1968 Ford Mustang Convertible

The Ford Mustang was conceived in the full knowledge that in the mid-'60s the biggest population bubble in history was now coming of age in America. "Baby boomers' would rule the '60s and there was little or no reason to think they wanted to drive cars that were anything like the ones their parents owned. The Ford Mustang therefore, created a storm when it hit the streets and it still turns heads today. The 1968 model differed from the earlier cars externally with a revised grill and side marker lights, which had now become a legal requirement, whilst a slew of new engines set it apart mechanically. A low-performance 195-horsepower 289 V8 was still an option, but the other 289s were gone in favor of two new 302 cubic-inch (4.9-litre) versions of the small block V8. The two-barrel carburetor 302 developed 220 horsepower while the four-barrel equipped version managed over 230.

This 1968 Ford Mustang Convertible is an exceptionally rare right-hand drive example that is believed to have been converted in period by a Ford main dealership. The car was manufactured in the Edison plant in Metuchen, New Jersey for export, and came off the production line finished in Acapulco Blue, with the more desirable 4-barrel V8 engine, bucket seats and C4 automatic transmission.

The UK V5 document shows the car as being first registered in the UK on the 1st September 1968 to a Mr William Flockhart of Edinburgh with the distinctive registration XLM2G, which is still displayed on the car today. In 1981 the Mustang was sold to its second owner, a Mr Martin Hartshorn of Ealing and then to a Mr Matthew Bracey of Bristol in 1982. Its fourth owner, a Mr Anthony Kear, purchased the vehicle in 1983 and it remained with him until 2009, when it was sold to Mr Timothy Skett of Honiton. The current registered keeper acquired the car in 2010 making a total of only 6 UK owners.

The impressive history file shows bills and receipts for recent mechanical expenditure and a large number of MoT certificates dating back to 1985. The odometer currently indicates 86,000 miles and this is believed to be genuine from new. We are told by the vendor that the engine and transmission have been rebuilt, although there is no bill to prove this in the history file. The Acapulco Blue paintwork is presented in very good order and it retains an excellent shine. The interior is also in very good order and the engine bay presents nicely. Retaining its original registration number of XLM2G and freshly MoT'd, this sparkling and desirable Mustang is ready for some top-down motoring. Roll on Summer.