Ford knows that great road cars are made, not born. Case in point; the 1968 Mustang GT Fastback, especially with the vaunted 428 CJ engine. The big 428-cid V-8 powerplant takes the measure of a long black line on the salt or snakes its way over the challenging mountain range in the distance.

At this point in time, Ford had 36 years of experience behind them in making strong, relatively lightweight big-bore blocks. Ford’s performance-minded engineers set out to build the Cobra Jet. They took the bottom end and beefed it up with the 428 cubic inch Police Interceptor V-8, high pressure oil pump and large diameter connecting rods bolts.

On the top end they dipped into the barrel of Ford race-oriented track goodies. The cylinder heads were straight from the trophy-winning 427 Series 1 engine. Compression ratio was pegged at 10.7 to 1 and quiet hydraulic lifters open the oversize valves. The 428 CJ develops 335-hp at 5,400-rpm and produces 440-lbs/ft of wall-climbing torque. The carburetor was a special new two-float, four-barrel Holley and the exhaust headers are of special low-restriction design. For the engine department, that’s it – the type of powerplant that will make you squirm and your eyeballs water as you blast down a 0- to 60-mph run.

Accompanied by a Deluxe Marti Report, this exceptional 1968-1/2 Mustang GT Fastback 428 CJ is confirmed as coming from the factory with this paint presentation and engine/transmission setup. The Mustang received a stunning “nut-and-bolt” restoration by Signature Auto in Gahanna, Ohio. Along list of original parts were utilized in the course of the restoration and the car exudes the original spirit of the fearsome 428 CJ; among the original components on the owner-provided inventory are the engine and desirable four-speed manual transmission.

The Marti Report also confirms the Highland Green paint, Black bucket seats, GT Equipment Group, deluxe steering wheel, power brakes with front discs and Philco AM radio (also original to this car). This Mustang GT 428 CJ was sent to Dave Smith Ford, Inc. in Pataskala, Ohio after being built on July 12, 1968. The rear bumper even has the Dave Smith Ford dealer sticker affixed to the upper left surface to further demonstrate the level of detail that this Mustang has received in its restored presentation; by all appearances from the photos, this fine workmanship was carried on throughout the depth of the platform. Ford Argent wheels, Goodyear Polyglass tires, black hood stripe, gold side stripes, Autolight battery and even underhood chalk markings also show the very best of this sought-after package.