I am not an expert on the 1968 Stang, but was surprised to learn that a 427 cu. in. motor was available in the regular (i.e., non-shelby) 1968 Mustang. I also read that this motor was only available with an automatic transmission. I have never seen such an animal. Does anyone know what the production numbers were for this engine/transmission combination in 1968.

 

The 427 Mustang was listed as an option in factory literature, and assigned a "W" VIN code. However, it's believed that none were actually built. I think that I even read somewhere that Kevin Marti had actually confirmed this....

There were a handful of Shelby's equipped with 427's (a few at the Shelby factory, and more dealer-equipped).

In addition, the 1968 Cougar GTE came with the 427-automatic or the 428CJ (later in the year). They only built 357 of the 427 GTE Cougars - all were automatics. The engine was detuned, but still rated at 390hp!

 

GT350Clone is right. The 428 was a cheaper engine to make. Thats not the only time Ford had literature wrong. I have some that says you could get the Boss 429 engine in a 70 Torino. Ford also made one 71 Boss 302 prototype and even had a strip kit made.

 

*Pulling from memory which HAS failed me before*

I think I saw a show which stated that the Boss 429 was developed for NASCAR, where Ford was running Torinos. The rules changed in 1970, which somehow prevented them from running the Boss 9 in the Torino.

Any of this ring a bell with anyone else?

 

yes. ~1972 NASCAR mandated a new 358ci engine limit, which killed all the big blocks off. Along with the (then) new RJR sponsorship and the change from Grand National to Winston Cup, this started the so-called 'modern era' of NASCAR...
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