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The 1968 Ford Mustang: More Than Just a Pretty Face
The 1967 model year gave the Mustang its first major redesign, making it larger and more aggressive. But in 1968, Ford refined that formula, creating what many enthusiasts consider the sweet spot of the first-generation pony cars. It wasn’t just a car; it was a cultural shift on four wheels.
If you’re a fan of classic iron, the '68 holds a special place in the pantheon of American muscle. Here is why this specific year remains an icon.
Subtle Refinements, Major Impact
While it looks strikingly similar to the '67, the 1968 model introduced several key changes—some driven by style, others by new federal safety regulations:
Side Marker Lights: This was the first year for integrated side markers on the front and rear fenders, a quick way to spot a '68 from a '67 at a glance.
The Grille: The "corral" around the running horse emblem became thinner, and the horizontal bars were removed, giving the front end a cleaner, more open look.
Safety Interior: Inside, the '68 featured a two-spoke energy-absorbing steering wheel and padded dashboard surfaces, reflecting a new era of automotive safety.
The Legend of the 428 Cobra Jet
Midway through the 1968 model year, Ford dropped a literal bomb on the drag racing world: the 428 Cobra Jet (CJ) engine.
While the 289 and 302 V8s were great for cruising, the 428 CJ turned the Mustang into a street-legal monster. It was conservatively rated at 335 horsepower to appease insurance companies, but anyone behind the wheel knew it was pushing well over 400. This engine cemented the Mustang’s reputation on the track and the street.
Bullitt: The Movie That Changed Everything
You can’t talk about the '68 Mustang without mentioning Steve McQueen. In the film Bullitt, a Highland Green 1968 Mustang GT Fastback participated in the most famous car chase in cinematic history through the streets of San Francisco.
That ten-minute sequence—the roar of the engine, the double-clutching, and the Highland Green paint—transformed the '68 Fastback from a sports car into a symbol of "cool" that persists to this day.
Quick Specs: 1968 Mustang At-A-Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Body Styles | Hardtop (Coupe), Fastback, Convertible |
| Notable Engines | 200 I6, 289 V8, 302 V8, 390 V8, 428 Cobra Jet |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, C4/C6 Automatic |
| Total Production | Approximately 317,403 units |
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