sportyworty
Well-known member
My old Black GT/CS 390 4 speed S code was a non GT but came with the Heavy Duty suspension option. In regular Mustangs all S codes are GT cars just not in GT/CS as far as I know.
COMMUNITY
1968 GT/CS & HCS
2007+ GT/CS
1966-1967 HCS
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4-Speed S-Code in Sacramento
- Thread starter Mosesatm
- Start date
BroadwayBlue
Well-known member
I've noticed late sales on a lot of the Marti's.
My first CS didn't sell until late October.
My current CS didn't sell until late September.
somethingspecial
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- Aug 13, 2005
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Just Looked The Car Over!
The seller just left my house with the car, Eric is his name and he is a super nice guy. He has only had the car for approximately two weeks and does not know the history of the car. I looked the car over pretty well and have the following to report.
The car is a true GT/CS S code. The Interior is in very nice shape and has a 120 mph speedo with trip counter and a 6000 rpm tach. The clutch pedal is still in place, but nothing through the firewall. No radio was in place, but he said he located an original radio for it. The headliner was in excellent shape. The VIN plate on the dash was intact and appears to be original and the dash pad appears to be original. (Door data plate missing, new one on order from Marti Auto Works) The exterior needs work. The paint needs attention, if not a complete repaint. The right side scoop was knocked off by a close encounter of a wall. The center stud sheared from the scoop and the scoop was cracked pretty good. The quarter panel was dented under the scoop area but repairable without much trouble.
The hood is original and still showes the second rotation # written on the underside. The deck lid is original and to add to the mystery to space saver spares, the original spare tire decal, or what was left of it was for a space saver spare. The tail lights are original and the block off plates have never been removed. (Still have the sealent) and rubber screw protectors. The trunk was full of spare parts and it was difficult to assess the trunk. The console he has is for an automatic.
I checked the engine and could not locate a readable vin on the back of the block, but found the build date stamped into the block. 8J was all that was readable, which indicates a Sept. 68' build, start of the 1969 year. The heads are GT heads but do not have smog tube holes, indicating an automatic equiped engine. My guess is a 69 GT390/automatic transplant. Original exhaust maniforlds. Heat shield still attached to the right exhaust manifold but no S tube. SOLID CAR, No rust detectable except for a silver dollar size spot on top of inner fender near the right hood spring (blister under paint). Original grill with Lucas Lights. 9 inch rear appears to be original. He has 4 speed but does not know if it is for a small block or a big block. Bell Crank (clutch equilizer bar/z bar) missing. Power front disc brakes. Front suspension has been replaced at some point. Missing hood locks, lower hood locks in place on radiator support.
BOTTOM LINE:
I think the car is a great starter for someone who wants an S code 4 speed GT/CS. It runs great, sounds great and is worth talking to the owner about. The car is solid and needs work, but is 95% there. This is not a show car, but could be!!! He drove it from Sacramento to my house (50 miles) and ran great when he got here. A real driver. The seller and I discussed everything I am posting here and has a better knowledge of the car now. Remember, only 111 GT390/4 speed GT/CSs were produced.
I hope this helps. Mike
The seller just left my house with the car, Eric is his name and he is a super nice guy. He has only had the car for approximately two weeks and does not know the history of the car. I looked the car over pretty well and have the following to report.
The car is a true GT/CS S code. The Interior is in very nice shape and has a 120 mph speedo with trip counter and a 6000 rpm tach. The clutch pedal is still in place, but nothing through the firewall. No radio was in place, but he said he located an original radio for it. The headliner was in excellent shape. The VIN plate on the dash was intact and appears to be original and the dash pad appears to be original. (Door data plate missing, new one on order from Marti Auto Works) The exterior needs work. The paint needs attention, if not a complete repaint. The right side scoop was knocked off by a close encounter of a wall. The center stud sheared from the scoop and the scoop was cracked pretty good. The quarter panel was dented under the scoop area but repairable without much trouble.
The hood is original and still showes the second rotation # written on the underside. The deck lid is original and to add to the mystery to space saver spares, the original spare tire decal, or what was left of it was for a space saver spare. The tail lights are original and the block off plates have never been removed. (Still have the sealent) and rubber screw protectors. The trunk was full of spare parts and it was difficult to assess the trunk. The console he has is for an automatic.
I checked the engine and could not locate a readable vin on the back of the block, but found the build date stamped into the block. 8J was all that was readable, which indicates a Sept. 68' build, start of the 1969 year. The heads are GT heads but do not have smog tube holes, indicating an automatic equiped engine. My guess is a 69 GT390/automatic transplant. Original exhaust maniforlds. Heat shield still attached to the right exhaust manifold but no S tube. SOLID CAR, No rust detectable except for a silver dollar size spot on top of inner fender near the right hood spring (blister under paint). Original grill with Lucas Lights. 9 inch rear appears to be original. He has 4 speed but does not know if it is for a small block or a big block. Bell Crank (clutch equilizer bar/z bar) missing. Power front disc brakes. Front suspension has been replaced at some point. Missing hood locks, lower hood locks in place on radiator support.
BOTTOM LINE:
I think the car is a great starter for someone who wants an S code 4 speed GT/CS. It runs great, sounds great and is worth talking to the owner about. The car is solid and needs work, but is 95% there. This is not a show car, but could be!!! He drove it from Sacramento to my house (50 miles) and ran great when he got here. A real driver. The seller and I discussed everything I am posting here and has a better knowledge of the car now. Remember, only 111 GT390/4 speed GT/CSs were produced.
I hope this helps. Mike
Last edited:
Again, not true. Any car except the 68.5 could be ordered with or without the GT option.
GTCSMustang
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What about the Ford document I have saying, "390-cu. in. 4V V-8 engine option available only with GT Equipment Group". Are you saying that is in error?
Scott
Scott
390cs68rcode
Well-known member
maybe someone could order a gt equipment delete? someone earlier in this thread owned a non GT 390 68. see post 21 in this thread.
What we need is a Marti on a 390 without the GT group listed. That would close the discussion. Anyone?
Midnight Special
Well-known member
390cs68rcode
Well-known member
a non GT 390 Scode!
6t8-390gt
Well-known member
In 1968 FoMoCo offered a 390-4V engine (Z-code) in other car lines; in the Mustang, Cougar, Fairlane, the 390-4V engine had different heads, exhaust manifolds, intake, Holley carb, cam and maybe a few other pieces. I am assuming that in an attempt to minimize confusion about servicing these 2 engines Ford designated the S-code as a 390-4v G.T. and the Z-code simply as 390-4V.
In 1968 the S-code 390-4v G.T. engine was available in the Mustang with or without the G.T. option. However, a 12-12-67 update to the Mustang Sales Brochure announced the G.T. option was mandatory when ording the S-code 390-4V G.T. engine. The update indicated the changes were effective immediately. However, we know this is not entirely true due to some S-code Mustangs being built as late as Feb. 1968 with the S-code engine and w/o the G.T. option.
I have not ever seen a S-code Mustang built after Feb. 1968 w/o the G.T. option, so the change obviously took place sometime in Feb. 1968. This C/S was actually built in March the order received in Feb.
Some things to remember is the UAW strike at Ford which halted production for a time period. Many things Ford had planned to introduce during the 1968 production were put on hold or scrapped until the 1969 model year. Also a number of changes ie. knee pads, side reflectors are rumored to be caused by the strike and new UAW Contract.
The G.T. option was a mandatory option with the 428 Cobra Jet which was released on April 1, 1968. That of course excludes the 50 "135 series" cars which were manufactured in December of 1967.
Danny
In 1968 the S-code 390-4v G.T. engine was available in the Mustang with or without the G.T. option. However, a 12-12-67 update to the Mustang Sales Brochure announced the G.T. option was mandatory when ording the S-code 390-4V G.T. engine. The update indicated the changes were effective immediately. However, we know this is not entirely true due to some S-code Mustangs being built as late as Feb. 1968 with the S-code engine and w/o the G.T. option.
I have not ever seen a S-code Mustang built after Feb. 1968 w/o the G.T. option, so the change obviously took place sometime in Feb. 1968. This C/S was actually built in March the order received in Feb.
Some things to remember is the UAW strike at Ford which halted production for a time period. Many things Ford had planned to introduce during the 1968 production were put on hold or scrapped until the 1969 model year. Also a number of changes ie. knee pads, side reflectors are rumored to be caused by the strike and new UAW Contract.
The G.T. option was a mandatory option with the 428 Cobra Jet which was released on April 1, 1968. That of course excludes the 50 "135 series" cars which were manufactured in December of 1967.
Danny
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Ford also had sales documentation that a Mustang could be ordered with a 427, and we all know that never happened.
I don't hold 100% faith in any old Ford literature or documentation, because things changed on the fly so often.
teamlo
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I agree with the posting from 6t8-390gt. The somewhat curious thing about the Marti report for this car is: 1) The GT option is not listed by name in the options menu. 2) The argent styled steel wheels ARE listed on the options menu. These wheels would have been standard with the GT equipment group, so it's odd that they are listed that way, unless the car was in fact NOT equipped with the GT package. I would have expected the wheels to be listed as an option if they were the chrome variety as opposed to the argent, were this car a factory GT. It is also a bit odd (and this pertains to the many Marti reports that I have seen for factory '68 GT cars) that the F70-14 WSW tires are listed on the options menu, seeing as how these were the STANDARD tires when the GT equipment group was specified, no matter the engine (exception being the 428 CJ cars, which had the "belted traction tires").
It's always neat to see the variences in the Marti reports, but at the same time, the information seems a bit ambiguous at times, only adding mystery to our hobby.
In any event, really neat car. I wish the seller all the best.
It's always neat to see the variences in the Marti reports, but at the same time, the information seems a bit ambiguous at times, only adding mystery to our hobby.
In any event, really neat car. I wish the seller all the best.
teamlo
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To address the comment about Ford's information being untrustworthy (example being the 427 engine option):
The sales brochures for the '68 model year are obviously printed well in advance of the release of the actual cars for sale. Ford "anticipated" the availability of the 427, which we all know never came to fruition. So the brochures all went out "as-is", even though there was NO WAY you were going to get a 427 Mustang in '68. There was a revision to the sales brochure in December '67, with no mention of the availability of the 427 engine any more, as well as different pictures of the cars and differernt standard and optional equipment (louvered hood optional, etc.). At this point, we find out that the 390 S-code engine required the GT equipment group. However, we know that cars were built into February '68 which had the S-code, minus the GT group.
Did Ford do things "on the fly"? To quote a VERY well known female politician who has been in the news regularly of late, "You betcha".
The sales brochures for the '68 model year are obviously printed well in advance of the release of the actual cars for sale. Ford "anticipated" the availability of the 427, which we all know never came to fruition. So the brochures all went out "as-is", even though there was NO WAY you were going to get a 427 Mustang in '68. There was a revision to the sales brochure in December '67, with no mention of the availability of the 427 engine any more, as well as different pictures of the cars and differernt standard and optional equipment (louvered hood optional, etc.). At this point, we find out that the 390 S-code engine required the GT equipment group. However, we know that cars were built into February '68 which had the S-code, minus the GT group.
Did Ford do things "on the fly"? To quote a VERY well known female politician who has been in the news regularly of late, "You betcha".
Midnight Special
Well-known member
What a great and informative thread! Thanks and keep it coming!
The seller (Eric) called me this afternoon to tell me all he had learned from Mike and to say he's also listed an RS/SS Camaro. "If the Camaro goes - I may now just keep the GT/CS" he says...
It was neat because he seemed excited while telling me everything (and more) as tho I didn't read it here. Eric is extraordinarily honest and enthused as a seller. I too wish him very well either way!
CougarCJ
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This car is listed in both of the early registries.
VIN 8R01S149335
The notes say that it was purchased with a 302-4V & C4, a 390GT engine was found and a top loader. The 1986 registry says that the car had been converted to 390 automatic since purchased.
Owner is listed as John Hinton in both the 1986 and 1989 registries.
The S code 390 engine in a 1968 Mustang, Cougar, Fairlane/Torino, or Cyclone, often refered to as the 390GT engine, would all have came with Holley carburetors, thermactor smog, and 14 bolt cylinder heads which was necessary for the 390GT style exhaust manifolds common to all of these cars.
Thermactor smog for all 50 states with either a manual transmission or automatic. Canadian and export cars did not receive the smog systems.
The GT package, as I recall came with power disc brakes and heavy duty suspensions which included thicker front sway bars, and heavier duty springs front and rear, and possibly with different shocks. Should have come with 14x6 wheels and F70-14 tires.
VIN 8R01S149335
The notes say that it was purchased with a 302-4V & C4, a 390GT engine was found and a top loader. The 1986 registry says that the car had been converted to 390 automatic since purchased.
Owner is listed as John Hinton in both the 1986 and 1989 registries.
The S code 390 engine in a 1968 Mustang, Cougar, Fairlane/Torino, or Cyclone, often refered to as the 390GT engine, would all have came with Holley carburetors, thermactor smog, and 14 bolt cylinder heads which was necessary for the 390GT style exhaust manifolds common to all of these cars.
Thermactor smog for all 50 states with either a manual transmission or automatic. Canadian and export cars did not receive the smog systems.
The GT package, as I recall came with power disc brakes and heavy duty suspensions which included thicker front sway bars, and heavier duty springs front and rear, and possibly with different shocks. Should have come with 14x6 wheels and F70-14 tires.
sportyworty
Well-known member
well this is 67 info so may not apply. I stand corrected as just picked up a S code Fastback non GT per the Marti
390cs68rcode
Well-known member
390cs68rcode
Well-known member
maybe they mean purchased (not new) with a 302, that would make sense
somethingspecial
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If I remember correctly, John Hinton had his car here in the original gallery and lived in Roseville. He said in his gallery summary he purchased it with a 302/C4 and someone stopped him on the street and told him it was an original S code and found him a correct engine. My guess is that is what is in the car now. I'm sure it left the factory with the GT390/4 speed. A lot happens in 40 years!?!?!?!?! Nothing fishy about this car IMHO. The Marti confirmed it. Mike
classicsguy
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I cant believe that this car did not even got to $18K!!! Its a true Big block 4 speed GT/CS!! These hardly come up for sale. Either this is a representation that market is very soft or that the GT/Cs have not fully gotten the value they deserve. I think that this car should at least be in the 25-30k range
