Vehicle manufacturers love optional extras because they represent an inexpensive and easy way to increase their profit margin. Buyers like them because they offer the opportunity to personalize their new toy, with the right option adding a feeling of luxury and comfort to enhance their motoring pleasure. Some choices make little difference once the car reaches classic status, while others can have a significant impact. This 1968 Mustang GT Fastback is loaded with luxury and is an original and unmolested survivor needing a new home. It is listed for sale here on eBay in Cincinnati, Ohio. Bidding has reached $30,600, although it is unsurprising that this is short of the reserve.

Ford offered buyers in 1968 a vast array of choices when ordering their new Mustang. A perfect example is paint colors, where buyers could select from thirty-nine different shades to grace the panels of their new toy. One of the more popular was Lime Gold, which is what we find coating our feature car’s exterior. It is unclear whether the GT has received any previous restoration work, but it is hard to fault its presentation. The paint shines beautifully, while the panels show no noticeable dings or bruises. The seller claims the steel is original, and the underside shots reveal no signs of prior rust repairs or developing problems. The car retains the correct GT badges, trim, and items like the grille-mounted functioning foglights. It also features the hood-mounted turn signals that work as they should. The wheels are in excellent order, and the tinted glass is flawless.

By 1968, Mustang production had fallen by nearly 50% compared to the record-breaking 1966 result. However, with 317,404 cars finding their way to new homes, that figure could hardly be considered a disaster. The company had become fond of the higher sales volumes and continued expanding the available options to entice potential buyers into Ford showrooms. One of those options was the J-Code 302ci V8 which produced 230hp. That is what we find hiding under the hood of this GT, while the original owner added a three-speed C4 transmission, a 3.25 Limited Slip rear end, and power front disc brakes. The 302 is what I refer to as a “lazy” V8. That term is not derogatory but indicates that its maximum power and torque appear below 4,000rpm. Therefore, wringing the engine’s neck to extract its best is unnecessary. The seller states that the Mustang is numbers-matching and is in excellent mechanical health. The engine is strong, and the car is ready to be enjoyed by a lucky new owner.

Examining this Mustang’s interior reveals no aftermarket additions. It is where we find various factory options that increase the car’s desirability. The original owner equipped the car with factory air conditioning that blows ice-cold. The buyer also receives a floor console, a roof console with map lights, a Sport Deck rear seat, a rear window defogger, and an AM radio/8-track player. These items remain intact, and the seller says they work as they should. The Ivy Gold luxury vinyl trim looks excellent, with no signs of wear or physical damage. The same appears true of the dash and pad, but there are a couple of flaws a meticulous new owner may choose to address. The carpet shows fading typical of Mustangs from this era, and the buyer may elect to drop $250 on a high-quality reproduction carpet set. The wheel has some slight wear and a crack, but I had no trouble locating an immaculate original wheel for around $280. With those items installed, this interior would have little to fault.

This 1968 Mustang GT Fastback is a stunning car with a long list of desirable options. First Generation GTs always command premium prices, and the right equipment combination can impact value. Features like the roof console, air conditioning, and factory 8-track player mean that I expect the bidding to nudge $40,000 before hitting the reserve. That represents a significant investment, but it’s worth noting that values are climbing significantly faster than inflation. That could make this GT a rock-solid investment providing classic motoring pleasure while representing a nice little nest egg for the future. Can you see a downside to that scenario? Nothing springs to mind for me.