Failed Engine: 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback
This 1968 Mustang GT Fastback presents superbly, making a positive first impression. Sadly, everything is not as it seems. Something inside its sweet little V8 decided it would no longer play ball, and the seller suggests it requires a rebuild or replacement. That is disappointing because the rest of the car is in excellent order. The winning bidder might elect to refresh the existing powerplant, but it could represent the ideal opportunity to tread the restomod path. The GT is listed here on eBay in Mount Airy, Maryland. Nineteen bids have pushed the price to $21,655, which is below the reserve. There is a BIN figure of $65,000 for those wishing to throw caution to the wind.
It is fascinating how some paint shades seem iconic when applied to specific classics. A First Generation Plymouth ‘Cuda wearing In Violet is a perfect example, as is a Second Generation Trans Am finished in Starlight Black. Mustangs from the 1960s cloaked in Candy Apple Red fall into that category. The Marti Report confirms that is what this classic wore when it rolled off the line, and that remains unchanged. The car’s history is fuzzy, but its overall condition suggests someone lavished plenty of time and money to ensure it presents superbly. The paint reflects its surroundings like a mirror, with no flaws or defects. The panels are free from bruises and rust, while the underside shots reveal floors you could eat off. The Mustang retains its original GT badges and grille, and like the tinted glass, there is nothing deserving criticism. The seller added American Racing Torq Thrust wheels and BF Goodrich tires, but reinstating the original items would be easy for those focused on a more stock appearance.
The interior shots caused me to do a double take because it features a factory option I wasn’t expecting. The Marti Report confirms the first owner ordered this GT with a front bench seat. We typically see buckets, but this is a refreshing change. It adds versatility to the interior when teamed with the Sport Deck rear seat. The seller added an aftermarket wheel, but that is the only visible change to an aspect of the car that is almost flawless. The Red vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from wear and physical damage, and there are no signs of distressed plastic. The dash and pad haven’t succumbed to UV exposure, and the seller wisely protected the carpet with mats. I’m unsure whether the factory AM radio is intact, but occupants will undoubtedly appreciate the factory air conditioning.
We’ve reached the point in this Mustang’s story when things take a turn for the worse. Documentation confirms the first owner ordered the GT with the J-Code 302ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The 302 delivered 230hp and 310 ft/lbs of torque, making the Mustang a competent performer. It is unclear whether this classic is numbers-matching, but it has a sad story to tell. The seller confirms it suffered an engine failure about a week ago, but not what actually happened. It might be something easily addressed or as severe as an electrical problem where a conrod has knocked off the alternator! If the engine is original and salvageable, that would probably be the best course of action to maximize the car’s investment potential. Otherwise, sourcing another motor may be the only option. That leaves the winning bidder to choose between something period-appropriate or possibly bolting in a more modern powerplant as they pursue the restomod path.
Classic car enthusiasts are keenly aware of not judging a book by its cover. A vehicle that looks sad and sorry may hide a heart of gold under the skin. The opposite is true with this 1968 Mustang GT. Its panels and paint need nothing, and its interior is spotless. However, its engine is its downfall. It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback and what you might do if it were in your garage. It is all supposition because we don’t know what brought the engine to its knees. Would you salvage it if that was viable, or would another powerplant find its way under the hood? Over to you.
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Comments
Seems to me the only person with anything to worry about here is the seller. Would-be buyers should sit on their hands on this one.
65 grand with a bad motor.
Riiiiight………
Old 302s are notorious for sudden cam gear failures causing the valve timing to go out of sync. Nylon teeth on the gear start shredding off when the chain gets loose enough. A $50 fix for DIYers. Look for fuel vapor blowing out of the carb when you turn it over. If the motor just quit running that’s probably it.
…I can attest to that….had a stubborn old 302 that ate up gears and chains every 4-6 months….also discovered it had heads from a 351 Cleveland……
But honey, I REALLY am trying to sell it!!!
Please explain “Bin Figure? You mean a highly inflated price based on some low brow auction sight? 65k with a bad engine is ridiculous. You know that, we know that. Find a Cleveland 390 Interceptor engine 325hp exchange around 10k. Sell the 302 for parts. Realistic price should be around 20k. Paint it Highland Green and pretend you are Steve McQueen! jv smashpalace
“Cleveland 390 Interceptor engine,” no such thing.
FE 390, yes, Cleveland, no.
Is that what mad Max ran in his intercepter????
BIN= buy it now
👍😊
Pelle
Car died one week ago and it’s already listed for sale on Ebay with no suggestion as to what went wrong? I can only assume the sounds which accompanied the engine’s demise were truly horrific.
I’m sorry, but it’s an overpriced piece of garage art at this point. If the seller wants even half of his BIN price, he’s going to need to put a new motor in it. As it sits, $20K is top dollar, and I wouldn’t even go that far for a fastback Mustang.
If He decides to part it out I would be intereste but he would probably want enough to buy 5 sets in the rims.
I’d want a 390 at least for that BIN.
Had a 66 Mustang with a bench seat in front. Thought it was a cool idea until I rode shotgun with my wife driving it. She was 5’1″ and I’m 6’2″. When she moved the seat up close enough for her to reach the pedals, I was cramming my knees into the dash. Sold it!
Only 6′ Ricky, never a problem for me, and with the armrest down, the bench provided more support than the buckets, holding you in place through the corners. Even with the fold down back seat, the Mustang wasn’t much for amorous engagements. But then we discovered the armrest would fold backwards as a backrest for her, and we were all set. Oh, to have that car and girl back again!!! 1968 J code 302 was the only Windsor four barrel until 1983.
Sorry, tried to correct, discounted ’69 351 Windsor 4V.
Why did you sell it? The wife should never have been allowed to drive it!
Even the guy from Gullwing Motors gulps at the BIN price.
That’s because he thinks it’s too low!
Someone please give it a real steering wheel. The tiny little wheel it has now looks like it belongs on a Cozy Coupe.
He does have a video of it when it did run, so I guess that’s why he wants 65K. If it were running he would want a lot more. Maybe he just wants to be forced to keep it because “it didn’t sell”. Uhuh.
not worth 65 K running,,,silly
Seller thinks it’s 2019. These people can’t comprehend reality
First thing I thought of when I saw this, is, what would’ve happened if Frank Bullitt walked into the local Ford showroom and they didnt have a dark highland green Mustang but had this color instead.
Anyway. Hope someoe can get it for a reasonable price and save it.
Only 6′ Ricky, never a problem for me, and with the armrest down, the bench provided more support than the buckets, holding you in place through the corners. Even with the fold down back seat, the Mustang wasn’t much for amorous engagements. But then we discovered the armrest would fold backwards as a backrest for her, and we were all set. Oh, to have that car and girl back again!!! 1968 J code 302 was the only Windsor four barrel 302 until 1983.
must be some really good dope in his ‘hood.
$65k is a joke for a pretty face with no soul. Either fix the motor before sale, or expect at least half of your desired price.
Just some value information from Hagerty on the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback:
#1 condition: $91,100
#2 condition: $77,800
#3 condition: $54.300
#4 condition: $35,600
The car is definitely not worth $65,000 without the engine. However, if bought at the right price, the potential is there for a great car.
It’s a nice car! Overpriced? If so, then every chevelle with no motor is also overpriced! Checkmate.
I’ve yet to see a chevelle with no motor selling for 65k in any condition, any where… Check, Checkmate. :-)
Wouldn’t pay that price. Would put a coyote engine in with a trimec 6 speed , and put the original drive train in storage.
Seller is delusional… 65k for a car that has a blown engine? That is beyond ridiculous.
So buy a Fastback Mustang and restore it, you will have way more into it when done. I think buying this car and rebuilding or installing a motor in it is the way to go….RUST SUCKS and REPO parts Really suck. Not sure how long you followed the car market, but many Chevelles with missing or wrong motors have had steamy prices.
Or buy the ’67 fastback that actually runs like a champ that is on this same Barn Finds page for 25k less? Decisions, decisions… lol.
JC it it as nice? Rust repair is not fun. Much rather look at the big picture and buy a car with a blown engine over a rotted “project” believe me 30k more in body work will not be easy. Especially since all the restoration places came to be years out! My Boss 302 went through 4 S-head shops before it got done. You think your saving money by buying a running project?
Its obvious you did not even bother to look at the ebay listing of the ’67 selling at no reserve… please stop. https://www.ebay.com/itm/326136668431
Based on the write up and the ebay listing I would have to say yes its just as nice if not a little nicer being a one owner car that is ready to go. Currently at $40800.
I had a ’68 fastback for a short time in the mid 70s. The timing gear stripped and I junked it. One of those “if only I knew then what I know now” things.
65 for a car that nice, guess no one has ever restored a car to that condition. If they have they would know that is not too bad.
You’re right Fran. And anyone who knows cars is aware that 1968 Mustang GT fastbacks are sought after cars.
For value build the 302 back. Those gt’s are sought after. I suspect he’ll get 30k plus as is
Had one of these in the mid 70’s. Caught the timing chain problem early and fixed it b4 it broke. The pistons are cast in the 302 and the #3 piston fractured its side skirt, causing the piston to seize in that bore. Lots of blue smoke, but the engine ran, although very poorly. I was told this was fairly common because the wrist pin sometimes seizes and doesn’t allow enough “centering” movement. Removal of the oil pan from underneath allows removal of the entire connecting rod/piston assembly. The wrist pin was definitely seized. The cylinder bore was OK, so I just honed it, purchased a new piston assembly and buttoned up the engine. It ran just fine, but I sold it a few months later as I was worried another failure might occur.
These sellers have been watching way too much Barrett Jackson and Mecum Auctions.
Sorry pal way too overpriced.
Nobody has said yet. Coyote swap. And half what they’re asking.
I know of a 67 GT with a 390 FE that is easily as well restored. It’s a 4 speed car with a non numbers matching, but correctly dated engine with the right heads and exhaust manifolds that can be had for less money. Not a lot less, but less. Oh yeah, it runs great.
Not surprising, as the 1967 GT fastback is not as desirable as the 1968 model. But still a great car.