The original Mustang GT was an intriguing presence in the automotive world, but the arrival of the Mach 1 turned it into a rather redundant model.
It didn’t make sense for Ford to offer both the GT and the Mach 1, especially as the latter was already incredibly successful in its first year on the market. The company sold nearly 72,500 Mach 1s in 1969, while the GT dropped to approximately 5,400 units.
The 1968 Mustang GT was more successful, especially as it was still the only choice for people interested in more adrenaline behind the wheel of Ford’s superstar. The GT 390 was available in two versions, with two-barrel or four-barrel carburetors (the latter was also offered in 1967 with 320 horsepower).
For the 1968 model year, Ford increased the output to 325 horsepower, while the 2-barrel version produced 270 horsepower.
The Mustang in these pictures rolled off the assembly lines with the four-barrel powertrain, albeit its condition is as mysterious as possible. eBay seller mustangmasters428 says they didn’t try to turn on the engine, but it still turns over.
The car looks good at first glance, but you’ll quickly discover its main issue after putting it on a lift. The undersides are wrecked and must be redone completely. The car has been sitting for more than 35 years in a semi-trailer body, and the owner says it was specifically “put away because of extensive underside rust.”
The seller describes the car as a survivor and an unmolested time capsule, and you can tell from the pictures that it’s complete, with all the important parts in place, including the emblems. The interior looks great, and it’s not surprising. The car spent so many years in hiding, and except for the undersides, whose condition only got worse during this time, everything else was beautifully preserved.
The mileage is good news, too. The odometer indicates 64,000 miles, and they are completely original.
Restoring a 1968 Mustang GT 390 should be a very rewarding experience, especially from a financial perspective. A stock Mustang GT like this one, which still features original parts and an unmolested setup, could get close to $100K if brought back to a tip-top shape. However, it’s not the kind of project aimed at beginners but rather at professional restorers who have the skills to overhaul this rare survivor.
The vehicle is priced accordingly despite the ongoing auction. The top bid at the time of writing is $13,400, but the owner also enabled a reserve to make sure the car won’t sell cheaply. If you want to get it without a fight, it’ll cost you $39,500. You can also see the Mustang GT in person in Jacksonville, Florida, but remember that the auction will end before Christmas
