its original configuration, featuring bucket seats, a Philco AM radio, factory instrumentation, and the correct 4-speed shifter. The cabin retains its original character with proper grain vinyl, restored bright trim, and refinished metal surfaces that show the same attention to detail found throughout the rest of the car. The Sport Deck rear seat folds flat to expand cargo space, a hallmark of fastback practicality that made the GT as usable as it was stylish. Every switch, gauge, and piece of hardware has been rebuilt or replaced with components that mirror original Ford specifications. The presentation is simple, authentic, and true to the car's purpose, combining craftsmanship and performance in equal measure.

From its coveted Highland Green color to the sound of its 428 Cobra Jet at idle, this 1968 Mustang GT captures the essence of Ford's most celebrated performance era. Supported by a Deluxe Marti Report and a full, high-quality restoration, it is a benchmark example for collectors seeking authenticity, craftsmanship, and the unmistakable presence of a true R-code fastback.

Key Highlights

* Factory R-code, 4-speed 1968 Mustang GT fastback
* Complete, rotisserie restoration by Croll's Customs
* Date-correct 428ci Cobra Jet V8
* Toploader 4-speed manual transmission
* 1 of 1,236 built in 1968 with this drivetrain
* Ford 9" rear axle with 3.50 gearing
* Power disc brakes, rear drums
* Traction-Lok differential
* Correct 14" wheels with BF Goodrich Radial T/A tires
* Correct, black vinyl interior with bucket seats
* Sport Deck rear seat
* Philco AM radio
* Deluxe Marti Report