Non-GT 390 4V Coupe

[Mosesatm]

We've had a few discussions regarding 390 4V cars and whether or not they were all GTs. This car seems to be an S-code without the GT options.

 

[390cs68rcode]

slightly foggy here......

I think the GT equipment was part of the S code package but could be deleted if ordered that way. Mainly the stiff suspension was the part that was commonly deleted if I remember right.

 

[Ruppstang]

They were not all GTs all though the 390 all ready had heavier suspenion and I belive dual exhaust you still had to order the GT option. Here is the Marti report on my dad's S code GT. Marty

 

[teamlo]

The GT option became mandatory with the S-code 390 after the first of the year I believe (unsure about the exact date). I've seen a few non-GT S-codes though not many, and this might be the first coupe I've seen. All examples I have seen have been fairly well optioned. Does anyone remember Dave Finner's Candyapple Red '68 S-code FB (non-GT) from back in the late
'80s or early '90s? I coveted that car for many years! Extremely well equipped car and a fantastic restoration. I believe this was in the days before Marti reports too.

Terry

 

[teamlo]

Marty,

Love the Marti on your Dad's car! Really nicely optioned car, and beautiful to boot, with the gold paint and all. With all the colors, powertrains and options available back then, it's easy to see how a lot cars could be "1 of 1". Too bad you can't order cars that way today!!

Terry

 

[Ruppstang]

Terry where did find that information that Ford made the GT oprion manditory with the S code 390? Looked at a 68 non GT X code fastback last week that didn't have disc brakes. Yes that is one of dad's favorite cars. Marty

 

[teamlo]

Marty,

I have a copy of the "1968 Ford Catalog Revisions" dated 12/12/1967. Among other things, it states (for the 1968 Mustang):

"Item Revised:
390 cu. in 4V V8 Engine option now available only with GT Equipment Group."

Now this gets tricky, because I distinctly remember seeing a Marti Report recently for a California Special with the S-code engine, without the GT option. So who knows? I am still of the opinion that some things that are so called "set in stone" are open to skepticism. I should have worded my initial reply to this posting differently, to say "supposedly".

This catalog revision is interesting. If you don't have a copy, I'd be happy to fax you one.

Terry

 

[CougarCJ]

Interesting, I like this kind of trivia.

Over on the Cougar side, an S code 390-4V was not an automatic GT either. They were called 6.5 Liters, and had the 6.5 fender badging. None of the X code Cougars were GT's either. The only way to get a Cougar the GT option in 1968, was with an S code 390-4V or R code 428CJ. No small block GT's.

 

[teamlo]

I like Cougars a lot too, especially the '68 model year, with the GT-E (specifically the 427), the XR7-G, and the CJ in April. Elegant cars with a bit more luxury than the Mustangs. My brother had a '68 6.5 Liter car many years ago. 1968 was just a neat model year for Ford.

Terry

 

[Ruppstang]

There are so many little bits of information to remember. During that time Ford was in overdrive and the changes flew. I thought it was interesting that in 1967 all V8's were considered for the GT option. All GTs got dics brakes. Only the K and S codes got dual exhaust. In 1968 only J,S and Rcodes could be GTs. Dics brakes became optional but it was mantatory on big blocks at addional cost. This was probbly due to cost saving because of the strike. All the GT 4BL V8 cars could have dual exhaust.

 

[teamlo]

If I am not mistaken, the X-code 390 (2V) could also be had with the GT option, though rare to find one today.

Terry

 

[Ruppstang]

I am pretty sure that there were no 2BL V8s in 68 but in light of the information you profided that all 390s had to be GTs mid year now I am not so sure. Johnnie Quest's car is a X code but I do not know if it was a GT. I'll have to see if I can find his Marti report. Marty

 

[Mosesatm]

His X-code (390 2V) does not appear to be a GT.
http://californiaspecial.com/forums/vbpicgallery.php?do=view&g=456

 

[admin]

Over on the Cougar side, an S code 390-4V was not an automatic GT either. They were called 6.5 Liters, and had the 6.5 fender badging.

Yep. I've had one of each, although of the '67 variety. The 6.5L was a non XR-7, non GT with drum brakes. The other was a GT and XR-7 with all the bells and whistles. Both S code cars.

To confuse it further Mercury called the 390 a GT Marauder engine, even if it wasn't going in a GT equipped car.