Click on an image below to enlarge
Changes for the 1968
model increased safety with a two-spoke energy-absorbing steering
wheel, along with newly introduced shoulder belts. Other changes
included front and rear side markers, "FORD" lettering removed from
hood, rearview mirror
moved from frame to windshield, a 302
cu in (4.9 L) V8 engine was now available, and C-Stripe graphics
were added.
The
California Special Mustang, or GT/CS, was visually based on the
Shelby model and was only sold in Western states. Its
sister, the
'High Country Special', was sold in Denver, Colorado. While the GT/CS
was only available as a coupe, the 'High
Country Special' model was
available in fastback and convertible configurations during the 1967
model year, and as a coupe
for 1968.
Click on images
below to enlarge
For the 1968 1/2 model year, Ford introduced the
Cobra Jet Mustangs. These Mustangs were equipped with the 428 c.i.d.
Cobra Jet engines. These "fast" Mustangs proved to be a terror on
the drag strips taking top honors at the
NHRA Winternationals in
1968.
Click on images
below to enlarge
Also debuting
in 1968 were the Shelby GT500 KR Mustangs. Beginning in April
1968, Ford began factory installing a version
of the 428 engine
known as the "Cobra Jet". The GT500 was subsequently known as The
Shelby GT500 KR. The initials KR
stood for "King of the Road." Ford
rated the Cobra jet at 335 horsepower (250 kW), but with 440
foot-pounds of torque at
3400 RPM, the horsepower was considered
significantly underreported. Shelby's KR engine was left stock
adding die-cast aluminum valve covers with "Cobra LeMans" to note
Ford's FE engine family victory over Ferrari at Le Mans in 1966 and
1967.
The 1968 Ford
Mustang GT Fastback reached iconic Movie Star status after it was
featured in the 1968 film Bullitt, starring
Steve McQueen. In the
film, McQueen drove a modified 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback chasing
a Dodge Charger through
the streets of San Francisco. The movie
would prove to define the "Car Chase" for many years to come in
Hollywood.
Click on poster image above for movie clip
