The 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback is a true icon in the world of American muscle cars—celebrated for its striking design, exceptional performance, and lasting cultural impact. As one of the most beloved Mustang models, it continues to captivate collectors, enthusiasts, and casual fans alike. More than just a high-performance vehicle, the 1968 Fastback became a symbol of the muscle car era, offering a perfect blend of power, style, and everyday drivability. With its aggressive stance, powerful engine options, and connections to pop culture, it remains one of the most desirable classic cars on the market. Today, companies like Revology Cars keep its spirit alive through modern recreations, combining timeless design with advanced technology and performance—allowing a new generation to experience the legend firsthand.
The Design of the 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback
Exterior Features
The 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback is immediately recognizable due to its iconic fastback roofline, aggressive stance, and bold features. The car’s long hood and flowing lines not only added to its aerodynamic appeal but also gave it a muscular and dynamic look. The rear window louvers and distinctive grille, with the signature galloping pony emblem, further emphasized the car’s aggressive and performance-oriented nature. The GT 2+2 Fastback design was a clear evolution of the Mustang, maintaining the vehicle’s reputation for being both stylish and powerful.
Interior Features
Inside, the 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback featured a sporty yet functional interior. It was designed with the driver in mind, offering bucket seats, a center console, and a simple dashboard layout. The interior used durable materials that could withstand the demands of driving, yet still provided a comfortable experience for both the driver and passenger. The cabin was a blend of racing-inspired elements and everyday usability, making it an ideal car for both performance enthusiasts and casual drivers.
Styling Innovations
The fastback design itself was a significant innovation in the Mustang lineup, setting the 1968 GT 2+2 Fastback apart from its predecessors. The rear window louvers and sleek profile gave the car an unmistakable silhouette, and its design would go on to influence future muscle cars for decades. Revology Cars has ensured that the modern re-creations of this classic retain the same attention to design detail, combining the original appeal with modern updates for today’s enthusiasts.
Engine Options & Performance
Engine Specifications
The 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback was powered by a variety of V8 engine options. The base engine was a 289-cubic inch V8, producing 225 horsepower. However, the real performance standout was the 390-cubic inch V8, which provided an impressive 320 horsepower. The larger engine gave the car more power, making it a true muscle car on the streets. The engine configurations gave buyers the flexibility to choose the level of performance that best suited their driving needs.
Performance Metrics
In terms of performance, the 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback delivered exhilarating acceleration and top-speed capabilities. The car could go from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.5 seconds, an impressive feat for a car from the late 1960s. The handling was responsive and precise, thanks to its upgraded suspension system, which allowed for superior cornering and stability at high speeds.
Transmission & Suspension
The GT 2+2 Fastback came with a four-speed manual transmission as the standard, with an optional three-speed automatic. The manual transmission gave drivers a more engaging experience, allowing them to fully harness the power of the V8 engines. The suspension system was tuned to handle high-performance driving, making the Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback a formidable force on both the road and the track.
Historical Context and Evolution of the 1968 Mustang
The Mustang’s Evolution
The 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback was part of the second generation of Mustangs, which brought about several improvements over the first generation. Ford had already established the Mustang as a leader in the muscle car segment, and the 1968 model built on that legacy with new features and enhanced performance. The GT 2+2 Fastback version was introduced as a higher-performance variant of the regular Mustang Fastback, designed to appeal to muscle car enthusiasts looking for a more aggressive and sporty experience.
1968 Model Year Changes
The 1968 Mustang saw several notable updates, including a new grille design, a flatter windshield, and more aggressive front and rear styling. The 1968 GT 2+2 Fastback benefitted from these updates, which not only improved the car’s aesthetics but also enhanced its performance. This model marked a pivotal moment in Mustang history, as it solidified the Mustang as a staple in the American automotive market.
Cultural Significance
The 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback also became a cultural icon, representing the freedom and rebellion of the 1960s. The Mustang became the car of choice for a generation that valued performance and style, and the GT 2+2 Fastback was the embodiment of those ideals.
Iconic Pop Culture Moments
Bullitt and the Mustang Legacy
One of the most famous moments in Mustang history came in the 1968 film Bullitt, where Steve McQueen famously drove a 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback in one of the most thrilling car chase scenes in film history. This scene solidified the car’s place in pop culture and gave the Mustang an even more iconic status. The 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback, with its powerful engine and distinctive look, became synonymous with action, speed, and style.
Other Media Appearances
Beyond Bullitt, the 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback made appearances in various films, television shows, and advertisements, further cementing its status as an icon. The Mustang’s presence in pop culture helped drive its popularity, making it not just a car, but a symbol of the American automotive spirit.
Market Value and Collectibility
Current Market Trends
The 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback has become a highly sought-after collector’s car. With its iconic status, limited production, and strong cultural impact, it holds significant value in the classic car market. Original models that are well-maintained or restored are highly prized, and prices continue to rise as demand for classic Mustangs grows.
Factors Affecting Value
The value of the 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback is influenced by factors such as originality, condition, and provenance. Cars with matching numbers, original parts, and documented histories are generally worth more. Restored models, especially those that have been kept close to the original specifications, also hold significant value.
Investment Potential
For collectors and investors, the 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback offers a strong investment opportunity. As the classic car market continues to grow, the 1968 Mustang remains a top choice for those looking to invest in automotive history. Modern re-creations by companies like Revology Cars offer an opportunity for new buyers to own a version of the classic Mustang with contemporary performance.
Restorations and Modern Re-creations
The Importance of Restorations
Restoring a 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback is a meticulous process that requires careful attention to detail. Classic car restorations can range from light cosmetic fixes to full, frame-off rebuilds. Restorers aim to preserve the original design and performance while ensuring the car remains roadworthy and reliable.
Modern Re-creations (e.g., Revology Cars)
For those looking to experience the 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback with modern technology and performance, companies like Revology Cars offer re-creations that combine the best of classic design with modern engineering. These re-creations offer the look and feel of the original, while incorporating modern safety features, enhanced performance, and reliability. Revology Cars’s recreations allow enthusiasts to enjoy the Mustang experience without compromising on contemporary driving expectations.
The 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback’s Legacy
Impact on the Mustang Lineup
The 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback helped establish the Mustang as the epitome of American muscle cars. Its performance and styling influenced future generations of Mustangs, setting the standard for design and performance. The legacy of the 1968 GT 2+2 Fastback can still be seen in modern Mustang models, as Ford continues to draw inspiration from its classic muscle car roots.
Enduring Popularity
The 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback remains one of the most celebrated and desired muscle cars of all time. Its combination of performance, design, and cultural significance ensures that it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Conclusion
The 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback is a true American classic. Its stunning design, powerful performance, and cultural impact make it a standout in the world of muscle cars. Whether restored, original, or re-created by companies like Revology Cars, this car continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors. The 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback is not just a car — it’s a symbol of American automotive excellence, and its legacy will continue to thrive for generations to come.
FAQs
What makes the 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback so iconic?
The 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback is iconic due to its aggressive design, powerful V8 engine options, and its role in pop culture, particularly its appearance in the film Bullitt.
What engine options were available for the 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback?
The 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback was available with two main V8 engine options: the 289-cubic inch V8 and the 390-cubic inch V8.
How does the 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback perform compared to other muscle cars?
The 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback delivered excellent acceleration, top speed, and handling for its time, making it one of the top performers in the muscle car category.
What factors influence the value of the 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback today?
The value is influenced by factors such as the car’s condition, originality, provenance, and whether it has been restored or kept in original form.
Where can I find a modern re-creation of the 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback?
Revology Cars offers high-quality modern re-creations of the 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback, combining classic styling with modern performance and technology.
