The 1967 model year Mustang was the first redesign of the original model. Ford's designers began drawing up a larger version even as the original was achieving sales success, and while "Iacocca later complained about the Mustang's growth, he did oversee the redesign for 1967 ."[40] The major mechanical feature was to allow the installation of a big-block V8 engine. The overall size, interior and cargo space were increased. Exterior trim changes included concave taillights, side scoop (1967 model) and chrome (1968 model) side ornamentation, square rear-view mirrors, and usual yearly wheel and gas cap changes. The high-performance 289 option was placed behind the newer 335hp (250kW; 340PS) 390cuin (6.4L) FE engine from the Ford Thunderbird, which was equipped with a four-barrel carburetor. During the mid-1968 model year, a drag racer for the street could be ordered with the optional 428cuin (7.0L) Cobra Jet engine which was officially rated at 335hp (250kW; 340PS) all of these Mustangs were issued R codes on their VINs.[41]
The 1967 Deluxe Interior was revised, discontinuing the embossed running horse motif on the seat backs (the source for the "pony interior" nickname) in favor of a new deluxe interior package, which included special color options, brushed aluminum (from August 1966 production) or woodgrain dash trim, seat buttons, and special door panels. The hardtop also included upholstered quarter trim panels, a carryover from the 1965–1966 deluxe interior. The 1967 hardtop also had the chrome quarter trim caps, carried over from 1965–1966, but these were painted to match the interior in 1968 models. The 1967 deluxe interior included stainless steel-trimmed seat back shells, similar to those in the Thunderbird. These were dropped at the end of the 1967 model year, and were not included in the woodgrain-trimmed 1968 interior. The deluxe steering wheel, which had been included in the deluxe interior for the 1965–1966, became optional, and could also be ordered with the standard interior. The 1968 models that were produced from January 1968 were also the first model year to incorporate three-point lap and shoulder belts (which had previously been optional, in 1967–1968 models) as opposed to the standard lap belts. The air-conditioning option was fully integrated into the dash, the speakers and stereo were upgraded, and unique center and overhead consoles were options. The fastback model offered the option of a rear fold-down seat, and the convertible was available with folding glass windows. Gone was the Rally-Pac, since the new instrument cluster had provisions for an optional tachometer and clock. Its size and shape also precluded the installation of the accessory atop the steering column.[42] The convenience group with four warning lights for low fuel, seat belt reminder, parking brake not released, and door ajar were added to the instrument panel, or, if one ordered the optional console and A/C, the lights were mounted on the console.[43]
Changes for the 1968 model increased safety with a two-spoke energy-absorbing steering wheel, along with newly introduced shoulder belts. Other changes included front and rear side markers, "FORD" lettering removed from hood, rearview mirror moved from frame to windshield, a 302cuin (4.9L) V8 engine was now available, and C-Stripe graphics were added.[44]
The California Special Mustang, or GT/CS, was visually based on the Shelby model and was only sold in Western states. Its sister, the 'High Country Special', was sold in Denver, Colorado. While the GT/CS was only available as a coupe, the 'High Country Special' model was available in fastback and convertible configurations during the 1966 and 1967 model years, and as a coupe for 1968.[41]
The 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback reached iconic status after it was featured in the 1968 film Bullitt, starring Steve McQueen.[45] In the film, McQueen drove a modified 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback chasing a Dodge Charger through the streets of San Francisco.[46]
1968 Fastback with side marker visible
Convertible
1967 Shelby
1968 Shelby GT350
Mustang GT/CS
1968 Mustang High County Special
1967–1968 front end style comparison
1968 Mustang fastback from the "Bullitt" movie at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show
1968 Ford Mustang hardtop | ||||
August 1966 – August 1968[37] | ||||
Dearborn, Michigan San Jose, California Metuchen, New Jersey Valencia, Venezuela Mexico City, Mexico[1][2] Lima, Peru | ||||
Ross Humphries (1965) | ||||
2-door hardtop 2-door fastback 2-door convertible | ||||
200cuin (3.3L) Thriftpower I6 260cuin (4.3L) Windsor V8 289cuin (4.7L) Windsor V8 289cuin (4.7L) Windsor HiPo V8 302cuin (4.9L) Windsor V8 390cuin (6.4L) FE V8 427cuin (7.0L) FE HiPo* V8 428cuin (7.0L) Cobra Jet V8[38] | ||||
3-speed manual 4-speed manual 3-speed automatic | ||||
108in (2,743mm) | ||||
183.6in (4,663mm) | ||||
70.9in (1,801mm) | ||||
51.6in (1,311mm) | ||||
2,758lb (1,251kg) (base)[39] | ||||
200cuin (3.3L) Thriftpower I6 | 1968 | 1-barrel | 115bhp (86kW; 117PS) @ 4,400 | 190lb⋅ft (258N⋅m) @ 2,400 |
1967 | 120bhp (89kW; 122PS) @ 4,400 | |||
289cuin (4.7L) Windsor V8 | 1968 | 2-barrel | 195bhp (145kW; 198PS) @ 4,600 | 288lb⋅ft (390N⋅m) @ 2,600 |
1967 | 200bhp (149kW; 203PS) @ 4,400 | 282lb⋅ft (382N⋅m) @ 2,400 | ||
302cuin (4.9L) Windsor V8 | 1968 | 210bhp (157kW; 213PS) @ 4,600 | 300lb⋅ft (407N⋅m) @ 2,600 | |
289cuin (4.7L) Windsor V8 | 1967 | 4-barrel | 225bhp (168kW; 228PS) @ 4,800 | 305lb⋅ft (414N⋅m) @ 3,200 |
302cuin (4.9L) Windsor V8 | 1968 | 230bhp (172kW; 233PS) @ 4,800 | 310lb⋅ft (420N⋅m) @ 2,800 | |
289cuin (4.7L) Windsor HiPo V8 | 1967 | 271bhp (202kW; 275PS) @ 6,000 | 312lb⋅ft (423N⋅m) @ 3,400 | |
390cuin (6.4L) FE V8 | 1968 | 2-barrel | 270bhp (201kW; 274PS) @ 4,400 | 401lb⋅ft (544N⋅m) @ 2,600 |
1967 | 4-barrel | 320bhp (239kW; 324PS) @ 4,800 | 427lb⋅ft (579N⋅m) @ 3,200 | |
1968 | 325bhp (242kW; 330PS) @ 4,800 | |||
1969 | 320bhp (239kW; 324PS) @ 4,600 | |||
428cuin (7.0L) Cobra Jet V8 | 1968 | 335bhp (250kW; 340PS) @ 5,200 | 440lb⋅ft (597N⋅m) @ 3,400 | |