The world’s best-selling sports car, the Mustang has been an integral part of the motoring landscape since its big reveal at the New York World’s Fair in 1964. Indeed, the story of the ’Stang is a pretty incredible one: still available as a new model today, it’s America’s best-selling sports car of the last half-century, and in late 2018 the ten-millionth Mustang rolled off the production line at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Michigan. The original pony car has always been a pretty diverse offering too; right from its early days you could specify it as a coupe or a convertible, with a racy fastback arriving in the line-up to really tap into teenage drag-race dreams. Fast, practical, reliable motoring for the masses, with sporting intent and race heritage woven throughout.

 
The earliest cars, built between the 1964-and-a-half and 1966 model years, are the go-to choice for certain collectors seeking genesis status, although many prefer the 1967-68 cars like the one we have here today. You see, the ’67 model year saw a major redesign, akin to photocopying the original car at 110%; every significant proportion of the car was enlarged ever-so-slightly – not so much that you’d notice unless you parked them side-by-side, but the change was significant: above all, it allowed the big-block V8 engines to sit between those inner wings. The cabin space and the boot were consequentially more spacious too, and the styling was refreshed with the introduction of the much-admired concave taillights and rakish side scoops. And while the fastback may be the car many hanker for to fulfil their Bullitt daydreams, it’s this three-box notchback bodystyle that represents the archetypal Mustang profile.


The Mustang we have here was originally a California car, which was imported to the UK in 2015. It subsequently went over to Cyprus for restoration, before coming back to England – so it’s important to note that the import duties have been paid both in the UK and the EU. The car is impressively solid, beautifully presented, and wonderful to drive – particularly since that 302ci V8 has been rebuilt to Stage 2 specs.

The interior of this Mustang is very tidy and pleasant, with the supportive seats wearing their trim beautifully. The front seats tilt as they should for rear access, and the carpets and headlining are good. The windows wind up and down correctly, and the steering wheel is a tasteful wood-rimmed item.

A modern Pioneer CD head unit has been fitted along with a pair of speakers in the rear shelf, but otherwise it all feels period-correct. The dash clocks are well presented and they all work; indeed, everything works, including the new power steering and the air-conditioning. The dash-top is nice and straight with no signs of sun damage, and the boot is dry and solid with a clean floor under the carpet.

The paintwork has a lovely finish, its striking shade of orange having a deep lustre that really gleams – the owner will provide the new keeper with the colour code in case of any future touch-ups. The bodywork is remarkably straight with even panel gaps, and looks to be entirely solid from external inspection – the fact that’s it’s a dry-state car that’s always been dry-stored while over here certainly helps. 

The light lenses and window glass are good, and all the correct trim and badging is in place – plus a few tasteful decals and customisation. The chrome is in great order and really shines. And the cherry on the cake is the superbly retro set of wheels: staggered 17” American Racing five-spokes with 245/45 rubber on the front and chunky 275/40 out back. A beautifully presented car with real road presence.

Muscle cars ought to have V8s, and the 302ci small-block certainly doesn’t disappoint. Indeed, the owner has seen fit to rebuild it to Stage 2 specification, with uprated pistons and a 4-barrel carb on a J-code intake. It fires up readily on the first twist of the key and instantly settles into an even burbly idle. 

The three-speed auto is a slick companion to this torquey motor, and the engine really growls as the revs rise. Don’t think of it as an all-out drag monster though; the owner is keen to point out that it makes for a comfortable and dependable daily driver (if you’re gentle with the throttle, it’s not too uneconomical either), and with power-steering, strong brakes (thanks to the new servo) and smooth-riding suspension, that’s a believable prospect. It’s a lovely car to drive, and it does the daily cruiser thing just as well as the retro performance thing. 

The Ford Mustang is a car which has enjoyed an enduring appeal right back to its inception in 1964 – and with such a lengthy production run across numerous distinct generations, its appeal keeps on coming in waves. Buying a Mustang is as much about fulfilling a dream as it is acquiring a machine… but, of course, it’s important that you buy the right one, so that your dream doesn’t manifest itself simply as a pretty ornament. 

This well-specced and superbly presented 1968 302 ticks a whole lot of boxes: it’s got the iconic small-block Windsor V8, artfully amped-up to plaster a smile across your face. It has a charming, comfy and roomy interior, making every drive feel like you’re in a movie. And best of all, the mechanicals are dependable and reliable, with nothing to worry about throughout the chassis. This is a pretty and eye-catching Mustang which is ready for you to jump straight into and take on an epic road trip… or hurl it up the strip, enter it into a show-and-shine, or just potter to the shops. It’ll be happy doing any of that.

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