It's one of the most iconic models in American automotive history, responsible for creating a subcategory that had never even existed before. After all, while Mustangs weren't the first "muscle cars", they were definitely the first "pony cars", and their sheer popularity created serious disruption in the industry, prompting their competitors to scramble for worthy opponents to battle Ford's rousing success. It only takes one quick look at this 1968 Mustang GT tribute and you can see what that fuss was all about.
The Mustang nameplate saw quite a bit of change in its early years, going from two-seater to four even before its initial release, then growing in size and power over the years before scaling back down later. As you can see here, decked out in Sunlit Gold Metallic paint (its original color) and signature C-shaped GT stripes, 1968 caught Mustang at a very good time. Ford had increased its dimensions to allow for more room in the engine compartment and create a decidedly more rugged appearance than preceding models, while still sticking to the "long hood, short rear deck" formula that had proven to be so successful. This is a really nice paint job - with very even coloring underneath a great clearcoat to produce a convincing shine from all angles. Up above, the black vinyl top is in great condition, with no peeling or tears and a deep black hue. Those level, blemish-free bumpers, clean chrome trim and tight lines between body panels add to the finished look we all seek in classics like this one.
The black vinyl interior has been impressively restored. Those low-backed buckets in front and the bench in back have been brought back to life with a faithful recreation of the upholstery this Mustang left its Dearborn, Michigan assembly line with nearly 50 years ago. Just below, the stretch of black carpeting shows no perceptible wear and features a pair of GT floor mats up front. Just beyond the stock Mustang steering wheel, an assortment of new gauges sits in the instrument cluster with chrome bezels, a welcome change from the wear-induced primer color you often see in this area, even in restored Mustangs. Another well-looked after detail is the center console, with its straight surface, smoothly opening storage door and clean chrome insert. In the tidy trunk you will find a proper Ford plaid fabric mat and a full-sized factory spare also properly covered.
The original C-code 289-cubic inch V8 sits paired with the also-original C4 3-speed automatic transmission in a highly detailed engine bay. The small block is in fine form, and now sports a 4-barrel carb that replaces the factory 2-barrel to add a little more muscle. The power brakes now featuring Wilwood discs up front to make this Mustang an impressively agile performer. Take a look underneath and you'll see a surprisingly clean undercarriage. The steering and suspension components all look very fresh and the floor pans and axle housing look as if they've never even been driven over a puddle. This late '60s category-killing classic sits on a set of 17" Vintage Wheel Works rims, wrapped with Fusion ARI radials.
If you're looking for a great example of the Ford pony car mystique that captured the unprecedented attention of car buyers and continues to inspire a legion of classic car enthusiasts to this day, you have to check out this 1968 Ford Mustang GT tribute. Call today!