Ford Mustang Fastback
1967-1968
The 1967-1968 Mustang Fastback represents the birth of the true American muscle car, combining stunning fastback styling with genuine performance capability. It transformed Ford's pony car from a stylish cruiser into a street-dominating predator that could run with the best from Detroit.
Quick Take
The 1967-1968 Mustang Fastback introduced the iconic swept-back roofline that would define American muscle car design. Available with engines ranging from the 200ci inline-six to the legendary 428 Cobra Jet V8, it offered something for every performance enthusiast.
Best For
Key Strength
Legendary V8 Sound
Watch For
Dated Chassis Technology
The Story
Heritage & Legacy
Introduced as part of the first major Mustang redesign, the Fastback body style was Ford's answer to the growing muscle car movement. It became the foundation for legendary variants like the Shelby GT350 and GT500, establishing Mustang's performance credentials for generations to come.
Design Philosophy
The fastback roofline was pure function following form, reducing drag while creating an aggressive silhouette that screamed performance. Ford's designers created a shape that was both elegant and menacing, with long hood proportions and a distinctive rear window angle that became instantly recognizable.
The Driving Experience
Engine Character
The available V8 engines, particularly the 289 Hi-Performance and 390 big-block, delivered authentic American muscle with immediate throttle response and a broad torque curve. These engines provided effortless acceleration with a mechanical directness that modern powerplants can't replicate.
Chassis Dynamics
Built on a flexible platform that could handle serious power, the Fastback offered surprisingly balanced handling for its era. The solid rear axle and front coil springs provided predictable dynamics, while optional performance packages added stiffer suspension components for improved cornering ability.
Sound Signature
The V8 models produced a deep, rumbling exhaust note that became the soundtrack of American muscle, especially when equipped with dual exhausts.
Strengths & Tradeoffs
Defining Strengths
The 289, 302, 390, and 427/428 V8 engines produce one of the most recognizable and thrilling exhaust notes in automotive history. The deep rumble from the dual exhausts is pure American muscle car theater that few modern cars can replicate.
The 1967-68 Fastback represents peak Mustang styling with its aggressive stance, flowing roofline, and muscular proportions. This generation established the visual template that Mustang designers still reference today, making it instantly recognizable and perpetually desirable.
Honest Tradeoffs
The solid rear axle, recirculating ball steering, and drum brake setup limit handling and stopping power compared to modern standards. While adequate for straight-line performance, the chassis struggles with sustained high-performance driving without significant upgrades.
Ford's rapid production ramp-up during the muscle car era led to inconsistent assembly quality and materials. Panel gaps, trim alignment, and interior fit-and-finish often required immediate attention even when new, and these issues are magnified in surviving examples.
Ideal Owner
Perfect for classic car enthusiasts who want an iconic muscle car that's still practical enough for regular driving and weekend cruising.