1968 Ford Mustang 428 Cobra Jet
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Highlights
- Road legal drag car
- Hasn’t competed since 2010
- Significantly upgraded from standard
The Appeal
The world of classic cars is a broad church encompassing a wide variety of interests, but frankly if the thought of an 8.8 litre V8-engined classic Mustang doesn’t pique your interest, then you may be in the wrong place. For although this one has clearly received some, ahem, fettling over the years, the Mustang 428 Cobra Jet, introduced mid way through the 1968 model year, was conceived as drag racer for the road.
Packing the 428 cubic inch V8 (that’s just 7 of our European litres), the story goes that Ford claimed it was good for 335hp to calm the nerves of insurers and their competition in the National Hot Rod Association drag racing community. In fact, it was reputed to be pushing out over 400hp and cleaned up on the strip.
Packing the 428 cubic inch V8 (that’s just 7 of our European litres), the story goes that Ford claimed it was good for 335hp to calm the nerves of insurers and their competition in the National Hot Rod Association drag racing community. In fact, it was reputed to be pushing out over 400hp and cleaned up on the strip.
This example has seen some serious upgrades, including expanding the engine to a not insignificant 8.8 litres (yes, you read that correctly) but it hasn’t stared down the Christmas tree lights from the start line since 2010. It has also had some concessions to road use installed including a fuel tank bigger than 5 litres, an alternator and some less slick rear tyres.
There are numerous options as to where a car like this could be developed from here; the current owner has been enjoying it on the road but it would surely be possible to get it back on the drag strip. That’s for the next owner though so if you want to get your name on the V5, then get bidding now. And really, who wouldn’t?
There are numerous options as to where a car like this could be developed from here; the current owner has been enjoying it on the road but it would surely be possible to get it back on the drag strip. That’s for the next owner though so if you want to get your name on the V5, then get bidding now. And really, who wouldn’t?
The History and Paperwork
- Imported 2021 and UK registered
- Acquired from a US-based Mustang specialist who reported that it last competed between 2005 and 2010
- Upgraded at some point in its life to the following specification:
- 538 cubic inch (8.8 litre) stroker engine with forged bottom end
- Cobra Jet aluminium heads
- Edelbrock Victor inlet manifold
- Holley Dominator carburettor
- MSD electronic ignition and distributor
- High lift Lunati camshaft
- Electric water pump
- AFCO alloy radiator
- Ford Racing valve covers
- K&N air filter
- ATI 2 speed powerglide transmission
- Ford 9” rear axle with Nodular third member differential and Mark Williams shafts
- 4 link rear end with Koni coil overs
- Front suspension is all original with inner fenders removed and correct shock towers
- Lightweight doors, bonnet, front wings, and boot lid
- Side windows and rear window is lightweight plexiglass
- Alloy fuel cell
- Battery relocated to the boot
- Had a full service on import including new front calipers, discs, pads, and backing plates and a new brake master cylinder
- Alternator installed and larger fuel tank fitted
- Recent new carpet
- New, more road-biased rear tyres, as was previously on slicks
- MOT exempt
- V5 present in owner’s name
The Interior
- Full cage
- New carpets
- Road-usable seats
- Selection of custom buttons and gauges
Opening the lightweight fibreglass door reveals an interior that’s more motorsport than classic GT car but it has been made somewhat more civilised for road use with the addition of a new carpet and some bucket seats that are easier to climb in and out of than the FIA-compliant items would be. The seller reports that the seats are in as-new condition and while the four point harnesses are not dated for motorsport use, they certainly set the appropriate tone.
The dash is the original item and the dials do not function, not that you can see much of them round the roll cage in any case. That said, there is a new dashboard surround which accompanies the car and could be installed to further improve the appearance of the cabin.
With the dash out of action, the vital information is relayed via a collection of auxiliary dials and the current owner uses a GPS speedo on his phone. Much like the rest of the car, the overall bias sits somewhere between motorsport and road use and it could be taken in either direction by a new owner.
With the dash out of action, the vital information is relayed via a collection of auxiliary dials and the current owner uses a GPS speedo on his phone. Much like the rest of the car, the overall bias sits somewhere between motorsport and road use and it could be taken in either direction by a new owner.
The Exterior
- Paintwork in good condition, though showing some blemishes
- Floorpan reported to be solid
- UK-spec headlights and indicators
- Fibreglass bonnet, front wings, doors and boot lid
- Plexiglass side and rear windows
- Unpainted steel doors with locks also included
A classic Mustang is always a treat but there’ll be no slipping under the radar with this car, endowed as it is with a massive bonnet bulge, stripes and enormous rear wheels. It all adds up to a sizeable presence and is overall reported to be in very good condition.
There are a few blemishes, including gravel rash behind the rear wheels and some cracking around the quick release fastenings that hold on the fibreglass parts. There’s also a scratch on the passenger door, although the vendor has included a painted pair of steel doors with locks that he was planning to fit.
There are a few blemishes, including gravel rash behind the rear wheels and some cracking around the quick release fastenings that hold on the fibreglass parts. There’s also a scratch on the passenger door, although the vendor has included a painted pair of steel doors with locks that he was planning to fit.
The stripes are all painted on which is a nice touch but has resulted in a little overspray around the door openings. The car wears a set of distinctive wheels which are free from any kerb marks and wear tyres that have good tread on the front and almost none at the back, though this is entirely intentional.
The seller, who has past experience of classic Mustangs having owned no fewer than fifteen of them, reports that the underside shows only surface corrosion and that the floorpan is one of the best of this vintage that he’s ever seen.
The seller, who has past experience of classic Mustangs having owned no fewer than fifteen of them, reports that the underside shows only surface corrosion and that the floorpan is one of the best of this vintage that he’s ever seen.
The Mechanics
- Believed to be running at around 750hp
- No paperwork to demonstrate, but inspection reveals that the engine looks to have been recently refreshed
- Starts and drives without issue
- Usable on the road, with suitable care
With the bonnet removed, the monstrous powerplant is revealed and, when the seller first looked it over, he was pleasantly surprised as, although there isn’t the paperwork to prove it, the whole engine appears to have been given a thorough refresh in recent times. It’s had a service since arriving here in the UK and the vendor reports that it starts on the button and runs very sweetly.
Given its appearance there are obvious questions about how it drives on UK roads. Reassurance comes from the owner who describes it as riding surprisingly well and possessing more front end grip than might be expected from the skinny front tyres. He does caution that it needs to be treated with respect, particularly when the roads are damp, but says that if driven sensibly it’s very easy to drive.
Obviously it’s enormously fast and four pot brakes on the front and large drums on the rear help it to stop quickly but without power assistance they do require a firm shove. With so much torque on tap, two gears are all that’s required and the transmission shifts smoothly between them with gears selected by the lever.
Obviously it’s enormously fast and four pot brakes on the front and large drums on the rear help it to stop quickly but without power assistance they do require a firm shove. With so much torque on tap, two gears are all that’s required and the transmission shifts smoothly between them with gears selected by the lever.
As imported, there were no mufflers in the exhaust but the current owner found that a little loud for road use and so had some reinstalled. The soundtrack is still suitably muscle car but now more bearable without a crash helmet on. In summary, you’re unlikely to encounter anything else quite like this on the road but in the seller’s view it’s entirely usable as an occasional-use car.
Summary
A classic drag racer that can be driven on the road with options to develop it further in the direction of competition or road use as the new owner desires.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1968
- Make Ford
- Model Mustang
- Colour White
- Odometer 60,000 Miles
- Engine size 7013
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Sussex
- Country United Kingdom
24
bids
- du•••• £30,000 09/02/22
- vi•••• £29,000 09/02/22
- du•••• £28,000 09/02/22
- vi•••• £25,500 09/02/22
- du•••• £25,000 09/02/22
- vi•••• £23,000 09/02/22
- du•••• £22,500 09/02/22
- vi•••• £21,000 09/02/22
- Ma•••• £20,000 09/02/22
- vi•••• £19,000 09/02/22
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