More than half a century later, the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback remains an icon of American automotive history. Representing the peak of Detroit’s muscle car era, it combined bold style, abundant power, and an exhilarating driving experience. Its sleek fastback silhouette, aggressive stance, and thrilling classic Mustang performance captivated enthusiasts then and now. Built during a time of cultural change and automotive innovation, the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback embodied the spirit of freedom on the open road. As a refined evolution of the Mustang legacy, it continues to symbolize power, style, and classic car restoration appeal.
A Refined Evolution: The 1968 Mustang GT Fastback in Context
Building on the 1967 Legacy
The 1968 Mustang GT Fastback built on the bold innovations of 1967, refining its predecessor’s iconic design. Retaining the wide stance and aggressive lines, it introduced subtle updates to enhance classic Mustang performance. Amid a competitive muscle car landscape, Ford delivered a brawnier, more sophisticated model. New federal safety regulations prompted features like side marker lights and shoulder belts, while refined performance packages balanced power and refinement, solidifying the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback’s place in classic car restoration history.
Signature Design: Bold Lines with Aggressive Intent
Iconic Fastback Styling
The 1968 Mustang GT Fastback exemplified aggressive styling. Its sleek fastback roofline flowed into the rear decklid, creating an athletic, aerodynamic profile. The revised front grille featured a floating Mustang emblem, while GT models included integrated fog lights for a purposeful look. Chrome-trimmed dual exhaust tips, GT-specific badging, and styled steel wheels enhanced its bold stance, making the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback a standout in classic car restoration and a timeless symbol of classic Mustang performance.
Performance Meets Power: Engine Options that Delivered
Potent V8 Powertrains
The 1968 Mustang GT Fastback offered a range of powerful V8 engines. The standard GT engine, a 302-cubic-inch V8, delivered 230 horsepower for spirited classic Mustang performance. The “S-Code” 390-cubic-inch V8 produced 325 horsepower and 427 lb-ft of torque, ideal for muscle car enthusiasts. Mid-year, the 428 Cobra Jet debuted, rated at 335 horsepower but known for exceeding this figure, redefining the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback’s straight-line speed and making it a legend in classic car restoration.
Tuned for Driving Enthusiasts: Suspension and Handling
Enhanced Handling Dynamics
The 1968 Mustang GT Fastback excelled in both speed and handling. The GT Equipment Group included a performance-tuned suspension with upgraded shocks, sway bars, and stiffer springs, delivering precise cornering and road feedback for classic Mustang performance. Optional power front disc brakes provided robust stopping power, essential for a vehicle with such acceleration. These upgrades made the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback a favorite in classic car restoration for driving purists.
Interior Focus: Cockpit-Inspired for Driving Enjoyment
Driver-Centric Interior
The 1968 Mustang GT Fastback’s interior prioritized the driver. Optional deluxe trim featured molded door panels and high-back bucket seats, blending style and support for classic Mustang performance. A dual-pod instrument cluster housed large, clear dials, while an optional center console enhanced the sporty feel. Factory air conditioning and AM/FM radios added comfort, making the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback a versatile choice for classic car restoration enthusiasts seeking both performance and refinement.
Safety Innovations: A Car of Its Time
Pioneering Safety Features
In 1968, new federal safety regulations shaped the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback. It featured front and rear shoulder belts, an energy-absorbing steering column, and side marker lights, advanced for the era. These additions reflected Ford’s commitment to safety, enhancing the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback’s appeal in classic car restoration while ensuring it met the evolving standards of its time.
GT Equipment Package: Not Just a Badge
Performance-Driven Upgrades
The 1968 Mustang GT Fastback’s GT Equipment Package delivered more than aesthetics. It included dual exhaust with quad outlets, GT fender emblems, fog lights, power front disc brakes, and a performance suspension, enhancing classic Mustang performance. These upgrades improved road manners, making the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback a top choice for classic car restoration enthusiasts seeking authentic performance features.
Scarcity and Collectibility: Why the 1968 GT Fastback Is Coveted
Rarity and Value
Though the 1968 Mustang saw high production, 1968 Mustang GT Fastback models were a smaller subset, making originals rare. Unmodified examples with correct GT trim and drivetrains, especially the 390 V8 or 428 Cobra Jet, are highly sought after in classic car restoration. Factory colors like Highland Green or Acapulco Blue, paired with deluxe interiors and manual transmissions, fetch premium prices at auctions, cementing the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback’s collectible status.
Revology Cars: Breathing Modern Life into a Classic Form
Modernizing the Classic
Revology Cars reimagines the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback for enthusiasts craving modern performance features with classic style. Their reproductions feature fuel-injected V8s, advanced suspension, high-performance brakes, and luxurious interiors, blending heritage with 21st-century engineering. This approach enhances reliability and comfort, making the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback a standout in classic car restoration and a testament to innovative classic Mustang performance.
The Cultural Icon: The 1968 GT Fastback on Screen
The Bullitt Mustang Legacy
The 1968 Mustang GT Fastback achieved legendary status in the film Bullitt. Driven by Steve McQueen in a gripping San Francisco chase, the Highland Green Bullitt Mustang showcased raw classic Mustang performance, etching the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback into pop culture. This iconic scene underscores its enduring appeal in classic car restoration and its place as a cinematic symbol of American muscle.
Enduring Legacy: A Muscle Car That Transcends Time
Timeless Appeal
The 1968 Mustang GT Fastback is more than a car; it’s a symbol of an era defined by freedom and rebellion. Its blend of style, power, and classic Mustang performance resonates with enthusiasts, whether in its original form or as a Revology Cars restomod. The 1968 Mustang GT Fastback’s legacy endures through classic car restoration, captivating generations with its timeless design and thrilling performance features.