The 1968 Mustang received minor grille and trim changes to set it off from the
1967 model. Most obvious was the deletion of the horizontal grille bars and the
deletion of the fake side scoops. New were the two side marker lights, thereby putting
the Mustang in compliance with new government safety rules. Also new, in terms of
safety was the use of a collapsible steering column.
In the interior, a redesigned steering wheel was used along with different upholstery
patterns. Mustangs equipped with the optional Interior Decor Group got imitation
wood appliqués on the dash, steering wheel and doors. Small detail changes included
locking seat backs for the front buckets and the mounting of the inside rearview
mirror was now on the windshield.
The previously optional 289 c.i. 225hp V-8 was replaced by a 302 c.i. version rated at 230 hp. Increased displacement was achieved by increasing the stroke of the 289 from 2.87 inches to 3.00 inches. The 2 barrel carburetor 289 (rated at 195 hp for 1968) was replaced mid-year by a 2 barrel 302 rated at 210 hp. Thus both 289 and 302 V-8 powered Mustangs were available in 1968.
The base engine, the 200 c.i. six, remained unchanged while the 390 c.i. V-8 was rated at 325 hp., an increase of 5hp. Top engine option, was a version of Ford's famous 427 c.i. V-8. Featuring a Holley 600 cfm carburetor and available only with an automatic transmission, it was rated at 390 hp, quite a bit more than the 390 c.i. V-8. Few were sold as it was an expensive-$622.00- option. It was deleted from the option list in December 1967.
To counter criticism that the Mustang couldn't hold its own against more powerful competitors, Ford, on April 1, 1968 Ford introduced a special version of the 428 c.i. V-8 for use in the Mustang, known as the 428 Cobra Jet. The Cobra Jet 428 was basically a production 428 V-8 but it was modified to produce more power. Rated at 335 hp, it actually produced more than 400hp. Available only with the GT Equipment Group, 428 CJ Mustangs also came with functional Ram Air, power front disc brakes and staggered rear shocks for 4-speed transmission cars. The C-6 three speed automatic was also available. A total of 2,253 fastbacks and 564 hardtops were built along with an unknown small number of convertibles. Goodyear Polyglas F70x14 tires made their debut on the 428CJ Mustangs.
The GT Equipment Group was still available on the 230/325/390 hp Mustangs. Differences from the previous year were the new 14" styled steel wheels, (chromed or painted argent) with GT hubcaps, a new pop-open GT gas cap, new side "C" stripes and new quarter panel GT emblems. There was no separate GTA designation to differentiate automatic transmission equipped GTs.
Unique for 1968 was the California Special, the GT/CS . It was a special trim package available on hardtops only, for dealers in California. It used a Shelby Mustang rear deck lid with integral spoiler, sequential taillights and Shelby, non-functional side scoops. The Mustang ornament was deleted from the blacked-out grille opening, special side stripes, styled steel wheels and Lucas or Marchal fog lamps completed the package. The GT/CS could be optioned with any Mustang V-8 engine. These could be had with any regular production Mustang engine. About 5000 were built.
Similar to the California Special was the High Country Special, this time sold only by Colorado dealers. It was identical to the California GT/CS, with the only exception being the High Country Special decal taking the place of the GT/CS identification on the side scoops.
The Mustang Sprint option was still available but it was now available with V-8s as well. The Mustang Sprint option consisted of GT stripes, pop-open gas cap and the full wheel covers of six cylinder Mustangs. V-8s got in addition, the styled steel wheels with Wide Oval Tires and the GT fog lamps. This was a relatively inexpensive way for someone to emulate the looks of a fully optioned out GT.
Even though sales were declining, the addition and expansion of the Mustang's option list, along with the various Mustang specials, was evidence that Ford was trying to widen the Mustang's appeal. This niche marketing would become even more pronounced with the 1969-70 models.
