This 1968 Ford Mustang convertible was sold new at Frank Cate Ford in Elk Grove, California, and the original owner reportedly sold it in 1980 to a person who kept the car in the Sacramento area for another 37 years. It was originally specified with a J-code 302ci 4V V8, a C-4 automatic, power steering and front disc brakes, Diamond Blue paintwork, a blue interior, a Parchment soft top, a console, wheel covers, and Deluxe belts. It was redone around 15 years ago and now rides on 14″ styled-steel wheels, and the seller acquired the car on BaT in July 2020. This Mustang convertible is now offered with an Elite Marti Report, the owner’s manual, service records dating to the 1980s, a car cover, black California plates, and a Vermont title in the seller’s name.
The car was built at the San Jose, California plant and left the factory in Diamond Blue (N) with a manually operated Parchment soft top. Under previous ownership the car was refinished and the seals were replaced, reportedly for a cost of $9,700. The paintwork was completed in 2008, and the top was replaced in 2013.
Black California plates convey with the car.
The car was ordered with power steering, power-assisted front disc brakes, and wheel covers. The refurbishment work included overhauling the brakes, rebuilding the power steering pump, and fitting 14″ styled-steel wheels along with white-stripe Hankook tires.
The interior was refinished between 2016 and 2017, including painting the center console and replacing trim items. The AM radio does not work, and there is a tear in the driver’s seat.
A restored steering wheel is mounted on a retrofitted tilt column. The five-digit odometer has rolled over and now indicates 12k miles, around 800 of which were driven since the last auction.
The 302ci 4V V8 was factory rated at 230 horsepower. The fan blade, housing, water pump, fuel pump, hoses, and axle gaskets were all replaced as part of the refurbishment work. The factory air-cleaner assembly, “Powered by Ford” valve covers, intake manifold, water pump, oil pan, and engine block are finished in period-style blue.
The C-4 automatic was rebuilt in 1983.
Records dating to the 1980s are included and detailed in the gallery.
The framed Elite Marti report includes a reproduction trim tag and window sticker and lists production statistics.
The title lists an odometer reading of 111,706 miles.