Mustang
got a new grille in 1968. The horizontal bars were removed and chrome trim
was added, and the corral around the pony was thinner than in '67. 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.
Ford's larger 427 was introduced on
1968 Mustang GTs. 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.
The 428 Cobra Jet was introduced on April 1, 1968. 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.
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. For more
information on California and High Country Specials visit
CaliforniaSpecial.com.
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.
Shelby de Mexico produced 203 1968 Shelbys, all powered
by 289 V8s.
The most famous 1968 Mustang was the GT 390 fastback
Steve McQueen drove in Bullitt.
Acapulco Blue
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*