The 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback remains a definitive symbol of American muscle, particularly when equipped with the formidable S-code 390ci V-8. This specific example is a long-term Southern California survivor, having remained under the care of a single family until 2001 and under current ownership for the quarter-century since. Originally specified in Raven Black with a black-out hood treatment, the car carries a high-performance pedigree verified by its included Marti Report. While the aging finish tells a story of decades spent in the California sun, the underlying mechanical combination of a big-block engine and a factory four-speed manual transmission makes it a premier candidate for preservation or a high-level restoration.
Raven Black Silhouette and GT Equipment Group Details
The visual character of this 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback is defined by its fastback roofline and factory-correct Raven Black (A) finish. As a genuine GT-equipped model, it features fog lights, a quick-action fuel filler cap, and rocker-panel emblems that distinguish it from standard Mustangs. The car sits on its original 14-inch GT chrome styled steel wheels, which were recently fitted with fresh Cooper Cobra tires in November 2025. While the paint has weathered and failed in several areas, specifically on the roof and trunk, the body retains its aggressive black-out hood treatment and factory tinted glass. This “patina-heavy” exterior provides a transparent look at a chassis that has spent its entire life in the dry climate of Southern California, avoiding the structural issues common in other regions.
Interior Decor Group and Sport Deck Rear Seating
Inside, the cabin was originally specified with the Interior Decor Group and features black bucket seats that were reupholstered prior to 2001. The interior is equipped with a center console and the desirable Sport Deck fold-down rear seat, enhancing the fastback’s practical utility. While the factory AM radio has been removed, the dashboard retains its classic layout, though auxiliary switches and a modern trunk-mounted speaker represent period modifications. The cockpit centers on a replacement steering wheel and a floor-mounted shifter for the four-speed manual. Despite the odometer rolling over, the interior environment remains a functional workspace that reflects its history as a sparingly driven weekend cruiser, with approximately 1,000 miles accrued over the last 25 years of ownership.
S-Code 390ci V-8 Power and Traction-Lok Gearing
The heart of this 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback is the S-code 390ci V-8, a powerhouse that transformed the Mustang into a true big-block contender. This engine produces a factory-rated 325 hp / 330 PS and 427 lb-ft / 579 Nm of torque, breathing through a four-barrel carburetor that was professionally rebuilt in November 2025. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission and a 3.25 Traction-Lok differential, ensuring that the 390’s massive torque is translated into effective traction. Recent maintenance including new fluids and a fresh battery has kept the mechanical systems operational. The addition of Cobra-script valve covers and an aftermarket exhaust system provides a visceral soundtrack that complements the raw, mechanical feel of this 1960s performance icon.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | S-Code 390ci V-8 |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| Rear Axle | 3.25 Traction-Lok Differential |
| Output | 325 hp / 330 PS |
| Exterior Color | Raven Black (A) |
| Equipment Group | GT Equipment Group |
| Build Date | November 29, 1967 |
Market Position and the S-Code Performance Premium
The S-code 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback occupies a dominant market position, frequently benchmarked against the 396-powered Chevelle or the GTO. However, the Mustang’s specific combination of the fastback body style and the Raven Black over black color scheme provides a unique selling point that is highly sought after by collectors. In the current 2026 market, big-block manual Mustangs with long-term ownership history and a Marti Report carry a significant premium over standard 289 or 302 variants. While this example requires cosmetic attention, its status as a “black plate” California car with a verified factory drivetrain makes it an incredibly safe investment. It represents a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine performance thoroughbred that has avoided the pitfalls of undocumented or multi-owner histories.
25-Year Stewardship and Southern California Heritage
Ownership of this Mustang is defined by its remarkable 25-year tenure with the current seller and its prior life within a single Southern California family. The vehicle is offered with its original black California license plate and a clean title, supporting its status as a lifelong West Coast resident. Proactive maintenance in November 2025, including the carburetor rebuild and new tires, ensures the car remains roadworthy despite its sparse usage since 2001. The documentation provided by the Marti Report confirms its production on November 29, 1967, and lists every factory option from the power-assisted front disc brakes to the Visibility Group. This level of transparency and local history provides the buyer with a clear roadmap for either maintaining its current survivor status or taking it to a concours-level finish.
A Final Look at a Raven Black Big-Block Icon
The 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback is a physical manifestation of a time when the pursuit of performance was matched only by the elegance of American design. By merging the 325 HP S-code V-8 with the unmistakable Raven Black finish and a factory four-speed manual, Ford created a machine that remains at the pinnacle of the muscle car hierarchy. This long-term survivor stands as a proud representative of the brand’s heritage as a leader in both power and style. Whether it is destined for a comprehensive restoration or continued as a sparingly driven piece of California history, this Mustang GT remains a permanent fixture of the automotive landscape that will continue to captivate enthusiasts for decades to come.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
