Documented Frame Up Restored Mustang GT 390 V8 4 Speed

When you ask most Ford enthusiasts what their favorite Mustang is, the '67-'68 fastbacks are always at the top of the list. Between the slick sloping rear and slightly larger stature, it was the car that officially buried the “secretary car” stigma and left a pile of rubber on its grave. Production numbers weren't exactly low but when an example like this awesome aqua '68 comes along, we're always happy to clear a spot in our showroom. With a seldom seen color combination, 390 V8, Toploader four-speed and enough appeal to draw a crowd anytime the car stops, fastbacks don't get much more fun than this. If you're looking for the perfect first generation to rule local shows and cruise on nice weekends, this '68 might be just the ticket.

We'll start by breaking down the door data plate information:

Serial Number: 8T02S200209
8: 1868
T: Built at Ford's Metuchen, NJ assembly plant
02: Mustang fastback
S: 390-4V engine
200209: Mustang #100,209 schedule for production at Metuchen

Details:
63B: Mustang fastback
F: Ford #2065-A Gulfstream Aqua paint
6A: Black décor bucket seats
26D: Scheduled for build on April 26th, 1968
25: Richmond, VA ordering district
G: 3.25 Limited slip rear axle
5: Four-speed manual transmission

In May of 1968, this unique fastback was delivered to Harvest Motors, Inc. in Richmond, Virginia. At the time, it wore white stripes over its Gulfstream Aqua paint and, as one of just 2,423 '68 Mustangs to wear the color it likely stood out against the more common combinations. Today, the car looks as fresh as it did on the Harvest Motors lot thanks to a fresh no-expense-spared restoration. Like other popular cars of its day, there were a lot of Mustangs produced. Making one stand out can be a challenge but, even in stock trim, this one makes a big first impression. It starts with the laser straight body covered in a glossy coat of its original Gulfstream Aqua. There is little to fault in the paintwork – reflections are clear and there are no noteworthy flaws anywhere. The original white stripes are now satin black but, even for the by-the-build-sheet crowd, it's hard to argue that decision. What they cost in originality is more than made up for by the aggressive new look.

Ford rolled out a bigger, more muscular pony car for 1967 and the 1968 model year saw that design subtly refined. 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 grille, a factory hood features twin scoops but no Ford lettering as found on the prior year. 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 fastback 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.

By '68, Ford offered an impressive list of engines in their pony car ranging from a 200cid Thriftpower I6 to the mighty 428cid Cobra Jet. Towards the top of that list, just beyond the 302, was the 320hp 390. The engine was borrowed from the Thunderbird but, in a Mustang, achieved 13-second quarter mile passes with relative ease in stock form. The 390 in this fastback has a showroom fresh look thanks to plenty of Ford Blue paint and a long list of period-correct accessories. Under the 390-badged chrome lid, a blue single snorkel air cleaner draws air into the tagged Holley four-barrel carburetor. Atomized fuel passes through the stock intake manifold and out to the cast iron heads topped with chrome factory-style valve covers. At the front, an alternator, power steering pump and fan spin off engine power while a factory-style radiator keeps the block cool through correct Autolite hoses. From the starter relay to the Autolite voltage regulator to the Sta-Ful battery, the bay presents well and looks authentic in most every way. Best of all, the engine starts up on the first try and sounds surprisingly mild breathing through cast iron exhaust manifolds into an OEM true dual exhaust system.

Underneath the car, a freshly restored undercarriage houses new floors with lots of Gulfstream Aqua overspray for a factory appearance. Nice enough to show but still fully drivable, this is the perfect compromise for enthusiasts who like to show their car but still fully enjoy it on nice weekends. Towards the front, a wide-ratio Toploader four-speed manual transmission still shifts well, transferring the power out to a limited slip rear axle with 3.25 gears. The suspension remains in its original configuration with control arms up front and leafs out back. All parts carry appropriate chassis inspection marks, lending some Concours characteristics to the restoration. While Mustangs were far from heavy, steering effort is even lighter thanks to the power steering setup in place on this fastback. Braking is equally good with power front disc and rear drums brining to car to a halt in a hurry. At the corners, fourteen inch GT wheels are wrapped in 215/70 BFG's for some modern traction.

Inside the car, a comfortable black interior should make any Mustang fan feel right at home. All the soft parts from the carpet to the headliner look new and the bucket seats provide plenty of support for spirited driving. From the driver's seat, a familiar Mustang dash features plenty of black vinyl and tasteful wood applique. A nice set of factory gauges keep tabs on fuel level, speed, time, revs and temperature while a two-spoke steering wheel connects the driver to the car through a fixed column. In the center, a Ford-branded AM radio provides entertainment from its place just over a neat storage space with an aluminum door. Between the seats, an original-looking console houses the four-shifter topped by a deluxe shift knob while an overhead console mirrors its shape. At the sides of the cabin, attractive door panels feature a mix of chrome, black vinyl and wood applique for a classic pony car look. Behind the back seats, the trunk features a fresh floor with a correct mat and full-size BFG spare tire ready in case of an emergency.

Documentation for this slick fastback comes in the form of a Deluxe Marti Report which breaks down the VIN, data plate information, original options and other useful facts pertaining to the car's history.

It's hard to picture the automotive world without Mustangs. They've been a staple in the collector world for decades and continue to be favorites among racers and purists alike. With its strong 390, smooth Toploader and nearly universal appeal, this is an ideal Mustang for anyone who has ever considered adding one to their stable. If that's you, don't miss the chance to claim this awesome '68.