Mustang History: 1968

The 1968 Mustang receives little change cosmetically. The galloping pony emblem is integrated more subtly into the hollowed grille; chrome block "Ford" letters disappear from the hood; reflectors, adjacent to the front and rear bumpers, are added. The side scoops were thin chrome pieces, and "Mustang" on the fenders was written in script rather than block letters. 1968 was the first year for shoulder seat belts.

Powertrain changes are more dramatic. The 302 cid V8 replaces the venerable 289 cid V8. The 302 becomes one of Mustang's best-known blocks due to its longevity; it would stay in the lineup until 1995, with the exception of the 1974 and 1981 model years. A Motorcraft carbureted 427 cid V8 overpowers the next closest block, the 428 cid V8, making 390 horsepower at 4,600 rpm. Combined with the GT's standard front disc brakes, performance tires, heavy-duty suspension, and dual exhaust with chrome quad outlets, the engine elevated this pony car it its raciest version yet. New cosmetics also were included for 1968, with new styled steel wheels in chrome or painted silver with special GT hub caps, and new "C" stripe that accented the side scoop. However, the only available transmission for the 427 is the Cruise-o-Matic, while the 428 cid V8 can be mated to the Cruise-o-Matic or the 4-speed manual.

Total U.S. Production: 317,404

April 1, a street-legal version of the 428 cid V8 CJ "Cobra Jet" drag car debuts as the Shelby GT-500KR. Inspired by Rhode Island dealer/race car builder Bob Tasca, the "King of the Road" is rumored to produce 400 horsepower. A Ram Air induction setup was installed, as noted by the hood scoop and black hood stripe. The transmission options were a 4-speed manual or six-speed automatic. There was an initial run of 50 units inspired by Ford dealer and Mustang racer Bob Tasca's efforts, but eventually 2,253 CJ Fastbacks and 564 CJ coupes were produced. Note the new, functional C-pillar vents.

The West Coast-only Mustang GT/California Special was available in 1968. The car was available only in coupe form. The Shelby-inspired car had the same grille, fog lamps, and rear fascia as the Shelby models from that year. "GT/CS" was printed on the Shelby-style side scoops. The wheels were the same as GT wheels, but without the GT center caps. Only 251 High Country Specials were produced, and they were all coupes.

Shelby production moves from California to Michigan. Shelby hires the A.O. Smith Company to make the Shelby Mustang conversions.

Though there were four Shelby Mustang convertibles made in 1966 and one in 1967, 1968 was the first year there were widely available, if you consider 518 cars to be widely available. Shelby used the KR moniker on the '68 GT500 KR because of the rumors that Chevy was planning to use it on a competing model. Rectangular fog lights replaced the round ones from '67, and the Thunderbird taillights flashed sequentially with the turn signals engages. The G.T. 350 was bumped from the 289 in '67 to a 302 in '68, and the 500s kept the 489. The GT500KR was powered by a 428 Cobra Jet. Only 517 GT500 KR Convertibles were made, making them one of the rarest and most valuable Mustangs ever produced.

The GT-350 and GT-500KR each receive Cobra snake emblems.

Engines

• 200cid 1V 6-cyl 120HP T Code
• 289cid 2V V8 195HP C Code
• 302cid 2V V8 210HP F Code
• 302cid 4V V8 230HP J Code
• 390cid 4V V8 325HP S Code
• 428cid 4V V8 335HP R Code (Cobra Jet)

Production

• Fastback, standard: 33,585
• Fastback, deluxe, bench seats: 256
• Fastback, deluxe: 7,661
• Fastback, bench seats: 1,079
• Coupe, standard: 233,472
• Coupe, deluxe, bench seats: 853
• Coupe, deluxe: 9,009
• Coupe, bench seats: 6,113
• Convertible, standard: 22,037
• Convertible, deluxe: 3,339
• -Total-: 317,404

Prices

• Coupe, standard: $2,578
• Fastback, standard: $2,689
• Convertible, standard: $2,814
• GT350 Fastback: $4,116
• GT350 Convertible: $4,238
• GT500 Fastback: $4,317
• GT500 Convertible: $4,438
• GT500KR Fastback: $4,472
• GT500KR Convertible: $4,594

Colors

• Brittany Blue
• Candy Apple Red
• Dark Blue Metallic (Shelby only)
• Dark Green Metallic (Shelby only)
• Gold Metallic
• Gulfstream Aqua
• Highland Green
• Lime Gold
• Lime Green Metallic
• Meadowlark Yellow
• Medium Blue Metallic (Shelby only)
• Orange (Shelby only)
• Pebble Beige
• Presidential Blue
• Raven Black (Shelby only)
• Royal Maroon
• Seafoam Green
• Sunlit Gold
• Tahoe Turquoise
• Wimbledon White
• Acapulco Blue