Ask any knowledgeable Blue Oval enthusiast to name the quickest pure-production Mustang of themuscle carera, and most will say the 1968 Ford Mustang 428 Cobra Jet.
Big-blockCamarosandFirebirds, and even 340-cidDartsandBarracudas, were kicking Mustang's tail on the street.Ford反驳通过其427年野马opti - cid v - 8on in early '68 models. It was a detuned 390-horsepowerversion of the legendary near race-ready 427, however, and its slim availability and $755 cost were downers.
Advertisement
Classic Muscle Cars Image Gallery
Then, on April 1, came the 1968 Ford Mustang 428 Cobra Jet. It was based on the staid 428-cid big-carengine, but had larger valve heads and the race-brewed 427's intake manifold. It also had ram-air induction and a functional hood scoop. The scoop mated to a special air cleaner with a vacuum-actuated butterfly valve that funneled air directly into the 735-cfm Holley four-barrelcarburetor. Output was around 410 horsepower, but Ford rated it at 335 horsepower in an effort to calminsuranceagents and con dragstrip rules-makers.
The 428 CJ was offered in Mustang fastbacks and coupes (and inFord Torinoand Mercury Cougar andCyclonemodels) with afour-speed manualor three-speedautomatic. All 1968 Ford Mustang 428 Cobra Jets had beefed-up front shock towers and Polyglas F70X14 tires. Four-speed cars got staggered rear shocks. Standard were 3.50:1gears, with 3.91:1 and 4.30:1 ratios available.
All 1968 Ford Mustang 428 Cobra Jets came with GT-level touches, such as front fog lamps and a side "C" stripe, but the only other external clue to the armament within was the black scoop and hood stripe. The entire package cost about $500, including frontdisc brakes. The Equa-Loc differential ($79) and Competition Handling Package ($62) were wise extras.
With 11.5-second ETs at 120 mph, the factory team of eight specially prepared 1968 Ford Mustang 428 CJs obliterated everything in their Super Stock class at the '68 NHRA Winternationals. The impact was no less forceful on the street. "The entire world will come to recognize this engine -- the 428 Cobra Jet -- at the pop of a hood," declared Motor Trend. Finally, thanks to the 1968 Ford Mustang 428 Cobra Jet, the competition was chasing Mustang's tail.
Return toClassic Muscle CarsLibrary.
- 一些最好的全能表现机器啊f the day wereFord muscle cars. See profiles, photos, and specifications of more Ford muscle cars.
- Muscle cars came in many shapes and sizes. Here are features on more than 100muscle cars, including photos and specifications for each model.
- Muscle cars created their own culture. To learn about it, readHow Muscle Cars Work.
- Are you thinking of buying a 2007 muscle car, or any other car? See Consumer Guide Automotive's New-Car Reviews, Prices, and Information.
These muscle car profiles include photos and specifications for each model:
- Cougar pulled out of Mustang's shadow with the striped and spoilered 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator.
- Beep, beep! Make way for one of the baddest muscle cars of all time, the1970 Plymouth Road Runner Hemi.
- The1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Amcombined sports-car handling and muscle car power.
- An all-aluminum, race-proven V-8 defined the rare and wicked1969 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
For even more on fantastic Fords and magnificent Mustangs, check out:
- Saddle up for the complete story of America's best-loved sporty car. How the Ford Mustang Works chronicles the legend from its inception in the early 1960s to today's all-new Mustang.
- The 1967, 1968 Ford Mustang had a fresh look, and the power to match.
- Learn the history of theFord Explorer, the world's best-selling SUV. Included are profiles of every model year.
Advertisement