The 1968 Mustang experienced a performance facelift. Ford replaced the 225hp V-8 with a 302 cubic inch engine that was rated at 230hp. The 390 cubic inch motor was boosted to 325hp to take over the ‘67 model that was 320hp.

There was very little that was changed in the Mustang body. The long hood and short rear deck did not change. However, some safety features were incorporated per government regulations. Special editions highly complex options packages were offered to buyers.

The Mustang Cobra Jet

The Mustang took a significant performance turn in April 1968. The 1968 Mustang offered a powerful 428 cubic inch engine, which packed a 335hp punch and was introduced in the Mustang Cobra Jet. It was the Cobra that eventually overtook the Shelby in popularity. This is what started the Shelby’s decline after 1968.

In 1968, a Federal mandate caused the Mustang to get side marker lights. That, with the revised grille, are what distinguished the ‘68 from the ‘67. Buyers of the 1968 Mustang convertible were offered the option of a power top and folding glass window.

Nevertheless, it was the big, glamorous engines like the 427 and 428 cubic inch that set the 68 Mustang apart from the rest and solidified its devout fan base. Replacing the small V8s, these were versions of the “big block” V8. It was the beginning of the big engines with which with the Mustang would soon come to be associated.

In 1967, the Mustang was introduced to a new concept:  competition. Chevrolet had the Camaro, Pontiac had the Firebird, and even Plymouth had revamped the Barracuda so that it fit more with what we now call “muscle cars.” Ford responded with a Mustang that was slightly larger although the chassis was still pretty much the same. While the wheelbase remained at 108 inches, but the total length was upped two inches.

They also exaggerated the styling features, making the grille opening larger, the tail became larger and were made concave, the side scallops were made deeper and other stylings made the ‘67 model sportier and a worthy opponent against its peers.

Overall, the ‘67 Mustang was a better car. It was more stable, the instruments were easier to read, and the seats were more comfortable.

Even though the Mustang was not the official pace car of the 1967 Indianapolis 500 race, Ford still came out with an Indy Pacesetter Special. There were also the Gran Turismo and Shelby specials to feed a growing hunger for the Mustang.

The 1966 model of Mustang underwent very few changes as far as performance was concerned. The car was flying off the showroom floor so the changes that were given to the “Stang” were mostly cosmetic. While the sheet metal body did not change, Ford gave customers the ability to customize their own Mustang with an options list of 70 (up from 50 in the previous year).

There was one feature change that is vital to mention. The gauge cluster was redesigned so that all vestiges of the Falcon were removed from the Mustang. The “Stang” was now its own.

There was a new option for convertible owners that were offered by dealers. The roof was removable allowing them to swap their rag top for a hardtop.