1968 Ford Mustang
Introduction
The 1968 Ford Mustang was a popular model in the Mustang lineup. It featured a sleek design with a longer and wider body compared to previous models. It was offered in several trim levels including the base model, GT, and Shelby GT350. Powertrain options included a variety of V8 engines as well as a six-cylinder engine. The Mustang also received an updated suspension and steering for improved handling. Overall, the 1968 Mustang was well-received by critics and remains a popular classic car today.
Performance
The 1968 Ford Mustang offered a variety of performance options for buyers. The base model was equipped with a 200 cubic-inch inline-six engine that produced 120 horsepower. For V8 options, the GT model came with a 302 cubic-inch V8 that produced 230 horsepower. The Shelby GT350 came with a 351 cubic-inch V8 that produced 295 horsepower. The 1968 Mustang also had an updated suspension and steering for improved handling, making it a capable performer on the road and track. Additionally, Ford also offered a variety of factory performance options such as the “Cobra Jet” and “Boss” engines, which provided even more power. Overall, the 1968 Mustang was a sporty and powerful car, that could be tailored to the buyer’s performance needs.
Fuel Efficiency
The fuel efficiency of the 1968 Ford Mustang varied depending on the engine and transmission option chosen. The base model with the 200 cubic-inch inline-six engine and a three-speed manual transmission had an estimated fuel efficiency of around 20 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway. The V8 options, such as the 302 and 351 cubic-inch engines, would have had lower fuel efficiency ratings as they required more fuel to operate. It’s important to note that fuel efficiency standards were not as stringent in 1968 as they are today, so the Mustang would not have been as fuel-efficient as modern cars. Additionally, driving style, terrain, and other factors can also affect the fuel efficiency of a car.
Comfort and Convenience
The 1968 Ford Mustang offered a comfortable and convenient driving experience for its time. The interior featured bucket seats and a sporty design, with options for a center console and wood-grain accents. Standard features included a padded dashboard and carpeting. Optional features included air conditioning, power steering, and power brakes, which added to the vehicle’s overall comfort. Ford also offered an extensive list of optional comfort and convenience features such as a deluxe interior package, a tilt-away steering wheel, and a stereo radio. In terms of space, the 1968 Mustang was a two-door, four-seater coupe, so it was not as roomy as a sedan or a larger vehicle, but it was considered comfortable for its time. Overall, the 1968 Ford Mustang offered a comfortable and convenient driving experience for its time, with a variety of options available to tailor the vehicle to the buyer’s preferences.
Interior and Exterior Design
The 1968 Ford Mustang featured a sleek and sporty design both on the exterior and interior. The exterior of the car featured a longer and wider body, with a more pronounced grille and a more aggressive stance. The design of the 1968 Mustang was a departure from the previous models, which had a more rounded look. The GT and Shelby GT350 models had specific design elements such as side scoops, and GT badging, that set them apart from the standard model.
The interior of the 1968 Mustang was designed to be sporty and comfortable. The seats were bucket-style and featured a center console as an option. The dash was padded and featured round gauges, and a three-spoke steering wheel. Ford offered a variety of upholstery options, including vinyl and leather, and an array of colors, which allowed buyers to personalize their cars. Wood-grain accents on the dash and console were also an option. The overall design of the 1968 Mustang was well-received by critics and continues to be considered a classic and iconic design of the era.
Safety
Safety features in the 1968 Ford Mustang were limited compared to modern cars. The car did not have standard safety features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, or electronic stability control. Standard safety equipment included seat belts and a padded dashboard. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) did not exist in 1968, so there were no official crash test ratings or safety ratings for the Mustang or any other vehicles of that year.
However, Ford did offer some optional safety features such as power brakes and power steering, which made the car easier to control and can help avoid accidents. Ford also offered a number of options like the “Safety Package” which included front disc brakes and a “Traction-Lok” rear axle, which improved the vehicle’s braking and handling capabilities. It’s important to note that safety standards and regulations have evolved significantly since 1968, and today’s cars have a much higher level of standard safety equipment and crash protection than the cars of that era.
Reliability
The 1968 Ford Mustang was generally considered a reliable car when it was new. However, like any vehicle, it would have required regular maintenance and repairs over time. The Mustang’s V8 engines were known for their durability and longevity, but they could also be costly to repair if they developed issues. The inline-six engine was considered more reliable and economical, but less powerful than the V8s.
The transmission and suspension components were also considered to be reliable, and the Mustang’s overall build quality was considered to be good for its time. It’s worth noting that the reliability of a classic car like the 1968 Mustang can depend on how well it has been maintained over the years. A Mustang that has been well-maintained and stored in a dry, climate-controlled environment will likely be more reliable than one that has been neglected or poorly maintained.
Overall, the 1968 Ford Mustang was considered a reliable car when it was new, but its long-term reliability will depend on how well it has been maintained over the years. It’s advisable to have a professional inspect the car before making a purchase if you’re considering buying one.
Value for money
The value for money of the 1968 Ford Mustang would have varied depending on the specific model and options chosen. The base model Mustang with the 200 cubic-inch inline-six engine and a three-speed manual transmission would have been considered a good value for money when it was new, as it provided a sporty and stylish car at a relatively affordable price.
The V8 models, such as the GT and Shelby GT350, would have been more expensive than the base model, but they offered more performance and exclusivity. These models would have been considered a good value for money by enthusiasts who were willing to pay a premium for the extra power and performance.
The optional features such as air conditioning, power steering, and power brakes, would have added to the overall cost of the car but also added to the car’s comfort, convenience, and performance.
In terms of today, Ford Mustang is considered a classic car, and the 1968 model is considered as a collector’s item. The value of a 1968 Ford Mustang will depend on factors such as the condition of the car, the specific model and options, and how well it has been maintained over the years. Generally speaking, a well-maintained and original 1968 Ford Mustang can fetch a high price, sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars for certain models, particularly the Shelby GT350.
Overall, the 1968 Ford Mustang was considered a good value for money when it was new, and today it could be considered a great investment for classic car enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The 1968 Ford Mustang was a significant update to the original model, featuring a sleek and sporty design, both on the exterior and interior. The car was offered with a variety of engines, including a 200 cubic-inch inline-six, and a range of V8s, with the GT and Shelby GT350 models offering the most performance. The car was generally considered reliable and well-built, but its long-term reliability will depend on how well it has been maintained over the years.
