History and Information about the 1968 Ford Mustang
In September 1967, the famous 1968 Ford Mustang hit the scene. It carried on the success from the year before. Although its shape stayed similar, the 1968 Mustang had key upgrades. These changes made it a top pick among classic and muscle car fans.
The Mustang emblem stood out by looking like it floated in the grille’s center. Unlike before, there were no bars next to it. Also, the side scoops had cleaner chrome, offering a sleeker look. Along with new safety rules, these updates kept 1968 Ford Mustang lovers and car collectors intrigued.
From late September to late November 1967, Ford faced a 60-day strike. Yet, by the end, the 1968 Mustang reached a production peak of 317,148 units. This was a major win for the pony car, showing its strong attraction. It further proved the 1968 Ford Mustang was more than a car. It became a forever hero in American car history and vintage circles.
Introduction to the Iconic 1968 Ford Mustang
The 1968 Ford Mustang was a symbol of American car greatness. It mixed raw power and sleek design that impressed fans across the globe. Many admired the quick 427-powered Mustang and the strong Cobra Jet 428 V8, found in 2,854 cars that year.
A Symbol of American Automotive Prowess
The Mustang looked like no other, with a special emblem and stylish side features. These design choices made it a true symbol of American automotive prowess. Its performance and look distinguished it as the ultimate 1968 Ford Mustang that showcased the best of American cars.
Combining Raw Power with Sleek Design
The 1968 Ford Mustang showed Ford’s promise to offer both power and beauty. Its impact on the road and in the minds of muscle car enthusiasts proved its place as an American automotive legend.
1968 Ford Mustang: Continuing the Legacy
The 1968 Ford Mustang kept the spirit of the iconic pony car alive. It had some minor trim changes from the previous model year. The changes included cleaner chrome around the side scoops and the grill’s Mustang emblem being less bold.
New Federally Mandated Safety Features
The year 1968 saw the introduction of shoulder seat belts in the Mustang. This was because of new federally mandated safety features for all cars made in that time. These new rules marked another step showing the Mustang as a standout in the classic American muscle car world.
Powerful Engine Options
In 1968, the Ford Mustang came with many strong engine choices. These fulfilled the needs of fans wanting great performance features. The top pick was the powerful 427 V8 engine. It could take the Mustang from 0-60 mph in just six seconds. This showed off the car’s strength and how quickly it could move.
The Mighty 427 V8 Engine
The 427 V8 was a hit early in 1968. But its fame faded quickly when the Cobra Jet 428 V8 was introduced. This new V8 could do what the 427 did, but for $500 less. Many people then chose it over the 427.
The Cobra Jet 428 V8: A Formidable Force
That year, the 2,854 Mustangs got the powerful Cobra Jet 428 V8. This engine showed off the car’s great strength and performance. Its powerful punch, paired with the Mustang’s great driving, offered a thrilling experience. This drew muscle car fans all over the U.S.
1968 Ford Mustang
The 1968 Ford Mustang was cherished by muscle car enthusiasts in America. Its unique design, strong engine choices, and long-lasting impact made it a legendary classic car. It symbolizes American automotive excellence.
The 1968 Ford Mustang had powerful engine options available. It included the 427 V8 and Cobra Jet 428 V8. With these engines, it could reach 0-60 mph in around six seconds. This impressed car collectors and vintage vehicle enthusiasts alike.
Its design was also iconic. The Mustang emblem stood out in the grille. The chrome trim on the side scoops added elegance. These features, along with its sleek shape, showed the 1968 Mustang was a Ford performance masterpiece.
Design and Styling Highlights
The 1968 Ford Mustang was a masterpiece in design and style. It had many features that made it iconic. The Mustang emblem was a big part of its look. It was placed in the grille in a way that made it look like it was floating, with no bars around it.
The Iconic Mustang Emblem and Grille
The way the emblem was in the grille made the 1968 model shine. It looked more elegant than older models. The side scoops got a cleaner chrome trim too. They didn’t have stripes on them, which added to the Mustang’s cool, new look.
Refined Side Scoops and Chrome Accents
The Mustang had a powerful and sharp look. This made it a true American automotive icon. Its beautiful design and styling have won over car fans around the world. Even today, the 1968 Ford Mustang is a top pick for car collectors.
Production and Sales Figures
The 1968 Ford Mustang hit a high with 317,148 units. It was a great year for this beloved car model. Sadly, a 60-day strike at Ford from late September to late November 1967 slowed things down. This hurt both sales and the number of cars made that year.
Impact of the 1967 Ford Strike
Even though the Ford strike was a challenge, the 1968 Mustang did very well. It reached its highest production numbers. This shows how much people love this American classic. It’s famous for its power, cool design, and special place in history. That’s why it’s still so popular and valuable today.
Model Year Production Peak
The 1968 Ford Mustang reaching 317,148 units proves how loved it is. Both Ford and its customers never lost excitement for this car. The 1968 Mustang kept going strong despite the strike, becoming a symbol of American car culture.
Variants and Special Editions
In 1968, next to the standard Ford Mustang, we saw some special versions. These included the Shelby GT-500KR and the GT/California Special. These models showed just how much people loved this iconic car.
The Shelby GT-500KR: King of the Road
Named “King of the Road,” the Shelby GT-500KR was a legal version of a famous drag car. It was said to hit 400 horsepower. This top-level 1968 Mustang wowed fans with its strong engine and cool Shelby look.
The GT/California Special: West Coast Flair
In 1968, the Mustang GT/California Special debuted, known for its style influenced by the Shelby Mustangs. It was rare, with only 251 made. This model showed how Ford met different customer tastes, from the West Coast to the East.
Special versions like the GT-500KR and GT/California Special showed the Mustang’s wide appeal. They made 1968 a great year for the iconic pony car and Ford fans.
Collector’s Dream: Rarity and Value
The 1968 Ford Mustang is a top collector’s item. Its rarity and iconic standing make it sought-after. Certain versions, like the Shelby GT-500KR convertible, are even rarer, with only 517 made.
Its powerful performance and sleek look add to its appeal. This contributes to its high value in the classic car market. This makes owning one a dream for automotive enthusiasts.
The 1968 Ford Mustang stands out with its special style and features. This makes it a favorite among vintage vehicle lovers. Owning this piece of history from the muscle car era is a collector’s goal. Rare models and timeless design increase their value.
Finding a 1968 Mustang in great condition is tough yet exciting. The car’s continued popularity and rarity have made it a prized find. But, getting a well-preserved 1968 Mustang is highly rewarding for car collectors. They see its importance in American car history.
Source Links
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Mustang_(first_generation)
- https://shnack.com/history/1968
- https://over-drive-magazine.com/2023/07/31/1968-ford-mustang-fact-sheet/
The iconic 1968 Ford Mustang, a symbol of American automotive excellence, combined raw power with sleek design, captivating muscle car enthusiasts worldwide.