Rough 1968 Ford Mustang Flexes Cobra Jet Vibes, Small-Block Surprise Under the Hood

 Classic Ford Mustangs are great platforms for restorations but things can get expensive if you want good results. But this doesn't mean that a derelict first-gen Mustang should remain in storage in the absence of restoration funds. This 1968 Cobra Jet tribute is proof that rough classics can make awesome nostalgia dragsters.

This 1968 Mustang started life as a C-code car, which means it left the factory with a 289-small-block (4.7-liter) V8 rated at 195 horsepower. Unfortunately, the pony car had a rough life and not only lost its original drivetrain, but also ended up with a Bondo-filled body.

The current owner purchased the Mustang about 20 years ago (as of 2022) and took it apart to prepare it for restoration. But the refresh didn't happen and, after a couple of years, he decided to put it back together and make it road-worthy again. One thing led to another and the Mustang morphed into a drag-ready tribute to the iconic Cobra Jet.

The latter was introduced in 1968 as a road-legal racer powered by a 428-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) V8 good for 335 horsepower. The engine remained in production, in various forms, through 1971.

While still rough and battling surface rust, the Mustang does look a lot like a Cobra Jet thanks to its beefy rear tires, louvered quarter windows, and bulged hood. However, it doesn't have an authentic Cobra Jet V8 under the hood.

The owner couldn't afford one when he rebuilt the Mustang as a dragster, so he went with a more affordable small block of the 302-cubic-inch (4.9-liter) variety. There's no info on whether it's a period-correct mill or not, but the F-code Mustang had a 302 V8 rated at 210 horsepower in 1968. Likewise, the J-code version came with a four-barrel variant, rated at 230 horsepower, of the same engine.

But it doesn't really matter because the mill has been altered for drag strip duty. So not only is it more powerful than stock, but it also sounds a lot more aggressive than the average 302. In fact, based on the sound sample we get at the beginning of the video, I'd say it sounds meaner than a full-fledged Cobra Jet too.

So how quick is this nostalgia dragster? Well, the owner says he only raced it on the 1/8-mile, covering the distance in about eight seconds. He estimates the Mustang would run the quarter-mile in about 12.5 clicks, which is notably quicker than any factory-stock pony produced in the late 1960s. And that's pretty awesome. On top of that, it also has hand-painted graphics like in the good ol' days.

All told, as much as I'd like to see a Cobra Jet V8 find its way into this Mustang, it remains a really cool budget build as is. And a fine example of how to have fun at the drag strip without breaking the bank

The Customized 1968 Mercury Cougar Fastback: Perfect Fusion of Style and Performance

 In the realm of classic American muscle cars, the 1968 Mercury Cougar Fastback stands as a testament to automotive ingenuity and timeless design. This particular iteration of the Cougar takes customization to new heights, seamlessly blending elements from the iconic 1967-1968 Mustang Fastback 2+2 with a touch of Mercury’s distinctive flair. The result is a breathtaking fusion of style and performance that captivates car enthusiasts to this day.

The exterior of the 1968 Mercury Cougar Fastback exudes a sense of power and elegance. The customizations implemented on this beauty begin with the integration of various Ford components, particularly those derived from the revered Mustang Fastback 2+2. The fastback design, characterized by a sleek sloping roofline, enhances the Cougar’s aerodynamic profile while paying homage to the classic Mustang’s iconic silhouette.

To further accentuate its unique character, this 1968 Mercury Cougar Fastback boasts a set of 17-inch wheels that perfectly complement its muscular stance. These wheels provide a contemporary touch to an otherwise timeless design, ensuring that the car appeals to both vintage enthusiasts and modern car aficionados alike. The larger wheel size also enables the use of high-performance tires, enhancing grip and handling on the road.

One of the distinguishing features of this Cougar Fastback is the addition of central turn signals, an element that sets it apart from its Mustang counterpart. The placement of these signals on the rear fascia creates a visually striking effect, captivating onlookers as the car gracefully maneuvers through the streets. The inclusion of such unique design details exemplifies the attention to detail and meticulous craftsmanship that went into this customized creation.

Under the hood, the 1968 Mercury Cougar Fastback houses a formidable powertrain that delivers exhilarating performance. While various engine options were available at the time, including V6 and V8 configurations, this customized Cougar is likely to have been equipped with a potent V8 engine for an extra dose of adrenaline. The rumble of the engine, combined with the car’s sleek exterior, ensures that the Cougar Fastback never fails to turn heads wherever it goes.

But it’s not just about power and aesthetics—this 1968 Mercury Cougar Fastback also offers a host of modern comforts and conveniences. Equipped with power steering and power disc brakes, this classic machine delivers a smooth and responsive driving experience, effortlessly gliding through corners and stopping on a dime. The inclusion of air conditioning ensures that occupants can enjoy a comfortable ride even on hot summer days, enhancing the overall driving pleasure.

Stepping inside of this 1968 Mercury Cougar Fastback, one is greeted by a customized black interior that exudes luxury and sophistication. Every detail has been carefully considered and meticulously executed, from the plush seats to the tastefully appointed dashboard. The addition of an air conditioning console ensures that climate control is within easy reach, allowing occupants to fine-tune their comfort level.

Completing the interior ambiance is a new moon skin headliner, adding a touch of elegance to the cabin. This custom headliner not only enhances the visual appeal of the Cougar Fastback’s interior but also contributes to a quieter and more refined driving experience.

With its fusion of classic Mustang aesthetics and Mercury’s distinctive touches, this customized Cougar offers a harmonious blend of style, performance, and modern comfort features.

Legendary Classic Resurfaces: 1968 Shelby Mustang GT350 Discovers New Life After 40 Years of Dormancy

 With only 7,104 units built from 1965 to 1969 (out of 2.2 million), the first-generation Shelby GT350 is one of the rarest Mustangs out there. But even so, many GT350s are still locked away in barns waiting to be restored and put back on the road.

 The 1968 GT350 Convertible you see here was one of those cars. I say "was" because it was sold to a gentleman who will restore it shortly after the video below was shot. But this beefed-up classic, still an all-original gem, spent a whopping 40 years in a barn.

How is it possible for a fine muscle car like this to be forgotten in storage since the 1980s? Well, apparently the owner also had a 1968 Shebly GT500KR Convertible in yellow. He preferred the more powerful "King of the Road" Mustang so the GT350 ended up sitting in the back of the garage.

When the owner passed away, his daughter decided to let the GT500KR go and keep the red GT350. The car remained untouched from the early 1980s until 2021, when it was moved to a different barn. But surprisingly enough, the muscle car is in fantastic condition for a classic that hasn't been driven in 40 years.

Yes, it does have a bit of patina here and there, but it's rust-free and 100% percent complete. Not only that, but it still has all of its numbers-matching components, including the high-performance V8 engine under the hood.

In 1968, Shelby replaced the more familiar 289-cubic-inch unit with a 302-cubic-inch V8 with an aluminum Cobra intake manifold and Holley 600 carburetor, and that's exactly what this Shelby has.

On top of that, the red paint looks like it will shine again with a good polishing, while the white top is in surprisingly good condition. This GT350 is also a low-mileage classic at only 24,000 miles on the odometer.

The convertible layout also makes it rarer than the average 1968 Shelby. Ford built 1,664 GT350s that year, but only 404 were convertibles. And if we narrow it down to colors and options, this Shelby is even rarer. Probably one of fewer than 100 built like this.

But the even better news is that the gentleman who bought it plans to get it running again and preserve the original paint and interior. And that's the greatest thing it can happen to a barn-found survivor. Until that happens, see it sitting pretty in a barn in the video below.

Back from the Dead: Witness the Astonishing Restoration of a 1967 Ford Mustang After 28 Years

 This first-generation Mustang from 1967 has been rotting away in a backyard for almost three decades, so Derek Bieri decided to step in and rescue it. The latest video uploaded by the MotorTrend YouTube Channel shows the car going from a complete wreck to back on the road.

 

Even though the car had only 23,957 miles (38,555 km) on the dash, the real number seemed to be around the 200,000-mile (321,868 km) mark. Under the hood, there was a 200ci, 3.3-liter 6-cylinder engine, which could put out 120 hp (122 ps) as a new unit. It was in rough shape and could no longer run without some serious work.

Additionally, the wheels weren’t turning, the driver-side door wouldn’t close, and the interior was a complete disaster, with holes in the floor and all.

After pulling the car out of the woods, it was time to get to work. Hot-wiring the car revealed the engine was half-working, with a promising sound to it. Some tweaking, new wiring, and a refurbished not-so-new carburetor later, the engine was running.

From then on, with a gentle sledgehammer tickle, some brakes, wheels, and tires from a ’66 Mustang, the wheel issues were addressed, so the next reasonable step was driving the car to Derek’s shop in Tennessee to work on the countless remaining issues.

Driving the car out of the woods was a real adventure, with a driver-side door that wasn’t closing and a radiator that kept overheating every two miles, but at least the view and the weather were nice. Plus, both the car and driver made it to the destination in one piece.

The Mustang then got a proper “bath” with a pressure washer, got the trunk cleaned up, and its disintegrating interior thrown out. With a lot of work in the engine bay, a new fuel tank and pump, and another carburetor – this time one in really good shape – the car was well on the way to getting back on the road.
 

But not before fixing the interior. Even though the flooring needed to be completely replaced, patching it up was good enough for now. With a new door that can actually close, new carpet and seats, and the hood painted up, this 1967 Mustang looks a whole lot better.

It is still a long way from perfect, but for the way it ended up, it seems it was well worth the effort. You can hit play below and check out how it turned out.

A Legendary Rebirth: Witness the Astonishing Revival of a 1967 Ford Mustang - 28 Years in the Making

 This first-generation Mustang from 1967 has been rotting away in a backyard for almost three decades, so Derek Bieri decided to step in and rescue it. The latest video uploaded by the MotorTrend YouTube Channel shows the car going from a complete wreck to back on the road.

 

Even though the car had only 23,957 miles (38,555 km) on the dash, the real number seemed to be around the 200,000-mile (321,868 km) mark. Under the hood, there was a 200ci, 3.3-liter 6-cylinder engine, which could put out 120 hp (122 ps) as a new unit. It was in rough shape and could no longer run without some serious work.

Additionally, the wheels weren’t turning, the driver-side door wouldn’t close, and the interior was a complete disaster, with holes in the floor and all.

After pulling the car out of the woods, it was time to get to work. Hot-wiring the car revealed the engine was half-working, with a promising sound to it. Some tweaking, new wiring, and a refurbished not-so-new carburetor later, the engine was running.

From then on, with a gentle sledgehammer tickle, some brakes, wheels, and tires from a ’66 Mustang, the wheel issues were addressed, so the next reasonable step was driving the car to Derek’s shop in Tennessee to work on the countless remaining issues.

Driving the car out of the woods was a real adventure, with a driver-side door that wasn’t closing and a radiator that kept overheating every two miles, but at least the view and the weather were nice. Plus, both the car and driver made it to the destination in one piece.

The Mustang then got a proper “bath” with a pressure washer, got the trunk cleaned up, and its disintegrating interior thrown out. With a lot of work in the engine bay, a new fuel tank and pump, and another carburetor – this time one in really good shape – the car was well on the way to getting back on the road.
 

But not before fixing the interior. Even though the flooring needed to be completely replaced, patching it up was good enough for now. With a new door that can actually close, new carpet and seats, and the hood painted up, this 1967 Mustang looks a whole lot better.

It is still a long way from perfect, but for the way it ended up, it seems it was well worth the effort. You can hit play below and check out how it turned out.

Discovering the Timeless Appeal of a 1965 Chevrolet Impala Resting Peacefully in a Vintage Barn

 1965 was a big year for General Motors, Chevrolet, and the Impala series for two different reasons. On the one hand, it witnessed the debut of a new-generation Impala, this time boasting a more modern look that Chevy used across its entire full-size lineup.

On the other hand, it marked the first time in the United States after World War II that a single car sold more than 1 million units in just one year. It was another confirmation that Impala was a hit, so Chevy's efforts to refresh the model for every model year were finally paying off.

The 1965 Impala has, therefore, become a highly desirable collectible, though most wealthy buyers are particularly looking for all-original and unmolested cars in just the perfect condition.

The example that eBay seller isoldmyz69 has recently published online no longer flexes the tip-top shape these people are drooling over but a project car condition. It is mainly the result of a long tenure in a moisty barn - moisty doesn't go well with metal, so you should closely inspect everything for signs of rust.

While the car is allegedly a barn find, the owner did not share any information about the time spent in hiding. However, the images confirm the vehicle needs a complete restoration and a thorough cleaning inside to determine its current condition accurately.

The good news is the Impala continues to be complete and unmolested. The original engine is still there, and as it turns out, it turns over by hand. The seller did not try to start it, so without an in-person inspection, it's impossible to tell if you can save the engine.

The unit in charge of putting the wheels in motion is a 283 (4.3-liter) V8 – this was the base engine choice on the 1965 Impala and eventually became the most common choice for this model year.

Chevy offered the Impala with several more powerful engine options, but the 283 and the 327 offered a good balance between price and performance (not on the SS, though, as a big-block unit made much more sense in this case).

While little information is available on the rust you'll find on this Impala, the owner says the frame is still solid. You should check out the undersides and the trunk thoroughly, as these areas are typically among the first to be invaded by rust.

This Impala sells cheaply, and I doubt it'll remain available for too long. The owner will let the car go to anyone willing to pay $2,500, and this is quite a bargain for a 1965 Impala that's still complete and unmolested.

The listing will expire in approximately one week, but it's probably just a matter of time until someone buys it.

After 37 Years in a Barn, this 1964 Impala Still Exudes the Classic Chevy Charm

 A 1964 Chevrolet Impala that spent no more, no less than 37 years in a barn is now fighting for a second chance if someone out there is brave enough to start a full restoration.

Recently pulled out from long-term storage in Elizabeth, New Jersey, this 1964 Impala flexes the typical barn-find condition, and in many ways, its current shape raises more questions than answers.

Let’s start with what the eyes can see and tell you that this convertible needs the typical bodywork. We have the usual rust suspects, including the floor and the trunk pans, so major patches are going to be required here.

Interestingly, eBay seller 531allstate says the car has already been patched and painted once, but the quality of the work doesn’t seem to be top-notch. The Impala obviously requires a professional-grade restoration from bumper to bumper, so hopefully, whoever buys the car knows precisely what this means.

When it comes to the engine under the hood, the 1964 Impala raises more questions than answers.

While we do know that in charge of putting the wheels in motion is theoretically a 283 (4.7-liter) paired with a Powerglide transmission, the seller hasn’t shared any other specifics on the powertrain. So for instance, we have no clue if the V8 is still starting and running, as the owner says that the buyer will be the one to explore everything that’s happening under the hood.

The good news, however, is that the engine turns over by hand, so in theory, it’s not locked up from sitting. Nevertheless, a good mechanic should be able to tell more about the current health of the engine, so an in-person inspection is more than recommended.


As for the selling price, this Impala can be yours for $19,500, but the Make Offer button has also been enabled for anyone interested in another deal.