Frame Up Restored Mustang Convertible 289 V8 C4

A new year often inspires thoughts about the future. Planning, resolutions and idealizing what should be instead of optimizing what is. But whatever happened to the 'here and now'? You know, living in the moment and enjoying what we have as opposed to fighting for constant betterment and forever prolonging joy. So many enthusiasts are enthralled with owning the biggest, baddest and awesome-est garage trophy that they completely lose sight of the reason they fell in love with cars in the first place. I mean, have you ever met any seasoned gearhead who reminisces about huge residuals or plastic trophies? That's why inventory like this sweet '68 Mustang is such a soothing breath of fresh air. Sure, it's a stellar classic that wears a squeaky clean restoration. And yes, I'm willing to bet it'll build value just as well as it builds an award history. But it's also the kind of car you buy because you actually enjoy working on, driving in, and playing with Detroit's finest metal. So, if you've been nodding in agreement with everything I just said, this slick Ford belongs in your garage!

The car's body is a tribute to no-holds-barred craftsmanship that was executed during a professional, frame-up restoration. No Mustang ever drove out of the factory this straight and, thanks to its glossy, two-stage pigment, this drop-top wraps awesome movie star looks around a circus of fun. The doors fit beautifully, the hood and trunk present excellent alignment, and the aforementioned paint has been buffed and wet-sanded to a brilliant shine. You know, they say nothing looks better than red when it's done right, and this glowing Ford is sure to make sun-seeking Mustang fans a little weak in the knees!

Paint and fitment aside, this classic features excellent detailing that helps create an unforgettable first impression. At the front of the car, a stainless-trimmed grille anchors a corralled horse emblem between traditional halogen headlights, a bright chrome bumper and bullet-style parking lamps. Above that grille, a “F O R D” branded hood leads the eye to pristine glass that's sealed beneath small silver wipers, straight stainless frames and a fresh black top. At the sides of that hood, dent-free rocker guards lay the groundwork for new Mustang emblems, classy chrome door handles and a correct driver's mirror. And at the back of the car, a stainless-trimmed, “M U S T A N G” branded valence centers fresh tail lights and a detailed fuel filler above a second chrome bumper, small reverse lamps and polished stainless exhaust tips.

As the C in this Mustang's VIN denotes, the car was born with a 289 cubic inch Windsor V8; and that's exactly how it rolls today. Ford rated this mill at a healthy 195 horsepower and, given the size of its payload, that equates to nicely balanced performance. At the top of the Ford Blue block, a single-snorkel air cleaner feeds a stock 2-barrel carburetor that's seated on a correct Ford intake. At the front of that intake, a traditional points distributor sequences spark between a proven Autolite coil and fresh hypalon ignition wires. Below those wires, restored exhaust manifolds funnel spent gases into menacing, true-dual pipes. And in front of those pipes, a Satin Black radiator sends water around a big fan via pliable hoses and tight screw clamps. As you can probably tell, the raucous engine has been fully rebuilt and crowned with cool “Power By Ford” valve covers. That sporty appearance contrasts well against Satin Black fenders and a full array of decals. And everything, from this pony's tagged Autolite battery topper to its factory air conditioning system, looks authentic and complete.

As you can tell from our professional, high resolution photography, the bottom of this fully sorted classic is no stranger to the occasional rain event. Behind the car's first-class Ford block, a correct C4 3-speed drives a durable Ford 8-inch that's equipped with solid, highway friendly gears. Holding that versatile drivetrain off the ground is a lucid factory suspension which, at some point, has been completely rebuilt with OEM-grade equipment. Above that suspension, Satin Black floorpans appear solid and show absolutely no signs of severe rust or weathering. At the ends of that floor, correct power steering combines with beefy drum brakes to make turning, rolling and stopping an absolute cinch. Inside those brakes, free-breathing, true-dual pipes shuttle spent gases from the aforementioned manifolds to throaty turbo mufflers. And at the sides of that exhaust, attractive Styled Steel wheels twist 205/70R14 BF Goodrich Radial T/As around bright red center caps.

Inside this Ford, a comfortable black interior makes Mustang fans feel right at home. Pleated seats hang fresh vinyl covers over straight frames and thick padding. In front of those seats, an attractive, wood-trimmed dash founds completely rebuilt telemetry next to a subtle Audiovox head unit and factory climate control. Below that dash, clean black carpet balances Mustang-branded floor mats between traditional stainless sills and a stylish chrome shifter. At the edge of that carpet, textured side panels hang elegant handles in front of simple armrests. In front of the driver, a wood-rimmed steering wheel spins chrome spokes around a Mustang-branded centerpiece. And behind the passengers, a fully restored trunk hides correct tools and a full-size spare beneath a fresh plaid mat.

It's difficult to imagine the automotive world without Mustangs. They've been a staple in the collector car market for decades, and it's very rare to find a well-executed, paint shop fresh restoration that carries an asking price of roughly half its build cost. If you're looking for a highly desirable muscle car that'll provide years of weekend fun, don't miss the chance to claim this awesome convertible!